Monash University Science Handbook, 1997

PHS1031

Physics for biosciences

Dr Don Hutton

6 points * Four 1-hour lecture/problem classes and one 3-hour laboratory class per week * First semester * Clayton * Prerequisite: VCE Physics recommended * Prohibition: PHS1011

Objectives Students completing this subject should be able to explain, use and apply basic concepts of physics in areas such as force, motion, electricity and energy to biological and biomedical contexts such as the human body, animals, plants and the biosphere; use the concepts and principles of physics to demonstrate increased understanding of body systems for support and movement, control, transport and environmental exchange; carry out reliable measurements, analyse data, interpret physical phenomena; write scientific reports in the context of simple experiments in electrical, mechanical and thermal physics.

Synopsis There are three theory units supported by related experimental work. (1) Force and motion in biological systems: Newton's laws, friction, equilibrium, torque, circular motion, applications to skeletal structures, body scaling, centrifuges, work, energy, power, linear and rotational momentum, human movement, elastic properties, oscillations, damping, resonance, effects on living systems. (2) Electrical circuits: DC circuits, measurement in biosystems, capacitance, signal transmission, nerve conduction, defibrillator, bioelectricity, AC electricity and electrical safety. (3) Energy systems and the body: body systems for energy production and transport, pressure, gas laws, breathing, diffusion, osmosis, dialysis, thermodynamic laws, body heat flows, conduction, convection, radiation, evaporation, insulation, Archimedes, fluid flow, solar energy and the greenhouse effect.

Assessment Examinations (3 x 1.5 hours): 60% * Laboratory work: 25% * Tests: 15%

Prescribed texts

Kane J W and Sternheim M M Physics 3rd edn, Wiley, 1988

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