Ateneo - UPO

The aim of the course is to provide the fundamental concepts of classical physics and selected elements of modern physics, with particular attention to applications relevant to biology and biomedicine.The course introduces the basic tools needed to describe mechanical, thermodynamic, electric, magnetic, wave and nuclear phenomena, developing the ability to quantitatively interpret simple physical systems relevant to the life sciences.

Lecture slides presented during the course, made available online at the end of the course.Any university-level physics textbook covering the subject also through the use of derivatives and integrals is suitable.G. Duncan, “Fisica per Scienze Biomediche”, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana (CEA).D. C. Giancoli, “Fisica”, 2nd edition, CEA, 2006.J. Walker, “Fondamenti di fisica”, Zanichelli, 2005.R. A. Serway, “Principi di fisica”, 3rd edition, EdiSES, 2004.D. Halliday, R. Resnick, J. Walker, “Fondamenti di fisica”, volumes 1 and 2, CEA, 2006.

The aim of the course is to deepen the elements of physics that are relevant to the degree programme and to introduce students to the use of methodologies for the analysis of experimental data.The course is designed to enable students to understand the fundamental principles and laws of classical physics, together with selected elements of modern physics, and to apply them in simple contexts of biological and biomedical interest.At the end of the course, students are expected to be able to quantitatively describe basic physical phenomena, solve simple numerical problems, and correctly interpret physical quantities, units of measurement, experimental data and results.

Basic knowledge of mathematics (e.g.: algebra, geometry, elementary calculus). The Mathematics course is considered preparatory.

Lectures in the classroom with slide presentations. Occasional use of the blackboard for exercises.

During the course, learning progress will be monitored through questions asked during lectures and classroom exercises, as well as through examples of multiple-choice quizzes on theoretical topics and problem-solving exercises made available on the D.I.R. platform. These activities are intended to promote self-assessment, monitor learning progress, and support preparation for the final examination.Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or Special Educational Needs (SEN) may request dedicated services and support by contacting the University Office for Student Services and Career Development and consulting the dedicated webpage: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studenti-disabili-e-dsa. After contacting the University Office, students may discuss with the course instructor any necessary adaptations to the examination procedures in relation to their educational needs.

The examination consists of an individual written test lasting 1 hour. The test assesses the ability to apply the knowledge acquired during the course and consists of 14 closed-answer questions, 8 open-answer questions, and one additional in-depth open question. The level of difficulty of the questions reflects the topics covered during the course and the reference materials indicated on DIR. Each correct closed-answer question is worth 1 point, each correct open-answer question is worth 2 points, while the in-depth open question is worth up to 3 points. During the examination, consulting notes or textbooks is not permitted. The final mark is expressed on a 30-point scale, and the examination is passed with a mark of at least 18/30. The award of honours (cum laude) requires achieving the maximum score together with an excellent evaluation of the in-depth open question. A passing grade is obtained by demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts and main results of classical and modern physics covered in the course, as well as the ability to identify the correct methods for solving simple physics problems. The examination is intended to assess the acquisition of the conceptual and methodological tools required to understand physical phenomena, which are essential for the interpretation of biological phenomena and for a basic scientific background in the life sciences.

Concept of measurement and experimental uncertainty. Physical quantities, units of measurement, dimensional analysis, orders of magnitude, scalar and vector quantities.Mechanics: kinematics, Newton's laws of motion, forces, work, energy, conservation of energy, momentum, collisions and equilibrium of rigid bodies.Fluids: fluid statics and dynamics, pressure, Stevin's law, Pascal's principle, Archimedes' principle, continuity equation and flow rate.Thermology and thermodynamics: temperature, heat, thermal properties of matter, ideal gases, thermodynamic transformations, first and second laws of thermodynamics and heat engines.Electromagnetism: electric charge, electric field, electric potential, electric current, resistance, Ohm's law, basic electric circuits, magnetic field, Lorentz force and electromagnetic waves.Elements of modern physics: atomic structure, radioactivity, nuclear decays, radiation-matter interaction, biological effects of ionizing radiation, principles of radiation protection and major biomedical applications.

Knowledge and understanding: acquisition of the fundamental concepts of classical physics together with selected elements of modern physics, with particular reference to mechanics, fluid physics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism and radioactivity. Students will acquire appropriate scientific terminology and an understanding of the fundamental physical laws and their applications to biological and biomedical contexts.Applying knowledge and understanding: ability to identify the physical quantities required to describe a phenomenon, interpret experimental data and orders of magnitude, apply the main laws of physics to solve simple quantitative problems, and interpret natural and biological phenomena.Making judgements: development of the ability to critically analyse physical phenomena and experimental data, evaluate the plausibility of the obtained results, and select the most appropriate physical model for describing simple real-world situations.Communication skills: acquisition and correct use of the scientific language of physics, together with the ability to clearly describe physical phenomena and explain the reasoning followed in solving simple problems.Learning skills: development of the ability to independently deepen the topics covered through the study of teaching material and university-level scientific textbooks, acquiring a rigorous and critical approach to learning.