Facultat de Medicina
BIOPHYSICS COURSE
INFORMATION SHEET
General course information
Course name: Biophysics
Campus: Medicine
Code: 363745
Academic year: 2010-2011
Departments involved: Physiological Sciences I
ECTS Credits: 6
Taught during: First year - second semester
Type: Basic Training – Mandatory
Course language: English
Coordinator: Pere Roca-Cusachs
Faculty
Pere Roca-Cusachs Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques I
Jordi Alcaraz
Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques I
Requirements
None. It is recommended that students have the skills (knowledge and ability to solve problems)
corresponding to the previous subjects of Physics and Mathematics.
Skills acquired with the course
a.- General skills. Students should be able to:
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Apply the laws of physics to interpret biological phenomena and to analyze and understand
physical mechanisms at the molecular, cellular, and organic levels, and normal and
pathological physiological functions.
Apply the concepts, methods and techniques of biophysics in the study of the functions of
the human organism.
Solve numerical problems based on the formulation of hypotheses and make a critical
assessment of the results.
Understand the theoretical and experimental biophysical models of physiological functions.
Understand the basics of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques and explain the operation,
applications and limitations of the instrumentation and technology available.
Use appropriate language for scientific communication.
b.- Specific skills. Students should be able to:
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Relate changes in the electronic structure of atoms and molecules to the absorption or
emission of energy.
Describe the electromagnetic spectrum and explain the effects of electromagnetic radiation
on different atoms and molecules.
Describe the basis of spectroscopic techniques commonly used in medicine.
Relate molecular structure to its polar characteristics.
Interpret the phenomenon of nuclear decay and apply the law of radioactive decay.
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Describe the interaction of electromagnetic and corpuscular ionizing radiation with matter.
Describe the operation principle of an X-ray tube.
Describe the physical basis of imaging techniques for emission and attenuation of ionizing
radiation.
Thermodynamically characterize biological processes and systems.
Quantify the energy balance of biological processes and of human metabolism through the
first law of thermodynamics.
Apply the second law of thermodynamics to biological systems.
Relate the equilibrium state of a system to free energy changes.
Justify the need for coupling between endergonic and exergonic processes in biological
systems.
Explain the processes of diffusion through membranes.
Describe the processes of water transport across membranes.
Explain the processes of ion transport in an electric potential gradient.
Explain the molecular mechanisms of transport through membranes, outlining the different
types.
Interpret the appearance of diffusion potential and describe the instrumentation necessary
to record and quantify it.
Describe the mechanisms for the generation of membrane potential.
Describe the action potential and relate it to changes in ionic conductance.
Explain the mechanisms of nerve impulse transport in the axon.
Explain the mechanism of sound propagation and how it depends on the environment.
Define sound intensity and explain and use the decibelic scale.
Define and explain the acoustic impedance of sound reflection and transmission at an
interface.
Explain the mechanism of transmission of sound in the ear.
Explain the basis for the use of ultrasound in medicine
Describe the characteristics of the eye as an optical system, explaining the formation of
images on the retina.
Describe the main optical defects of the eye, and how to correct them.
Understand the concept of visual acuity and explain the characteristics of color vision.
c.- Global skills. Students should be able to:
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Learn to analyze and synthesize information
Have the ability to organize and plan
Know the relevant software tools for the subject
Understand the principles of the scientific method
Critically analyze biomedical information
Formulate hypotheses and apply theoretical models to solve problems
Interpret graphs
Work in teams
Use the tools and language appropriate for written communication and presentation
of results
Course outline
1. ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
1.1. Atomic Structure
1.2. Molecular Structure
1.3. Absorption and emission of light by atoms and molecules
1.4. Laser
1.5. Thermography
1.6. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
2. RADIOPHYSICS
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2.1. Radioactivity
2.2. Applications of medical isotopes
2.3. X-Rays
2.4. Photon-matter interaction
2.5. Molecular and cellular effects of ionizing radiation
3. BIOLOGICAL THERMODYNAMICS
3.1. Conservation of energy
3.2. Human metabolism and heat dissipation
3.3. Entropy and irreversibility
3.4. Free energy and spontaneity
3.5. Metabolic reactions
4. TRANSPORT THROUGH MEMBRANES
4.1. Diffusion
4.2. Osmosis
4.3. Ion flow
4.4. Electrodiffusion balance
5. BIOELECTRICITY
5.1. Diffusion potential
5.2. Membrane potential
5.3. Action potential
5.4. Action potential conduction
6. BIOPHYSICS OF HEARING
6.1. Nature of sound
6.2. Ultrasounds. Medical Applications
6.3. Transmission of sound in the ear
6.4. Transduction of sound in the ear
7. BIOPHYSICS OF VISION
7.1. Optical system of the eye
7.2. Transduction of light in the eye
7.3. Refractive error and its correction
7.4. Visual acuity
7.5. Color Vision
General organization of the course
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Total estimated hours of student dedication: 150
Classroom hours: 75
Independent learning hours: 75
Classroom hours will be distributed between theoretical lectures (37 hours) and practical teaching
(20 hours of seminars and 18 hours of laboratory practices).
Students may request tutoring sessions during the course.
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Evaluation
Students will be evaluated throughout the course, and the final grade will combine assessments
during the learning process (40% of final grade) and synthesis test (60% of final grade).
a) Assessment during the learning process:
This assessment will be obtained from one test carried out during the course (with characteristics
similar to the synthesis test) and from one written report of part of the practical teaching.
b) Synthesis test
Global assessment of competence. Contents corresponding to theoretical and practical lessons, as
well as laboratory practices, will be evaluated.
Contents of the test:
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Multiple choice questions
Open questions with a limited extension
Problem resolution
Evaluation Criteria
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Understanding of general concepts
Knowledge of laws, phenomena and processes
Ability to relate and integrate theoretical knowledge
Ability to apply knowledge to solve problems
Ability to solve numerical exercises
Ability to describe and interpret data using graphs.
A minimum of 50% of the total score will be required to pass the course.
Bibliography
Basic:
R. K. Hobbie , B. J. Roth. Intermediate Physics for Medicine and Biology. 4th edition. Springer.
2010.
P. Nelson. Física Biológica. Reverté, 1st edition, 2005.
A. H. Cromer. Física para las Ciencias de la Vida. Reverté. 2nd edition 1986.
P. Tipler, G. Mosca. Física para la Ciencia y la Tecnología. Reverte. 6th edition.
Additional:
R. Phillips, J. Kondev, J. Theriot. Physical Biology of the Cell. Garland Science. 1st edition.
W. F. Boron, Emile. L. Boulpaep. Medical Physiology. Saunders. 2nd edition. 2008.
B. Alberts. Molecular Biology of the Cell. Garland Science. 5th edition. 2007.
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