Physical approaches to life

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

To 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 coherence of an expression in terms of dimensions).

- uncertainty of a measurement, 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.

- capture of light energy, fluorescence.

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

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

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

Recommended prerequisites*: Simple notions of physics (geometrical 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, order of magnitude, dimensions, uncertainties.
• Geometric optics, diffraction & resolution (application: microscopy).
• Capture of light energy, fluorescence.
• Simple concepts of force and viscosity in relation to locomotion (example: swimming bacteria).
• 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