Course Syllabus

PC310C Physics for Medicine and Biology

Physics and Computer Science/Physics, Science, Waterloo

Spring | 2018

Instructor Information
Dr. IoannisHaranas†| Science Building, N 2079†

Contact Information (519-884 0710 #2415 †/)

Weekly Office Hour (face-to-face) Thursday 1:00 -2:00 pm and also by e mail

Teaching Philosophy/Approach (optional)

During this course we will study the following thematic units:

•Scaling, vector representation of DNA. Kinematics in 1D, Mass variation over time, volume of respiratory dead space. The Ballistocardiogram. Kinematics in 2D, maximum range of broadjumping. Newton's laws and their application to muscles and joints. Osteoarthritis friction and skeletal joints. Tutorial examples

•Work and energy, work power and muscles. Energy and power when running. Maximum height of a vertical jump. Mechanical efficiency of the heat. Force generation in cells. Hill's law and metabolic energy, scaling relationship involving metabolic rates. Energy management of the human body, scaling relations involving metabolic rates. Impulse and momentum, impulsive force and inquiry due to a fall, animal propulsion, rotational kinetics, ultracentrifuge, sedimentation in biology. Tutorial examples

  • Elasticity and simple harmonic motion. Bond fracture and bond design. Bond fracture from fall, stresses in the leg during movement, physics of Karate: Breaking wooden blocks with hands. Elasticity of ligaments, elasticity of Lungs and blood vessels. The human leg as a physical pendulum. Tutorial examples
  • Fluids: physical background, Poiseuille's Law. Examples of pressure in human organs ( Bladder, Celebrospinal, Eyes). Blood circulation around the body. Heart as a double pump. More about blood pressure. Blood flow wavefronts, velocity profiles and flow in curved vessels. Pressure vessels in cells Tutorial examples.
  • Temperature and heat and heat transfer, ideal gas and kinetic theory of gases. Diffusion through membrane, diffusion in biology. Osmosis in biological organisms, osmotic pressure of cells. Oxygen consumption by aerobic bacteria. Atmospheric pressure and physiology.
  • Waves and sound: Physical background. Sound perception, medical applications of ultrasound, assessment of stroke risk and ultrasound.
  • Electric forces and electric fields and magnetic forces and fields: physical background. Electric potential energy and potential. Electrostatic potential of DNA and cellular mebranes. Electrocardiography, electroencephalography, electroretinography. Biomagnetism, NMR, X-Rays, CAT scans, SPET.

Course Goals and Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course students should be able to:

1) To have a good idea about the ways various medical and biological phenomena can be described using basic physics.

2) To know and be able to describe the most important phenomena of the human body.

3) To be able to apply suitable formulas in performing numerical useful calculations

4) To familiarize themselves with some of the most important medical instruments and techniques

Course Tools and Learning Materials

  • Lecture notes in power point form will be e mailed to the class after each class.
  • Course text (required): Introduction to Biological Physics for the Health and Life Sciences, by: Kristen Fraklin et al., Wiley 2010.
  • Useful Textbooks: Applied Biophysics, Tom A. Waigh, Wiley 2007.
  • Physics in Biology and Medicine, Paul Davidovits, Academic Press, 2013.
  • Biophysics an Introduction, Rodney Cotterill, Wiley, 2004.
  • Companion websites or online homework/lab programs (e.g., MyEconLab)N/A
  • Library e-reserve website and access information (N/A)
  • Course Supplies – non media (calculator, lab coat) (N/A)
  • Course Media and Technology
  • Laurier Library:Suggested book will be ordered by the library and placed on reserve.
  • Brightspace – Laurier’s MyLearningSpacecourse login page (N/A)
  • Centre for Student Success (writing centre, math centre, academic advising, study skills/supplemental instruction, accessible learning (YES)
  • Strategies for studying your discipline or how to be a successful student in your course (YES)
  • Links to learning and study materials and supports
  • Other

Student Evaluation

Assessment / Weighting / Due Date
Final Exam / 45% / TBA
Midterm Exam / 25% / June 15th (Thursday)
Participation / 10%
Term Paper / 20%
Total / 100%

Learning Activities, Assignments, Tests, Quizzes and Examinations

MyLearningSpace. (TBA)