PHS2322

Applied physics and biomedical physics

Dr Andrew Cramond

8 points
* Four 1-hour lecture/problem classes and one 4-hour laboratory class per week
* Second semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisites: For Option A students should have attempted PHS2311. For Option B students should have completed PHS1031 and PHS1042 or attempted PHS2311.

Objectives On the completion of this subject, students will be familiar with a range of principles necessary for successful measurements and ways of handling experimental data. They will obtain a sound theoretical grounding in ways of obtaining a meaningful signal under a variety of experimental conditions, how to condition and transmit the signal and finally how to analyse and present the data. They will also complete a number of experiments related to the theory which illustrate both the techniques and the applications.

Synopsis This subject provides students with a background in physical instrumentation, monitoring, signal transmission, analysis and presentation of data. It consists of four units. Applied physics: Option A units (1) Electromagnetism: (see PHS2022). (2) Optics: see PHS2022. (3) Telecommunications and sensing: types of transducers, characteristics and uses; data and image transmission methods including cellular radio, data communications, microwave, satellite and optical delivery. (4) Computer-based instrumentation: introduction to microprocessors, digital and analog interfacing, sampling, analog to digital conversion, virtual instrumentation, applications of computer-based instrumentation using LabView. Biomedical Physics: Option B units (1) Image formation and vision: image formation, lenses, mirrors; the eye; instruments, microscopes, electron microscope, CCDs; correcting for defects; lasers, properties, uses and safety. (2) Radiation and its biophysical interactions: types of radiation, interactions with matter, detectors; characteristics and uses of radiowaves, microwaves, x-rays and gamma-rays; CT, MRI and PET; radiation safety. (3) Energy conversion and nature's metabolism: energy conversions, energy flow; phase changes; engines and refrigerators, fuel cells; solar radiation, food chains, biomass storage, fossil fuels, greenhouse effect; body metabolism, heat regulation, clothing and shelter. (4) Acoustics, waves and applications: the acoustic particle, acoustic impedance; spherical, plane and standing waves; transmission and reflection at boundaries and barriers; resonance, sound generation in humans; acoustic instruments, the ear and its properties, acoustic instrumentation, microphones, filters, weighting networks; measurement of environmental noise, safety aspects.

Assessment Examinations (4x1.5 hours): 67%
* Laboratory work: 33%

Prescribed texts (Option A only)

Diefenderfer A J and Holton B E Principles of electronic instrumentation 3rd edn, Saunders, 1994
Lorrain P and Corson D R Electromagnetism: Principles and applications 2nd edn, Freeman, 1990

Recommended texts (Option A only)

Miller G M Modern electronic communication 4th edn, Prentice-Hall, 1993