Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Physics of Biological Processes

Physics of Biological Processes
6
13478
2
Second semester
FB
PHYSICS AND STATISTICS
Main language of instruction: Spanish

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English

Teaching staff


Ms. GONZÁLEZ GONZÁLEZ, Julio - jgonzalezg@uic.es

Introduction

The physics of biological processes connects biology with physics. From a knowledge of the functioning of a biological process or the physiology of the organ or system that performs it, the associated area of physics is revealed, its concepts, parameters and laws that are applied.

The course provides students with a general, basic knowledge of the biological process, the physiology of the organ or system (if necessary) and the physical laws involved. The different topics are developed so that the student has a basic descriptive knowledge of the underlying physical phenomenon and how it affects the biological process. The physical phenomena (sound, vision, ionising radiation, etc.) that have given rise to the technology of medical application are explained in order to understand their basic principles, methodology, the tools that they provide and, where appropriate, the associated basic protection standards.

Pre-course requirements

Basic knowledge of physics and mathematics (high school level)

Objectives

The main objective of this subject is to introduce the student to the characteristics and peculiarities of the physics of biological processes, as well as the damage and benefits that this can cause.

 

Specific objectives

• Connect biological processes with the physical processes that govern them.

• Recognise the physical laws which impact on the basic biological systems, which parameters are important and how they are related to ensure the operation of the process.

• To become familiar with the mathematical expressions that govern the physical processes in order to be able to explain the biological process through its use.

• Relate basic diagnostic or medical therapy technologies to their physical principles and their impact on the biological system (ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, radiology, etc.

• Relate the physical concepts with the correction and improvement equipment that is applied to biological systems that have structural or functional defects (visual, hearing correction systems, etc.)

• Show the effects that physical phenomena used in medical technology can have on biological systems and, where appropriate, what protection mechanisms should be applied (protection against ionising and non-ionising radiation, etc.

Develop in a physics laboratory. Become familiar with the measuring instruments. Interpret schemes and turn them into real experiments. Take results, evaluate them, draw conclusions about them, evaluate errors and their management and translate the results into scientific writings: technical reports, scientific posters, scientific articles, scientific and audiovisual presentations.

 

 

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • CB01 - Students must demonstrate that they have and understand knowledge in an area of study that is based on general secondary education, and it tends to be found at a level that, although it is based on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting-edge of their field of study.
  • CB03 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) to issue judgements that include a reflection on significant issues of a social, scientific and ethical nature.
  • CB04 - That students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • CE08 - To identify the physical processes that govern the physiological processes of the organism.
  • CG01 - To be aware of basic biological concepts and language specific to biomedical sciences and health status.
  • CG11 - To be aware of basic concepts from different fields connected to biomedical sciences.
  • CT01 - To develop the organisational and planning skills that are suitable in each moment.
  • CT02 - To develop the ability to resolve problems.
  • CT03 - To develop analytical and summarising skills.
  • CT04 - To interpret experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements.
  • CT05 - To use the internet as a means of communication and a source of information.
  • CT06 - To know how to communicate, give presentations and write up scientific reports.
  • CT07 - To be capable of working in a team.
  • CT08 - To reason and evaluate situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
  • CT09 - To have the ability to develop interpersonal skills.
  • CT10 - To be capable of autonomous learning.
  • CT11 - To apply theoretical knowledge to practice.
  • CT12 - To apply scientific method.
  • CT13 - To be aware of the general and specific aspects related to the field of nutrition and ageing.
  • CT14 - To respect the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values that are specific to a culture of peace and democratic values.

Learning outcomes of the subject

At the end of the course, the student:

• Understands the basic concepts of physics and applies them to solving biological problems at different levels of organisation.

Syllabus

Unit 1. Physics of the circulatory system. Basic description of the system. Principles of fluid statics and dynamics. Laminar and turbulent flow. Application to the vascular system. Effects of gravity on the vascular system. Physics of the respiratory system. Basic description of the system. Breathing and interaction with the external environment. Respiratory mechanics. Surface tension in the pulmonary medium, characteristics and effects. alveolar diffusion.

Unit 2. Physics of vision. Description of the human vision system. Nature of light. light phenomena. Geometric optics, optical instruments and photometry. resolution power. Visual defects and correction. The eye as transducer.

Unit 3. Physics of hearing and phonation. Description of the auditory system and the phonation system. Mechanics of hearing and phonation. Physics of wave phenomena. Physics of sound waves. Sound characteristics. Sensation levels, decibel system, audiometry and audible spectrum. Medical applications: ultrasound and shock waves.

Unit 4. Physics of ionizing radiation. Basic theoretical base. Interaction radiation matter. Effects. Detection. Basic applications in medical diagnosis and therapy technologies. Radiological protection against ionizing radiation.

Unit 5. Physics of bioelectric and magnetic phenomena. Review of concepts of electrostatics, direct and alternating current. Review of concepts of magnetism. Basic applications in diagnostic medical technologies: nuclear magnetic resonance, fundamentals, equipment, types of basic images and spectrography.

Teaching and learning activities

In person



The teaching resources used in this subject are the following:

Physics and basic mathematics capsules (CAP): Brief presentations in presentation or video format basic concepts, developed during high school, which are essential to know before attending the master classes.   Master Class (CM): Exhibition for two hours (with a 10-minute break) of a theoretical topic by the teacher with audio-visual support based on presentations projected from the computer. The student will have the contents in advance through the Moodle. Attendance is not mandatory but highly recommended.
Case method (MC): Depending on the topic to be discussed, first of all, problem-solving activities or specific development activities of areas stated in the master classes are proposed. In the classroom and for a short time in the first hour, the technique for solving the problem or topic will be explained with the help of the audio-visual support available. Time will be provided to the student to finish the activity. Secondly, and in groups, mini projects will be carried out in which the relationship between some biological or health aspect and physics that are related to the CM of the general topic will be briefly explained. The topics will be suggested by the teachers. The works will have the format that the students decide (document, article, video, etc.) and will be brief. They will be delivered for evaluation on a specific date close to the end of the general topic. To prepare these works, students will have the second hour of the MC. The evaluation will be joint: 50% by the students, 50% by the teachers.

Students who do not correspond to the first call are exempt from presenting the work (the grade obtained in the first call will be taken). Attendance is mandatory except for students who do not correspond to the first call

Practices (P): Familiarization of students with the basic techniques of work and handling of measurement equipment in the field of physics. Demonstration in the laboratory of some aspects raised in the master classes. Consolidation through practice of the most important aspects dealt with in the theoretical classes. The students are organized in small groups for the development of the practice. Each group must carry out the work and activities of the practice that will be delivered at the end of each practice for evaluation. 
Continuous assessment exercises (CE): 

As an evaluative element of comparable importance to the final exam, the master classes and the MC, each week problem-type activities or questionnaires or other types of tasks related to the topic developed in the master class will be proposed. They are of three types. The first are mandatory and are related to the basic capsules. The second are compulsory numerical resolution exercises. The third ones are also numerical resolution but voluntary. The works are individually delivered and must be submitted through the Moodle platform on the date established in the Moodle. These works will be evaluated and have the minimum grade required to pass the subject.

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



Attendance

Attendance to master classes will not be mandatory.

Attendance to the case methods and practices is mandatory except for students who are not in the first call. Non-attendance, due to health reasons or force majeure, must be justified in writing. The non-justification of the absence or cause not considered of health or force majeure will lead to receiving a grade of 0 in the work of the case method or the corresponding practical session.

A control of attendance by signature will be carried out in the methods of the case and in the practices.

Presentation of works and evaluation

Case methods

The papers corresponding to the case methods will be evaluated as long as they are submitted within the established deadline and in the established format.

Students who are not in the first call will not have to present the work, the grade obtained in the first call is kept.

No minimum grade is established to access the continuous assessment. The grade obtained will be saved for subsequent calls, if applicable.

Practices

The works corresponding to the practices will be evaluated whenever they are presented within the established term and in the established format.

Students who are not in the first call will not have to present the work, the grade obtained in the first call is kept.

No minimum grade is established to access the continuous assessment. The note obtained will be saved for subsequent calls, if applicable.

Continuous assessment exercises

The works corresponding to the continuous evaluation exercises will be evaluated whenever they are presented within the established term and in the established format, otherwise they will have a grade of 0.

All students, regardless of the call they are in, will have to present these works. A minimum grade of 5 is established to access the continuous assessment. In this case, the note obtained will be saved for subsequent calls, if applicable.

Obtaining a grade lower than 5 will not allow passing the subject in the first call and will force the student to take a final problem exam in the second call. Even if you cannot pass the subject in the first call, the student must take the final multiple choice exam.

Midterm exam

All students, regardless of the call they are in, will have to take the partial exam.

This exam does not release material.

In case of no presentation in the exam, the grade assigned to the student will be zero, however, the student may take the final test exam of the subject.

It will consist of a multiple choice test of 30 questions or simple calculation exercises with four possible answers per question and only one correct answer (correct answer 1 point, incorrect answer –0.25 points). Available time 45 minutes.

During the execution of the exam, students will not be able to have forms, notes, textbooks, sources of electronic support or any type of external help. Violation of this rule will lead to expulsion from the exam, the assignment of a grade 0 in the exam and communication of the fact to the direction of the grade. If they will be able to have a non-programmable scientific calculator.

No minimum grade is established to qualify for continuous assessment.

Final exam first call test

All students, regardless of the call they are in, will have to take the exam.

In case of no presentation, the grade assigned to the student will be zero.

It will consist of a multiple choice test of 50 questions or simple calculation exercises with four possible answers per question and only one correct answer (correct answer 1 point, incorrect answer -0.25 points) that will cover all the contents developed during the semester. Time available 60 minutes.

During the execution of the exam, students will not be able to have forms, notes, textbooks, sources of electronic support or any type of external help. Violation of this rule will lead to expulsion from the exam, the assignment of a grade 0 to the exam and communication of the fact to the direction of the grade. If they will be able to have a non-programmable scientific calculator.

A minimum score of 5 is established to access continuous assessment. Obtaining a grade lower than 5 will not allow passing the subject in the first call and will force the student to take a final test exam in the second call.

Final exam second call test

All students with a grade of less than 5 in the final exam test of the first call must take the test exam of the second call.

In case of no presentation, the grade assigned to the student will be zero.

It will consist of a multiple choice test of 50 questions or simple calculation exercises with four possible answers per question and only one correct answer (correct answer 1 point, incorrect answer -0.25 points) that will cover all the contents developed during the semester. Time available 60 minutes.

During the execution of the exam, students will not be able to have forms, notes, textbooks, sources of electronic support or any type of external help. Violation of this rule will lead to expulsion from the exam, the assignment of a grade 0 to the exam and communication of the fact to the direction of the grade. If they will be able to have a non-programmable scientific calculator.

The minimum mark of 5 is established to access the continuous evaluation of the second call. Obtaining a grade lower than 5 will not allow passing the subject in the second call and will force the student to take future calls.

 

Final exam of second call problems

All students with a grade of less than 5 in the continuous assessment exercises must take the second call problem exam.

In case of no presentation, the grade assigned to the student will be zero.

It will consist of a written test in which three problems corresponding to a combination of the problems of the continuous assessment exercises carried out during the course will have to be solved. Time available 60 minutes.

During the execution of the exam, students may have a form provided by the teacher. They will not be able to have notes, textbooks, sources of electronic support or any type of external help. Violation of this rule will lead to expulsion from the exam, the assignment of a grade 0 to the exam and communication of the fact to the direction of the grade. If they will be able to have a non-programmable scientific calculator.

The minimum mark of 5 is established to access the continuous evaluation of the second call. Obtaining a grade lower than 5 will not allow passing the subject in the second call and will force the student to take future calls. 

 

Final mark of the continuous evaluation of the students in the first call or odd call:


Necessary conditions to access the continuous evaluation:

  • Obtain a grade equal to or greater than 5 in the continuous assessment exercises. Otherwise, the student must take the second call problems exam.
  • Obtain a grade equal to or greater than 5 in the final test-type exam of the first call. Otherwise, the student must take the final exam test of the second call.

The final grade for the course for those students who meet the necessary conditions to access continuous assessment will be calculated by making the weighted sum of the following grades:

  • Mark of the final exam type test (always mark >=5) with a weighting of 30%.
  • Mark of the continuous assessment exercises (always mark >=5) with weighting of 25%.
  • Mark of the partial exam (any mark) with a weighting of 10%.
  • Practice note (any note) with a weighting of 20%.
  • Mark of the exercises of the case methods (any mark) with a weighting of 15%.
 

Final mark of the continuous evaluation of the students in the second call or even call:


If the student has obtained a grade equal to or greater than 5 in the final exam test of the first call and in the problem exam of the second call, the final grade for the subject will be calculated by making the weighted sum of the following grades:

  • Mark of the final test type exam of the first call (always grade >=5) with a weighting of 30%.
  • Mark of the exam of problems of the second call (always mark >=5) with weighting of 25%.
  • Mark of the partial exam (any mark) with a weighting of 10%.
  • Practice note (any note) with a weighting of 20%.
  • Mark of the exercises of the case methods (any mark) with a weighting of 15%.

If the student has obtained a grade equal to or greater than 5 in the continuous assessment exercises of the first call and in the final exam test of the second call, the final grade for the subject will be calculated by making the weighted sum of the following grades:

  • Mark of the final test type exam of the second call (always grade >=5) with a weighting of 30%.
  • Grade of the continuous assessment exercises of the first call (always grade >=5) with a weighting of 25%.
  • Mark of the partial exam (any mark) with a weighting of 10%.
  • Practice note (any note) with a weighting of 20%.
  • Mark of the exercises of the case methods (any mark) with a weighting of 15%.

If the student has obtained a grade equal to or greater than 5 in the final test exam of the second call and in the final exam of problems of the second call, the final grade for the subject will be calculated by making the weighted sum of the following grades:

  • Mark of the final test type exam of the second call (always grade >=5) with a weighting of 30%.
  • Mark of the exam of problems of the second call (always mark >=5) with weighting of 25%.
  • Mark of the partial exam (any mark) with a weighting of 10%.
  • Practice note (any note) with a weighting of 20%.
  • Mark of the exercises of the case methods (any mark) with a weighting of 15%.

If the student does not pass the grade 5 in one of the second call exams, they cannot pass the subject in the second call. The mark of the partial exam or the mark of the continuous evaluation exercises will not be saved for future calls.

 

Students in second or subsequent call:

The notes of the case methods and practices will be saved, although whenever they wish, students can repeat the realization of the same and obtain a new note.

 

Student attitude and behavior

Any attitude of disrespect, decorum and coexistence of a student or group of students towards the professor or other students or university personnel, as well as the improper use of electronic devices, such as mobile phones, tablets or laptops, filming of the professor or of the students without explicit consent and the use of these devices for recreational and non-educational purposes, may lead to the expulsion of the student from the activity being carried out, the grade of 0 in the task that is related to the activity and the communication of the situation in the direction of the degree.

 

Bibliography and resources

  • H.D.Young, R.A.Freedman. Sears y Zemansky Física Universitaria, vol 1 y 2. Décimo tercera edición. Ed. Pearson 2013.
  • R.A.Serway, J.W.Jewwett,Jr.Física para ciencias e ingeniería, vol 1 y 2. Séptima Edición. Cengage Learning 2008.
  • Rachel A. Powsner & Edward R. Powsner. Essential Nuclear Medicine Physics. Second Edition. Ed. Blackwell Publising, 2008
  • Steward C. Bushong. Manual de radiologia par técnicos, física, biología y protección radiológica. Octava edición. Ed Elsevier-Mosby.
  • PR. Hoskins, A. Thrush, K. Martin, T.A. Whittingham. Diagnostics Ultrasound, Physics and Equipment. Ed. Greenwich Medical Media Limited, 2003
  • Steward C. Bushong. Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Physical and Biological Principles, 3rd. Ed Mosby, 2003
  • Jearl Walker. Halliday & Resnick. Fundamentals of Physics, 10th edition. Ed Wiley, 2014
  • P. A. Tipler. Física, tomo I y II. Editoria Reverté.
  • D. Jou, J.E. Llebot y C. Pérez. Física para las ciencias de la vida. Segunda edición. Ed. Mc Graw Hill 2008.

 

The audiovisual and web resources recommended in each topic will be indicated in a document that will be posted on each topic.

Evaluation period

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:
  • E1 30/05/2025 I3 14:00h
  • E2 27/06/2025 A09 14:00h
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