• ECTS

    3 credits

  • Component

    Faculty of Science

Description

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

 

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Objectives

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).

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Necessary prerequisites

Baccalaureate level mathematics (literal arithmetic, solving simple1st degree equations, familiarity with trigonometric functions, power laws)

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

 

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Knowledge control

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

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Syllabus

  • 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).
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Further information

Hourly volumes* :

            CM: 10.5h (7 x 1.5h)

            TD: 16.5h (11 x 1.5h)

            TP: 0

            Land: 0

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