PHS1042

Physics for biosciences

Dr Don Hutton

6 points
* Three 1-hour lectures, one 3-hour practical class and an optional 1-hour tutorial/bridging class per week
* Second semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisite: VCE Physics or equivalent recommended
* Prohibition: PHS1022

Objectives Students completing this subject should be able to explain, use and apply basic concepts of physics in areas such as electron and radiation physics, optics and instrumentation to biomedical and environmental contexts such as the human body, animals, plants and the biosphere; use the concepts and principles of physics to demonstrate increased understanding of how light and radiation interact with body systems and how optical and electronic instruments extend knowledge of body and environment systems; carry out reliable measurements, analyse data, interpret physical phenomena; write scientific reports in the context of simple experiments in radiation physics, optics and instrumentation.

Synopsis This subject emphasises biological applications of physics and follows PHS1031. It comprises three theory units supported by related experimental work. (1) Electron and radiation physics: waves and particles, the cathode ray oscilloscope, electron microscope, x-rays, nuclear radiations and isotopes, dosimetry and shielding, biological effects, medical imaging. (2) Optics: the visible spectrum, reflection, refraction, lenses and image formation, aberrations, human eye and defects, polarisation and microscopes, diffraction and resolution. (3) Instrumentation: waves, resonance, sound and hearing, Doppler effect, ultrasound imaging, transducers for sound, light and temperature, power supplies, amplifiers, recorders, instrumental parameters, sensitivity, response time and bio-environmental applications. Tutorial/bridging class work will support all three units.

Assessment Examinations (3x1.5 hours): 60%
* Laboratory work: 25%
* Tests and assignments: 15%

Prescribed texts

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

Recommended texts

Martin A and Harbison S An introduction to radiation protection 3rd edn, Chapman and Hall, 1986