BIOPHYSICS

LEARNING OUTCOMES
After the end of the course, the students will have acquired general knowledge of the theory and the applications derived from it in the field of Medical Physics, which are a basic background for a course of his specialty. This will help them in the understanding of modern methods, technologies and general applications that have been established and are to be introduced in medical practice.
The course aims at:
(a) providing basic knowledge of medical physics with specific interest in biological systems, which are necessary for the understanding and interpretation of physiological phenomena and processes occurring in humans;
b) providing specialized knowledge of physics, on which modern therapeutic and diagnostic methods with applications in Medicine and health sciences are based;
(c) assuring in general, the students’ familiarity with modern medical technology and the rational way of thinking, that enables the estimation of physical quantities and numerical values and
d) familiarizing the students with the measurements and the experimental process, the way and the method of processing, evaluation and presentation of experimental data and results in the Physics laboratory.

SYLLABUS

Theory

1. Physics in the biological-medical sciences. Physical quantities. General and special knowledge from the kinematics, dynamics and statics of bodies. Balance conditions and applications in the human body.
2. Work, power, energy. Simple machines. Kinesiology, Energy Metabolism,
3. Fluid mechanics (principles of hydrostatics, pressure, real and ideal fluids, elements of hydrodynamics, types of flows and categories of fluids, surface tension, transport and osmosis phenomena, Diffusion, systems dispersion of matter).
4. Heat, temperature, thermometers. Calorimetry. Convection, laws of thermodynamics, thermobiological applications.
5. Oscillations and fluctuations, wave phenomena, characteristics and properties of waves (wavelength, speed and propagation of the wave, energy wave, intensity, absorption). Sound, ultrasound and biological results from the application of ultrasound.
6. Nature and propagation of light. Visual phenomena. Areas and properties of optical spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. Its biological effects infrared and ultraviolet radiation.
7. Laser, principles of operation, radiation properties. Classification and technical features of Laser systems. Dosimetry and protection issues and Laser radiation safety.
8. Interaction of Laser with biological materials, Biomedical applications. Laser systems, uses and applications in Medicine.
9. Electricity Static Electricity, DC and AC. Dynamics of action, Production, Dissemination and Measurement of Biodynamics, Electrical properties of Nerves, Electrographs ( Electrocardiograph, Electroencephalograph )
10. Effect of electricity on humans: Diathermy, nerve and muscle stimulation, Pacemaker, Electrical Safety.
11. Magnetism, properties of the magnetic field, magnetic properties of matter, biomagnetic therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
12. Elements of Atomic and Nuclear Physics (X-rays, electron microscopy, imaging techniques, stoichiometric analysis with X-rays, NMR, dosimetry). Ionizing radiation and biological effect. Radiation protection.
13. Radioactivity and dosimetry (elements of nuclear physics, radioactive decay and radiation, measurement of radioactivity, biological effects and results, applications in Medicine.

Laboratory
1. Introduction – Significant digits – Uncertainty (Average value – Absolute & Relative uncertainty) – Graphs
2. Determination of fixed spring
3. Gravity Acceleration Study – Simple Pendulum
4. Measurement of internal friction (viscosity)
5. Capacitor
6. Calculation of the focal length f from the linear magnification M.
7. Determination of the linear expansion coefficient
8. Heat exchange phenomena
9. Laser radiation study _ Comparison with conventional light sources
10. Spectroscope
11. Absorption of light from optically transparent media
12. Refraction – Calculation of refractive index
13. X-rays: Radiation characteristics and study of absorption phenomena