Physical Approaches to Life

Introductions to basic concepts in physics (optics, mechanics), as applied to problems of biological interest.

Understand and be able to apply the following concepts in relation to simple problems of biological interest: 

- dimensions and units of the main physical quantities (check that an expression is dimensionally consistent).

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

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

- light energy absorption, fluorescence.

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

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

High school-level mathematics (algebraic calculations, solving simple^linearequations, familiarity with trigonometric functions and power laws)

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

Integrated ongoing assessment. Two assessments—one approximately halfway through the course unit and one at the end—in the form of a quiz on Moodle.

• Units, orders of magnitude, dimensions, uncertainties.
• Geometric Optics, Diffraction & Resolution (application: microscopy).
• Light energy capture, fluorescence.
• Basic concepts of force and viscosity as they relate to locomotion (example: bacterial swimming).
• Basic concepts of force, pressure, and viscosity as they relate to blood circulation.
• Fick's Law (macroscopic approach).
• Osmotic pressure, osmosis (turgor/plasmolysis).

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 10.5 hours (7 x 1.5 hours)

            Total duration: 16.5 hours (11 sessions of 1.5 hours each)

            TP: 0

            Land: 0