Physical approaches to life

Introductions to simple physics concepts (optics, mechanics), applied to problems of biological interest.

Know and be able to manipulate the following concepts in relation to simple problems of biological interest: 

- dimensions and units of the main physical quantities (check the consistency of an expression in terms of dimensions).

- measurement uncertainty, propagation of uncertainties in simple cases (addition/subtraction of quantities, power law).

- index of refraction, laws of refraction, thin lenses, microscope, diffraction and its impact on the resolution of a microscope observation.

- light energy capture, fluorescence.

- force, force balance, viscous force, fluid mobilization pressure, osmotic pressure.

- diffusion in the presence of a concentration gradient (Fick's Law).

Baccalaureate level mathematics (literal arithmetic, solving simple^1st degree equations, familiarity with trigonometric functions, power laws)

Recommended prerequisites* : Basic physics (geometric optics, mechanics)

Integrated continuous assessment. Two tests, approximately halfway through and at the end of the course, in the form of a quiz on Moodle.

• Units, orders of magnitude, dimensions, uncertainties.
• Geometrical optics, diffraction & resolution (application: microscopy).
• Light energy capture, fluorescence.
• Simple notions of force and viscosity in relation to locomotion (e.g. bacterial swimming).
• Simple concepts of force, pressure and viscosity in relation to blood circulation.
• Fick's Law (macroscopic approach).
• Osmotic pressure, osmosis (turgor/plasmolysis).

Hourly volumes* :

            CM: 10.5h (7 x 1.5h)

            TD: 16.5h (11 x 1.5h)

            TP: 0

            Land: 0