physics
Course objectives
Based on the attachments to Ministerial Decree no. 418 of May 30, 2025, the syllabus for this course is uniform nationwide and has the following general objectives: The Physics course aims to provide essential knowledge of physics for understanding natural phenomena and biological processes, with particular attention to applications in the biomedical field.
Channel 2
LUCA MARINO
Lecturers' profile
Program - Frequency - Exams
Course program
Teaching Unit 1. Introduction to Physics Methods (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.25)
Interpret basic mathematics and physics (graphs and formulas). Solve operations between vectors; perform unit conversions:
- Scientific notation;
- Physical quantities, dimensions and units of measurement, International System of Units. Conversions between units of measurement and order of magnitude estimation. Extensive and intensive quantities. Scalar and vector quantities.
- Equations with variables representing physical quantities;
- Elementary trigonometric functions; graphs; concepts of derivative and integral.
- Vectors: definition, components, operations (examples: sum, difference, scalar product, and cross product).
Teaching Unit 2. Mechanics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1.5)
Describe and interpret elements of mechanics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to mechanics:
- Kinematics of a particle: definition of position and displacement over time. Concept of trajectory and time law. Distinction between average velocity and instantaneous velocity, average acceleration and instantaneous acceleration. Study of rectilinear and curvilinear motion, with significant examples: uniform rectilinear motion, uniformly accelerated motion, free fall, parabolic motion. Qualitative description of uniform circular motion and the concept of centripetal acceleration. Introduction to harmonic motion, useful for understanding simple periodic phenomena.
- Dynamics of a particle: analysis of interactions between bodies and formulation of the three laws of dynamics. Physical meaning of the law of inertia and conditions for static equilibrium (first law). Relationship between resultant force and acceleration (second law). Action and reaction between interacting bodies (third law). Application to the concepts of translational equilibrium. Definition of force and key examples: weight, gravitational force, contact forces and frictional forces (static and dynamic), tension, spring forces, and Hooke's law for ideal springs.
- Work and energy: Concept of mechanical work as the effect of a force applied to a body. Definition of power and its relationship to the work done over a time interval. Kinetic energy theorem. Work and comparison between conservative and non-conservative forces. Definition of potential energy. Examples: gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy. Mechanical energy as the sum of kinetic and potential energy. Conservation of mechanical energy theorem in ideal systems.
- Momentum: Introduction to the concepts of momentum and impulse. Relationship between impulse and change in momentum. Principle of conservation of momentum in isolated systems. Applications to one-dimensional collisions, distinguishing between elastic and inelastic collisions.
- Systems of bodies: Definition of the center of mass and description of its motion. Characteristics of a rigid body. Torque and conditions for rotational equilibrium. Moment of inertia as a measure of resistance to rotation. Angular momentum and its conservation in the absence of external moments. Application examples: levers. Deformable bodies: introduction to the concepts of elasticity, stress and strain, generalized Hooke's law, Young's modulus, and the ultimate tensile strength of materials.
Teaching Unit 3. Fluid Mechanics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1)
Describe and interpret elements of fluid mechanics. Relate the principles of fluid dynamics to physiological flows, resistances, and pressures in biological systems. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to fluid mechanics:
- States of matter: fundamental characteristics of fluids compared to solids. Definition of pressure and density, and their role in the static and dynamic behavior of fluids.
- Laws of hydrostatics: Stevino’s law for pressure in liquids as a function of depth; Pascal's principle for the transmission of pressure in incompressible fluids; Archimedes' principle for the buoyancy exerted by a fluid on a submerged body. Analysis of buoyancy conditions. Instruments and methods for measuring pressure (Torricelli's experiment, manometer).
- Fluids in motion (hydrodynamics): concepts of flow and flow rate, distinction between steady and turbulent flow, with particular attention to laminar flow. Continuity equation and conservation of mass in ideal fluids. Bernoulli's theorem and its interpretation in terms of conservation of mechanical energy. Torricelli's theorem. Applications to physiological situations (stenosis and aneurysm).
- Real fluids and viscosity: analysis of laminar flow, parabolic velocity profile, concept of velocity gradient. Poiseuille's law and hydraulic resistances in series and parallel.
- Surface phenomena: surface tension and its effects on small quantities of liquid. Capillary phenomena and the behavior of fluid interfaces, both flat and curved. Curvature pressure and its qualitative description using Laplace's law, with reference to phenomena observable in biological contexts (e.g., in the lungs or blood capillaries).
Teaching Unit 4. Mechanical Waves (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.5)
Describe and interpret elements of mechanical waves. Correlate wave phenomena in acoustics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to mechanical waves:
- Mechanical waves: Introduction to the nature of mechanical waves as phenomena involving the propagation of energy and disturbances through a material medium. The concept of the harmonic oscillator as a basic model for wave generation. Definition of frequency, period, and wavelength. Wave propagation speed and relationship between wave parameters. Propagation equation for simple harmonic waves. Description of the wave vector. Examples of one-dimensional waves: transverse waves on a string and longitudinal waves, such as sound waves in fluids.
- Principles of superposition and interference: Linear superposition of harmonic waves and the formation of constructive and destructive interference. Standing waves: Conditions for formation and physical significance.
- Energy transported by waves: Concept of energy associated with a mechanical wave. Power transported by a wave in an elastic medium. Wave intensity as a measurable physical quantity, related to the energy transported per unit area and time.
- Acoustic waves: Propagation of sound in different material media, with particular attention to the speed of sound in air and other materials. Relationship between acoustic intensity and sound perception. Definition of sound intensity level in decibels. Concept of hearing threshold and limits of audibility of the human ear.
- Doppler effect: Qualitative description and interpretation of the apparent change in perceived frequency as a function of the relative motion between source and observer.
Teaching Unit 5. Thermodynamics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1)
Describe and interpret elements of thermodynamics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to thermodynamics:
- Fundamental concepts: definition of system and environment. Thermodynamic variables (pressure, volume, temperature) and thermodynamic state. Thermodynamics state functions. Temperature and its scales. Characteristics of ideal gases, ideal gas law, universal gas constant. Real gases: concept of critical temperature and deviations from ideal behavior. Internal energy and microscopic interpretation based on the kinetic theory of gases.
- Heat and heat capacity: energy exchange in the form of heat. Definition of heat capacity and specific heat, with reference to ideal gases. Phenomena of change of physical state (fusion, evaporation, condensation), latent heat. Calorimetry and experimental methods for measuring heat exchange.
- Heat transfer mechanisms: thermal conduction, convection, and radiation. Heat flow. Thermal emission, Wien's law, and radiated power. Examples of heat transfer.
- First law of thermodynamics: definition and physical significance. Internal energy, heat, and work. Application of the first law to thermodynamic processes. Reversible and irreversible processes. Canonical processes in ideal gases: isothermal, isochoric, isobaric, adiabatic, with a qualitative comparison of their behaviors.
- Second law of thermodynamics: fundamental statements and the concept of irreversibility. Thermodynamic cycles: definition and operation. Heat engines, efficiency, the Carnot cycle. Entropy as a function of state, macroscopic implications, and statistical interpretation. Relationship between entropy changes and the natural direction of thermodynamic processes.
Teaching Unit 6. Electricity and Magnetism (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1.25)
Describe and interpret basic elements of electricity and magnetism. Understand electrical and magnetic phenomena. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to basic elements of electricity and magnetism:
- Electric charge and interactions: fundamental properties of electric charge, units of measurement, conservation of charge. Interaction between point charges and Coulomb's law. Definition of electric field and representation using lines of force. Field generated by a point charge or a distribution of multiple point charges. Motion of a charge in a uniform electric field.
- Gauss's law: flux of the electric field through a closed surface. Applications to symmetric charge distributions: conducting sphere, uniformly charged plane, charged wire in electrostatic equilibrium.
- Energy and electric potential: potential energy associated with a distribution of charges. Definition of electric potential and potential difference. Conservation of energy for a charge moving in an electric field. Electric dipole and dipole moment.
- Conductors and dielectrics (insulators): electrostatic induction and polarization phenomena.
- Electric current: direct current, current intensity, electric source, and applied potential difference. Conduction in ohmic conductors. Ohm's law, resistance and resistivity of materials. Electrical power dissipated by the Joule effect. Combination of resistors in series and in parallel.
- Capacitance and capacitors: concept of electrical capacitance. Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor, effect of the presence of a dielectric. Energy stored in a charged capacitor. Connections of capacitors in series and in parallel. Charging and discharging of a capacitor over time.
- Magnetic field: origin of the magnetic field from electric currents (Oersted experiment). Lorentz force on a moving charge and on a current-carrying wire. Circular motion of an electric charge in a uniform magnetic field. Torque on a current-carrying coil immersed in a uniform magnetic field. Magnetic dipole moment.
- Biot-Savart law: infinitesimal contribution to the magnetic field generated by a current. Examples: straight wire, circular loop, ideal solenoid. Field distribution and orientation.
- Electromagnetic induction: variation of magnetic flux and generation of electromotive force. Faraday-Neumann-Lenz law. Eddy currents and their direction.
- Applications: cell membrane potentials, depolarization and repolarization of cell membranes.
Teaching Unit 7. Electromagnetic Radiation (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.5)
Describe and interpret elements of electromagnetic radiation. Understand the effects of radiation. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to the elements of electromagnetic radiation:
- Electromagnetic radiation: wave nature of electromagnetic waves as a combination of oscillating electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to each other; fundamental characteristics such as wavelength, frequency, speed of propagation in vacuum and in material media, amplitude and intensity of the wave. Relationship between wave intensity and the amount of energy transported. Main units of measurement.
- Spectrum of electromagnetic radiation: division of the spectrum into regions (radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays), in order of increasing frequency and decreasing wavelength.
- Quantization of energy: concept of photon as a quantum of energy associated with radiation; relationship between photon energy and frequency. Interpretation of the photoelectric effect and implications for the quantum nature of radiation. Selective absorption of photons by biological molecules.
- Radioactivity and radioactive decays: definition of an unstable nucleus, concept of radioactive isotopes. Main types of decay (alpha, beta, gamma) and associated nuclear transformations.
- Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation: distinction based on the energy carried by radiation versus the ionization energy of atoms. Examples of non-ionizing radiation (radio waves, microwaves, infrared) and ionizing radiation (X-rays, gamma rays).
- Optics: laws of reflection and refraction of light, concept of refractive index, phenomenon of dispersion. Properties of thin lenses: converging and diverging lenses, formation of real and virtual images. Examples: the microscope.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology is required that meets the preparation promoted by the educational institutions that organize educational and teaching activities consistent with the national guidelines for high schools and with the guidelines for technical institutes and professional institutes.
Books
Used textbook:
R. A. Serway, J. W. Jewett Jr - Fondamenti di fisica – Edises
D. C. Giancoli - Fisica con fisica moderna - Casa Ed. Ambrosiana - Zanichelli
J. S. Walker – Fondamenti di Fisica – Pearson
A. Alessandrini - Fisica per le scienze della vita - Casa Ed. Ambrosiana – Zanichelli
D. Scannicchio - Fisica Generale e Biomedica – Edises
Teaching mode
Lectures with exercises and numerical examples.
Lectures will be carried out in person (traditional modality).
In the event that, due to the pandemic emergency, it is not possible to carry out lessons in person, the course modality will be of the blended or remote type depending on the regulatory provisions.
Frequency
Attendance is compulsory until reaching more than 67% of the class hours.
Exam mode
According to Ministerial Decree 418, the exams for each course are held in two sessions, at least 15 days apart, on the dates established annually by a specific ministerial provision. The exams are held on the same day and time at all universities offering the filter semester.
Furthermore, each exam consists of thirty-one (31) questions, structured as follows:
- fifteen (15) multiple-choice questions;
- sixteen (16) fill-in-the-blank questions.
For each multiple-choice question, students have five answer options, only one of which is correct.
For fill-in-the-blank questions, students have a blank space in which to insert the missing word. Only one word is correct.
Bibliography
Other recommended textbooks:
D. Scannicchio, Fisica Biomedica , Edises
J.R. Gordon R.V. McGrew R.A. Serway J.W. Jewett Jr, Esercizi di Fisica, Edises
R. Davidson, Metodi matematici per un corso introduttivo di fisica, Edises
G. Bellini, R. Cerbino, G. Manuzio, F. Marzari, L. Repetto, L. Zennaro, Fisica per Medicina con applicazioni fisiologiche, diagnostiche e terapeutiche, Piccin
R. Knight, B. Jones, S. Field, Fondamenti di Fisica - un approccio strategico, Piccin
L. Nitti, R. Tommasi, FISICA, 2000 quiz a scelta multipla per le scienze biomediche, Zanichelli
Lesson mode
Lectures with exercises and numerical examples.
Lessons will be held both in person and online (blended mode).
The explanation of the theory lessons and the carrying out of exercises follow the syllabus program and will be on a classic blackboard, interactive multimedia blackboard, tablet with projection in the classroom, or through presentations.
LUCA MARINO
Lecturers' profile
RICCARDO FACCINI
Lecturers' profile
Program - Frequency - Exams
Course program
Teaching Unit 1. Introduction to Physics Methods (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.25)
Interpret basic mathematics and physics (graphs and formulas). Solve operations between vectors; perform unit conversions:
- Scientific notation;
- Physical quantities, dimensions and units of measurement, International System of Units. Conversions between units of measurement and order of magnitude estimation. Extensive and intensive quantities. Scalar and vector quantities.
- Equations with variables representing physical quantities;
- Elementary trigonometric functions; graphs; concepts of derivative and integral.
- Vectors: definition, components, operations (examples: sum, difference, scalar product, and cross product).
Teaching Unit 2. Mechanics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1.5)
Describe and interpret elements of mechanics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to mechanics:
- Kinematics of a particle: definition of position and displacement over time. Concept of trajectory and time law. Distinction between average velocity and instantaneous velocity, average acceleration and instantaneous acceleration. Study of rectilinear and curvilinear motion, with significant examples: uniform rectilinear motion, uniformly accelerated motion, free fall, parabolic motion. Qualitative description of uniform circular motion and the concept of centripetal acceleration. Introduction to harmonic motion, useful for understanding simple periodic phenomena.
- Dynamics of a particle: analysis of interactions between bodies and formulation of the three laws of dynamics. Physical meaning of the law of inertia and conditions for static equilibrium (first law). Relationship between resultant force and acceleration (second law). Action and reaction between interacting bodies (third law). Application to the concepts of translational equilibrium. Definition of force and key examples: weight, gravitational force, contact forces and frictional forces (static and dynamic), tension, spring forces, and Hooke's law for ideal springs.
- Work and energy: Concept of mechanical work as the effect of a force applied to a body. Definition of power and its relationship to the work done over a time interval. Kinetic energy theorem. Work and comparison between conservative and non-conservative forces. Definition of potential energy. Examples: gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy. Mechanical energy as the sum of kinetic and potential energy. Conservation of mechanical energy theorem in ideal systems.
- Momentum: Introduction to the concepts of momentum and impulse. Relationship between impulse and change in momentum. Principle of conservation of momentum in isolated systems. Applications to one-dimensional collisions, distinguishing between elastic and inelastic collisions.
- Systems of bodies: Definition of the center of mass and description of its motion. Characteristics of a rigid body. Torque and conditions for rotational equilibrium. Moment of inertia as a measure of resistance to rotation. Angular momentum and its conservation in the absence of external moments. Application examples: levers. Deformable bodies: introduction to the concepts of elasticity, stress and strain, generalized Hooke's law, Young's modulus, and the ultimate tensile strength of materials.
Teaching Unit 3. Fluid Mechanics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1)
Describe and interpret elements of fluid mechanics. Relate the principles of fluid dynamics to physiological flows, resistances, and pressures in biological systems. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to fluid mechanics:
- States of matter: fundamental characteristics of fluids compared to solids. Definition of pressure and density, and their role in the static and dynamic behavior of fluids.
- Laws of hydrostatics: Stevino’s law for pressure in liquids as a function of depth; Pascal's principle for the transmission of pressure in incompressible fluids; Archimedes' principle for the buoyancy exerted by a fluid on a submerged body. Analysis of buoyancy conditions. Instruments and methods for measuring pressure (Torricelli's experiment, manometer).
- Fluids in motion (hydrodynamics): concepts of flow and flow rate, distinction between steady and turbulent flow, with particular attention to laminar flow. Continuity equation and conservation of mass in ideal fluids. Bernoulli's theorem and its interpretation in terms of conservation of mechanical energy. Torricelli's theorem. Applications to physiological situations (stenosis and aneurysm).
- Real fluids and viscosity: analysis of laminar flow, parabolic velocity profile, concept of velocity gradient. Poiseuille's law and hydraulic resistances in series and parallel.
- Surface phenomena: surface tension and its effects on small quantities of liquid. Capillary phenomena and the behavior of fluid interfaces, both flat and curved. Curvature pressure and its qualitative description using Laplace's law, with reference to phenomena observable in biological contexts (e.g., in the lungs or blood capillaries).
Teaching Unit 4. Mechanical Waves (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.5)
Describe and interpret elements of mechanical waves. Correlate wave phenomena in acoustics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to mechanical waves:
- Mechanical waves: Introduction to the nature of mechanical waves as phenomena involving the propagation of energy and disturbances through a material medium. The concept of the harmonic oscillator as a basic model for wave generation. Definition of frequency, period, and wavelength. Wave propagation speed and relationship between wave parameters. Propagation equation for simple harmonic waves. Description of the wave vector. Examples of one-dimensional waves: transverse waves on a string and longitudinal waves, such as sound waves in fluids.
- Principles of superposition and interference: Linear superposition of harmonic waves and the formation of constructive and destructive interference. Standing waves: Conditions for formation and physical significance.
- Energy transported by waves: Concept of energy associated with a mechanical wave. Power transported by a wave in an elastic medium. Wave intensity as a measurable physical quantity, related to the energy transported per unit area and time.
- Acoustic waves: Propagation of sound in different material media, with particular attention to the speed of sound in air and other materials. Relationship between acoustic intensity and sound perception. Definition of sound intensity level in decibels. Concept of hearing threshold and limits of audibility of the human ear.
- Doppler effect: Qualitative description and interpretation of the apparent change in perceived frequency as a function of the relative motion between source and observer.
Teaching Unit 5. Thermodynamics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1)
Describe and interpret elements of thermodynamics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to thermodynamics:
- Fundamental concepts: definition of system and environment. Thermodynamic variables (pressure, volume, temperature) and thermodynamic state. Thermodynamics state functions. Temperature and its scales. Characteristics of ideal gases, ideal gas law, universal gas constant. Real gases: concept of critical temperature and deviations from ideal behavior. Internal energy and microscopic interpretation based on the kinetic theory of gases.
- Heat and heat capacity: energy exchange in the form of heat. Definition of heat capacity and specific heat, with reference to ideal gases. Phenomena of change of physical state (fusion, evaporation, condensation), latent heat. Calorimetry and experimental methods for measuring heat exchange.
- Heat transfer mechanisms: thermal conduction, convection, and radiation. Heat flow. Thermal emission, Wien's law, and radiated power. Examples of heat transfer.
- First law of thermodynamics: definition and physical significance. Internal energy, heat, and work. Application of the first law to thermodynamic processes. Reversible and irreversible processes. Canonical processes in ideal gases: isothermal, isochoric, isobaric, adiabatic, with a qualitative comparison of their behaviors.
- Second law of thermodynamics: fundamental statements and the concept of irreversibility. Thermodynamic cycles: definition and operation. Heat engines, efficiency, the Carnot cycle. Entropy as a function of state, macroscopic implications, and statistical interpretation. Relationship between entropy changes and the natural direction of thermodynamic processes.
Teaching Unit 6. Electricity and Magnetism (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1.25)
Describe and interpret basic elements of electricity and magnetism. Understand electrical and magnetic phenomena. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to basic elements of electricity and magnetism:
- Electric charge and interactions: fundamental properties of electric charge, units of measurement, conservation of charge. Interaction between point charges and Coulomb's law. Definition of electric field and representation using lines of force. Field generated by a point charge or a distribution of multiple point charges. Motion of a charge in a uniform electric field.
- Gauss's law: flux of the electric field through a closed surface. Applications to symmetric charge distributions: conducting sphere, uniformly charged plane, charged wire in electrostatic equilibrium.
- Energy and electric potential: potential energy associated with a distribution of charges. Definition of electric potential and potential difference. Conservation of energy for a charge moving in an electric field. Electric dipole and dipole moment.
- Conductors and dielectrics (insulators): electrostatic induction and polarization phenomena.
- Electric current: direct current, current intensity, electric source, and applied potential difference. Conduction in ohmic conductors. Ohm's law, resistance and resistivity of materials. Electrical power dissipated by the Joule effect. Combination of resistors in series and in parallel.
- Capacitance and capacitors: concept of electrical capacitance. Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor, effect of the presence of a dielectric. Energy stored in a charged capacitor. Connections of capacitors in series and in parallel. Charging and discharging of a capacitor over time.
- Magnetic field: origin of the magnetic field from electric currents (Oersted experiment). Lorentz force on a moving charge and on a current-carrying wire. Circular motion of an electric charge in a uniform magnetic field. Torque on a current-carrying coil immersed in a uniform magnetic field. Magnetic dipole moment.
- Biot-Savart law: infinitesimal contribution to the magnetic field generated by a current. Examples: straight wire, circular loop, ideal solenoid. Field distribution and orientation.
- Electromagnetic induction: variation of magnetic flux and generation of electromotive force. Faraday-Neumann-Lenz law. Eddy currents and their direction.
- Applications: cell membrane potentials, depolarization and repolarization of cell membranes.
Teaching Unit 7. Electromagnetic Radiation (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.5)
Describe and interpret elements of electromagnetic radiation. Understand the effects of radiation. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to the elements of electromagnetic radiation:
- Electromagnetic radiation: wave nature of electromagnetic waves as a combination of oscillating electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to each other; fundamental characteristics such as wavelength, frequency, speed of propagation in vacuum and in material media, amplitude and intensity of the wave. Relationship between wave intensity and the amount of energy transported. Main units of measurement.
- Spectrum of electromagnetic radiation: division of the spectrum into regions (radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays), in order of increasing frequency and decreasing wavelength.
- Quantization of energy: concept of photon as a quantum of energy associated with radiation; relationship between photon energy and frequency. Interpretation of the photoelectric effect and implications for the quantum nature of radiation. Selective absorption of photons by biological molecules.
- Radioactivity and radioactive decays: definition of an unstable nucleus, concept of radioactive isotopes. Main types of decay (alpha, beta, gamma) and associated nuclear transformations.
- Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation: distinction based on the energy carried by radiation versus the ionization energy of atoms. Examples of non-ionizing radiation (radio waves, microwaves, infrared) and ionizing radiation (X-rays, gamma rays).
- Optics: laws of reflection and refraction of light, concept of refractive index, phenomenon of dispersion. Properties of thin lenses: converging and diverging lenses, formation of real and virtual images. Examples: the microscope.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology is required that meets the preparation promoted by the educational institutions that organize educational and teaching activities consistent with the national guidelines for high schools and with the guidelines for technical institutes and professional institutes.
Books
Used textbook:
R. A. Serway, J. W. Jewett Jr - Fondamenti di fisica – Edises
D. C. Giancoli - Fisica con fisica moderna - Casa Ed. Ambrosiana - Zanichelli
J. S. Walker – Fondamenti di Fisica – Pearson
A. Alessandrini - Fisica per le scienze della vita - Casa Ed. Ambrosiana – Zanichelli
D. Scannicchio - Fisica Generale e Biomedica – Edises
Teaching mode
Lectures with exercises and numerical examples.
Lectures will be carried out in person (traditional modality).
In the event that, due to the pandemic emergency, it is not possible to carry out lessons in person, the course modality will be of the blended or remote type depending on the regulatory provisions.
Frequency
Attendance is compulsory until reaching more than 67% of the class hours.
Exam mode
According to Ministerial Decree 418, the exams for each course are held in two sessions, at least 15 days apart, on the dates established annually by a specific ministerial provision. The exams are held on the same day and time at all universities offering the filter semester.
Furthermore, each exam consists of thirty-one (31) questions, structured as follows:
- fifteen (15) multiple-choice questions;
- sixteen (16) fill-in-the-blank questions.
For each multiple-choice question, students have five answer options, only one of which is correct.
For fill-in-the-blank questions, students have a blank space in which to insert the missing word. Only one word is correct.
Bibliography
Other recommended textbooks:
D. Scannicchio, Fisica Biomedica , Edises
J.R. Gordon R.V. McGrew R.A. Serway J.W. Jewett Jr, Esercizi di Fisica, Edises
R. Davidson, Metodi matematici per un corso introduttivo di fisica, Edises
G. Bellini, R. Cerbino, G. Manuzio, F. Marzari, L. Repetto, L. Zennaro, Fisica per Medicina con applicazioni fisiologiche, diagnostiche e terapeutiche, Piccin
R. Knight, B. Jones, S. Field, Fondamenti di Fisica - un approccio strategico, Piccin
L. Nitti, R. Tommasi, FISICA, 2000 quiz a scelta multipla per le scienze biomediche, Zanichelli
Lesson mode
Lectures with exercises and numerical examples.
Lessons will be held both in person and online (blended mode).
The explanation of the theory lessons and the carrying out of exercises follow the syllabus program and will be on a classic blackboard, interactive multimedia blackboard, tablet with projection in the classroom, or through presentations.
RICCARDO FACCINI
Lecturers' profile
Channel 3
MAURO MIGLIORATI
Lecturers' profile
Program - Frequency - Exams
Course program
Teaching Unit 1. Introduction to Physics Methods (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.25)
Interpret basic mathematics and physics (graphs and formulas). Solve operations between vectors; perform unit conversions:
- Scientific notation;
- Physical quantities, dimensions and units of measurement, International System of Units. Conversions between units of measurement and order of magnitude estimation. Extensive and intensive quantities. Scalar and vector quantities.
- Equations with variables representing physical quantities;
- Elementary trigonometric functions; graphs; concepts of derivative and integral.
- Vectors: definition, components, operations (examples: sum, difference, scalar product, and cross product).
Teaching Unit 2. Mechanics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1.5)
Describe and interpret elements of mechanics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to mechanics:
- Kinematics of a particle: definition of position and displacement over time. Concept of trajectory and time law. Distinction between average velocity and instantaneous velocity, average acceleration and instantaneous acceleration. Study of rectilinear and curvilinear motion, with significant examples: uniform rectilinear motion, uniformly accelerated motion, free fall, parabolic motion. Qualitative description of uniform circular motion and the concept of centripetal acceleration. Introduction to harmonic motion, useful for understanding simple periodic phenomena.
- Dynamics of a particle: analysis of interactions between bodies and formulation of the three laws of dynamics. Physical meaning of the law of inertia and conditions for static equilibrium (first law). Relationship between resultant force and acceleration (second law). Action and reaction between interacting bodies (third law). Application to the concepts of translational equilibrium. Definition of force and key examples: weight, gravitational force, contact forces and frictional forces (static and dynamic), tension, spring forces, and Hooke's law for ideal springs.
- Work and energy: Concept of mechanical work as the effect of a force applied to a body. Definition of power and its relationship to the work done over a time interval. Kinetic energy theorem. Work and comparison between conservative and non-conservative forces. Definition of potential energy. Examples: gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy. Mechanical energy as the sum of kinetic and potential energy. Conservation of mechanical energy theorem in ideal systems.
- Momentum: Introduction to the concepts of momentum and impulse. Relationship between impulse and change in momentum. Principle of conservation of momentum in isolated systems. Applications to one-dimensional collisions, distinguishing between elastic and inelastic collisions.
- Systems of bodies: Definition of the center of mass and description of its motion. Characteristics of a rigid body. Torque and conditions for rotational equilibrium. Moment of inertia as a measure of resistance to rotation. Angular momentum and its conservation in the absence of external moments. Application examples: levers. Deformable bodies: introduction to the concepts of elasticity, stress and strain, generalized Hooke's law, Young's modulus, and the ultimate tensile strength of materials.
Teaching Unit 3. Fluid Mechanics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1)
Describe and interpret elements of fluid mechanics. Relate the principles of fluid dynamics to physiological flows, resistances, and pressures in biological systems. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to fluid mechanics:
- States of matter: fundamental characteristics of fluids compared to solids. Definition of pressure and density, and their role in the static and dynamic behavior of fluids.
- Laws of hydrostatics: Stevino’s law for pressure in liquids as a function of depth; Pascal's principle for the transmission of pressure in incompressible fluids; Archimedes' principle for the buoyancy exerted by a fluid on a submerged body. Analysis of buoyancy conditions. Instruments and methods for measuring pressure (Torricelli's experiment, manometer).
- Fluids in motion (hydrodynamics): concepts of flow and flow rate, distinction between steady and turbulent flow, with particular attention to laminar flow. Continuity equation and conservation of mass in ideal fluids. Bernoulli's theorem and its interpretation in terms of conservation of mechanical energy. Torricelli's theorem. Applications to physiological situations (stenosis and aneurysm).
- Real fluids and viscosity: analysis of laminar flow, parabolic velocity profile, concept of velocity gradient. Poiseuille's law and hydraulic resistances in series and parallel.
- Surface phenomena: surface tension and its effects on small quantities of liquid. Capillary phenomena and the behavior of fluid interfaces, both flat and curved. Curvature pressure and its qualitative description using Laplace's law, with reference to phenomena observable in biological contexts (e.g., in the lungs or blood capillaries).
Teaching Unit 4. Mechanical Waves (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.5)
Describe and interpret elements of mechanical waves. Correlate wave phenomena in acoustics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to mechanical waves:
- Mechanical waves: Introduction to the nature of mechanical waves as phenomena involving the propagation of energy and disturbances through a material medium. The concept of the harmonic oscillator as a basic model for wave generation. Definition of frequency, period, and wavelength. Wave propagation speed and relationship between wave parameters. Propagation equation for simple harmonic waves. Description of the wave vector. Examples of one-dimensional waves: transverse waves on a string and longitudinal waves, such as sound waves in fluids.
- Principles of superposition and interference: Linear superposition of harmonic waves and the formation of constructive and destructive interference. Standing waves: Conditions for formation and physical significance.
- Energy transported by waves: Concept of energy associated with a mechanical wave. Power transported by a wave in an elastic medium. Wave intensity as a measurable physical quantity, related to the energy transported per unit area and time.
- Acoustic waves: Propagation of sound in different material media, with particular attention to the speed of sound in air and other materials. Relationship between acoustic intensity and sound perception. Definition of sound intensity level in decibels. Concept of hearing threshold and limits of audibility of the human ear.
- Doppler effect: Qualitative description and interpretation of the apparent change in perceived frequency as a function of the relative motion between source and observer.
Teaching Unit 5. Thermodynamics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1)
Describe and interpret elements of thermodynamics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to thermodynamics:
- Fundamental concepts: definition of system and environment. Thermodynamic variables (pressure, volume, temperature) and thermodynamic state. Thermodynamics state functions. Temperature and its scales. Characteristics of ideal gases, ideal gas law, universal gas constant. Real gases: concept of critical temperature and deviations from ideal behavior. Internal energy and microscopic interpretation based on the kinetic theory of gases.
- Heat and heat capacity: energy exchange in the form of heat. Definition of heat capacity and specific heat, with reference to ideal gases. Phenomena of change of physical state (fusion, evaporation, condensation), latent heat. Calorimetry and experimental methods for measuring heat exchange.
- Heat transfer mechanisms: thermal conduction, convection, and radiation. Heat flow. Thermal emission, Wien's law, and radiated power. Examples of heat transfer.
- First law of thermodynamics: definition and physical significance. Internal energy, heat, and work. Application of the first law to thermodynamic processes. Reversible and irreversible processes. Canonical processes in ideal gases: isothermal, isochoric, isobaric, adiabatic, with a qualitative comparison of their behaviors.
- Second law of thermodynamics: fundamental statements and the concept of irreversibility. Thermodynamic cycles: definition and operation. Heat engines, efficiency, the Carnot cycle. Entropy as a function of state, macroscopic implications, and statistical interpretation. Relationship between entropy changes and the natural direction of thermodynamic processes.
Teaching Unit 6. Electricity and Magnetism (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1.25)
Describe and interpret basic elements of electricity and magnetism. Understand electrical and magnetic phenomena. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to basic elements of electricity and magnetism:
- Electric charge and interactions: fundamental properties of electric charge, units of measurement, conservation of charge. Interaction between point charges and Coulomb's law. Definition of electric field and representation using lines of force. Field generated by a point charge or a distribution of multiple point charges. Motion of a charge in a uniform electric field.
- Gauss's law: flux of the electric field through a closed surface. Applications to symmetric charge distributions: conducting sphere, uniformly charged plane, charged wire in electrostatic equilibrium.
- Energy and electric potential: potential energy associated with a distribution of charges. Definition of electric potential and potential difference. Conservation of energy for a charge moving in an electric field. Electric dipole and dipole moment.
- Conductors and dielectrics (insulators): electrostatic induction and polarization phenomena.
- Electric current: direct current, current intensity, electric source, and applied potential difference. Conduction in ohmic conductors. Ohm's law, resistance and resistivity of materials. Electrical power dissipated by the Joule effect. Combination of resistors in series and in parallel.
- Capacitance and capacitors: concept of electrical capacitance. Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor, effect of the presence of a dielectric. Energy stored in a charged capacitor. Connections of capacitors in series and in parallel. Charging and discharging of a capacitor over time.
- Magnetic field: origin of the magnetic field from electric currents (Oersted experiment). Lorentz force on a moving charge and on a current-carrying wire. Circular motion of an electric charge in a uniform magnetic field. Torque on a current-carrying coil immersed in a uniform magnetic field. Magnetic dipole moment.
- Biot-Savart law: infinitesimal contribution to the magnetic field generated by a current. Examples: straight wire, circular loop, ideal solenoid. Field distribution and orientation.
- Electromagnetic induction: variation of magnetic flux and generation of electromotive force. Faraday-Neumann-Lenz law. Eddy currents and their direction.
- Applications: cell membrane potentials, depolarization and repolarization of cell membranes.
Teaching Unit 7. Electromagnetic Radiation (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.5)
Describe and interpret elements of electromagnetic radiation. Understand the effects of radiation. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to the elements of electromagnetic radiation:
- Electromagnetic radiation: wave nature of electromagnetic waves as a combination of oscillating electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to each other; fundamental characteristics such as wavelength, frequency, speed of propagation in vacuum and in material media, amplitude and intensity of the wave. Relationship between wave intensity and the amount of energy transported. Main units of measurement.
- Spectrum of electromagnetic radiation: division of the spectrum into regions (radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays), in order of increasing frequency and decreasing wavelength.
- Quantization of energy: concept of photon as a quantum of energy associated with radiation; relationship between photon energy and frequency. Interpretation of the photoelectric effect and implications for the quantum nature of radiation. Selective absorption of photons by biological molecules.
- Radioactivity and radioactive decays: definition of an unstable nucleus, concept of radioactive isotopes. Main types of decay (alpha, beta, gamma) and associated nuclear transformations.
- Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation: distinction based on the energy carried by radiation versus the ionization energy of atoms. Examples of non-ionizing radiation (radio waves, microwaves, infrared) and ionizing radiation (X-rays, gamma rays).
- Optics: laws of reflection and refraction of light, concept of refractive index, phenomenon of dispersion. Properties of thin lenses: converging and diverging lenses, formation of real and virtual images. Examples: the microscope.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology is required that meets the preparation promoted by the educational institutions that organize educational and teaching activities consistent with the national guidelines for high schools and with the guidelines for technical institutes and professional institutes.
Books
Used textbook:
R. A. Serway, J. W. Jewett Jr - Fondamenti di fisica – Edises
D. C. Giancoli - Fisica con fisica moderna - Casa Ed. Ambrosiana - Zanichelli
J. S. Walker – Fondamenti di Fisica – Pearson
A. Alessandrini - Fisica per le scienze della vita - Casa Ed. Ambrosiana – Zanichelli
D. Scannicchio - Fisica Generale e Biomedica – Edises
Teaching mode
Lectures with exercises and numerical examples.
Lectures will be carried out in person (traditional modality).
In the event that, due to the pandemic emergency, it is not possible to carry out lessons in person, the course modality will be of the blended or remote type depending on the regulatory provisions.
Frequency
Attendance is compulsory until reaching more than 67% of the class hours.
Exam mode
According to Ministerial Decree 418, the exams for each course are held in two sessions, at least 15 days apart, on the dates established annually by a specific ministerial provision. The exams are held on the same day and time at all universities offering the filter semester.
Furthermore, each exam consists of thirty-one (31) questions, structured as follows:
- fifteen (15) multiple-choice questions;
- sixteen (16) fill-in-the-blank questions.
For each multiple-choice question, students have five answer options, only one of which is correct.
For fill-in-the-blank questions, students have a blank space in which to insert the missing word. Only one word is correct.
Bibliography
Other recommended textbooks:
D. Scannicchio, Fisica Biomedica , Edises
J.R. Gordon R.V. McGrew R.A. Serway J.W. Jewett Jr, Esercizi di Fisica, Edises
R. Davidson, Metodi matematici per un corso introduttivo di fisica, Edises
G. Bellini, R. Cerbino, G. Manuzio, F. Marzari, L. Repetto, L. Zennaro, Fisica per Medicina con applicazioni fisiologiche, diagnostiche e terapeutiche, Piccin
R. Knight, B. Jones, S. Field, Fondamenti di Fisica - un approccio strategico, Piccin
L. Nitti, R. Tommasi, FISICA, 2000 quiz a scelta multipla per le scienze biomediche, Zanichelli
Lesson mode
Lectures with exercises and numerical examples.
Lessons will be held both in person and online (blended mode).
The explanation of the theory lessons and the carrying out of exercises follow the syllabus program and will be on a classic blackboard, interactive multimedia blackboard, tablet with projection in the classroom, or through presentations.
MAURO MIGLIORATI
Lecturers' profile
Channel 4
GIULIO CARACCIOLO
Lecturers' profile
Program - Frequency - Exams
Course program
Teaching Unit 1. Introduction to Physics Methods (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.25)
Interpret basic mathematics and physics (graphs and formulas). Solve operations between vectors; perform unit conversions:
- Scientific notation;
- Physical quantities, dimensions and units of measurement, International System of Units. Conversions between units of measurement and order of magnitude estimation. Extensive and intensive quantities. Scalar and vector quantities.
- Equations with variables representing physical quantities;
- Elementary trigonometric functions; graphs; concepts of derivative and integral.
- Vectors: definition, components, operations (examples: sum, difference, scalar product, and cross product).
Teaching Unit 2. Mechanics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1.5)
Describe and interpret elements of mechanics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to mechanics:
- Kinematics of a particle: definition of position and displacement over time. Concept of trajectory and time law. Distinction between average velocity and instantaneous velocity, average acceleration and instantaneous acceleration. Study of rectilinear and curvilinear motion, with significant examples: uniform rectilinear motion, uniformly accelerated motion, free fall, parabolic motion. Qualitative description of uniform circular motion and the concept of centripetal acceleration. Introduction to harmonic motion, useful for understanding simple periodic phenomena.
- Dynamics of a particle: analysis of interactions between bodies and formulation of the three laws of dynamics. Physical meaning of the law of inertia and conditions for static equilibrium (first law). Relationship between resultant force and acceleration (second law). Action and reaction between interacting bodies (third law). Application to the concepts of translational equilibrium. Definition of force and key examples: weight, gravitational force, contact forces and frictional forces (static and dynamic), tension, spring forces, and Hooke's law for ideal springs.
- Work and energy: Concept of mechanical work as the effect of a force applied to a body. Definition of power and its relationship to the work done over a time interval. Kinetic energy theorem. Work and comparison between conservative and non-conservative forces. Definition of potential energy. Examples: gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy. Mechanical energy as the sum of kinetic and potential energy. Conservation of mechanical energy theorem in ideal systems.
- Momentum: Introduction to the concepts of momentum and impulse. Relationship between impulse and change in momentum. Principle of conservation of momentum in isolated systems. Applications to one-dimensional collisions, distinguishing between elastic and inelastic collisions.
- Systems of bodies: Definition of the center of mass and description of its motion. Characteristics of a rigid body. Torque and conditions for rotational equilibrium. Moment of inertia as a measure of resistance to rotation. Angular momentum and its conservation in the absence of external moments. Application examples: levers. Deformable bodies: introduction to the concepts of elasticity, stress and strain, generalized Hooke's law, Young's modulus, and the ultimate tensile strength of materials.
Teaching Unit 3. Fluid Mechanics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1)
Describe and interpret elements of fluid mechanics. Relate the principles of fluid dynamics to physiological flows, resistances, and pressures in biological systems. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to fluid mechanics:
- States of matter: fundamental characteristics of fluids compared to solids. Definition of pressure and density, and their role in the static and dynamic behavior of fluids.
- Laws of hydrostatics: Stevino’s law for pressure in liquids as a function of depth; Pascal's principle for the transmission of pressure in incompressible fluids; Archimedes' principle for the buoyancy exerted by a fluid on a submerged body. Analysis of buoyancy conditions. Instruments and methods for measuring pressure (Torricelli's experiment, manometer).
- Fluids in motion (hydrodynamics): concepts of flow and flow rate, distinction between steady and turbulent flow, with particular attention to laminar flow. Continuity equation and conservation of mass in ideal fluids. Bernoulli's theorem and its interpretation in terms of conservation of mechanical energy. Torricelli's theorem. Applications to physiological situations (stenosis and aneurysm).
- Real fluids and viscosity: analysis of laminar flow, parabolic velocity profile, concept of velocity gradient. Poiseuille's law and hydraulic resistances in series and parallel.
- Surface phenomena: surface tension and its effects on small quantities of liquid. Capillary phenomena and the behavior of fluid interfaces, both flat and curved. Curvature pressure and its qualitative description using Laplace's law, with reference to phenomena observable in biological contexts (e.g., in the lungs or blood capillaries).
Teaching Unit 4. Mechanical Waves (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.5)
Describe and interpret elements of mechanical waves. Correlate wave phenomena in acoustics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to mechanical waves:
- Mechanical waves: Introduction to the nature of mechanical waves as phenomena involving the propagation of energy and disturbances through a material medium. The concept of the harmonic oscillator as a basic model for wave generation. Definition of frequency, period, and wavelength. Wave propagation speed and relationship between wave parameters. Propagation equation for simple harmonic waves. Description of the wave vector. Examples of one-dimensional waves: transverse waves on a string and longitudinal waves, such as sound waves in fluids.
- Principles of superposition and interference: Linear superposition of harmonic waves and the formation of constructive and destructive interference. Standing waves: Conditions for formation and physical significance.
- Energy transported by waves: Concept of energy associated with a mechanical wave. Power transported by a wave in an elastic medium. Wave intensity as a measurable physical quantity, related to the energy transported per unit area and time.
- Acoustic waves: Propagation of sound in different material media, with particular attention to the speed of sound in air and other materials. Relationship between acoustic intensity and sound perception. Definition of sound intensity level in decibels. Concept of hearing threshold and limits of audibility of the human ear.
- Doppler effect: Qualitative description and interpretation of the apparent change in perceived frequency as a function of the relative motion between source and observer.
Teaching Unit 5. Thermodynamics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1)
Describe and interpret elements of thermodynamics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to thermodynamics:
- Fundamental concepts: definition of system and environment. Thermodynamic variables (pressure, volume, temperature) and thermodynamic state. Thermodynamics state functions. Temperature and its scales. Characteristics of ideal gases, ideal gas law, universal gas constant. Real gases: concept of critical temperature and deviations from ideal behavior. Internal energy and microscopic interpretation based on the kinetic theory of gases.
- Heat and heat capacity: energy exchange in the form of heat. Definition of heat capacity and specific heat, with reference to ideal gases. Phenomena of change of physical state (fusion, evaporation, condensation), latent heat. Calorimetry and experimental methods for measuring heat exchange.
- Heat transfer mechanisms: thermal conduction, convection, and radiation. Heat flow. Thermal emission, Wien's law, and radiated power. Examples of heat transfer.
- First law of thermodynamics: definition and physical significance. Internal energy, heat, and work. Application of the first law to thermodynamic processes. Reversible and irreversible processes. Canonical processes in ideal gases: isothermal, isochoric, isobaric, adiabatic, with a qualitative comparison of their behaviors.
- Second law of thermodynamics: fundamental statements and the concept of irreversibility. Thermodynamic cycles: definition and operation. Heat engines, efficiency, the Carnot cycle. Entropy as a function of state, macroscopic implications, and statistical interpretation. Relationship between entropy changes and the natural direction of thermodynamic processes.
Teaching Unit 6. Electricity and Magnetism (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1.25)
Describe and interpret basic elements of electricity and magnetism. Understand electrical and magnetic phenomena. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to basic elements of electricity and magnetism:
- Electric charge and interactions: fundamental properties of electric charge, units of measurement, conservation of charge. Interaction between point charges and Coulomb's law. Definition of electric field and representation using lines of force. Field generated by a point charge or a distribution of multiple point charges. Motion of a charge in a uniform electric field.
- Gauss's law: flux of the electric field through a closed surface. Applications to symmetric charge distributions: conducting sphere, uniformly charged plane, charged wire in electrostatic equilibrium.
- Energy and electric potential: potential energy associated with a distribution of charges. Definition of electric potential and potential difference. Conservation of energy for a charge moving in an electric field. Electric dipole and dipole moment.
- Conductors and dielectrics (insulators): electrostatic induction and polarization phenomena.
- Electric current: direct current, current intensity, electric source, and applied potential difference. Conduction in ohmic conductors. Ohm's law, resistance and resistivity of materials. Electrical power dissipated by the Joule effect. Combination of resistors in series and in parallel.
- Capacitance and capacitors: concept of electrical capacitance. Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor, effect of the presence of a dielectric. Energy stored in a charged capacitor. Connections of capacitors in series and in parallel. Charging and discharging of a capacitor over time.
- Magnetic field: origin of the magnetic field from electric currents (Oersted experiment). Lorentz force on a moving charge and on a current-carrying wire. Circular motion of an electric charge in a uniform magnetic field. Torque on a current-carrying coil immersed in a uniform magnetic field. Magnetic dipole moment.
- Biot-Savart law: infinitesimal contribution to the magnetic field generated by a current. Examples: straight wire, circular loop, ideal solenoid. Field distribution and orientation.
- Electromagnetic induction: variation of magnetic flux and generation of electromotive force. Faraday-Neumann-Lenz law. Eddy currents and their direction.
- Applications: cell membrane potentials, depolarization and repolarization of cell membranes.
Teaching Unit 7. Electromagnetic Radiation (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.5)
Describe and interpret elements of electromagnetic radiation. Understand the effects of radiation. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to the elements of electromagnetic radiation:
- Electromagnetic radiation: wave nature of electromagnetic waves as a combination of oscillating electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to each other; fundamental characteristics such as wavelength, frequency, speed of propagation in vacuum and in material media, amplitude and intensity of the wave. Relationship between wave intensity and the amount of energy transported. Main units of measurement.
- Spectrum of electromagnetic radiation: division of the spectrum into regions (radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays), in order of increasing frequency and decreasing wavelength.
- Quantization of energy: concept of photon as a quantum of energy associated with radiation; relationship between photon energy and frequency. Interpretation of the photoelectric effect and implications for the quantum nature of radiation. Selective absorption of photons by biological molecules.
- Radioactivity and radioactive decays: definition of an unstable nucleus, concept of radioactive isotopes. Main types of decay (alpha, beta, gamma) and associated nuclear transformations.
- Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation: distinction based on the energy carried by radiation versus the ionization energy of atoms. Examples of non-ionizing radiation (radio waves, microwaves, infrared) and ionizing radiation (X-rays, gamma rays).
- Optics: laws of reflection and refraction of light, concept of refractive index, phenomenon of dispersion. Properties of thin lenses: converging and diverging lenses, formation of real and virtual images. Examples: the microscope.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology is required that meets the preparation promoted by the educational institutions that organize educational and teaching activities consistent with the national guidelines for high schools and with the guidelines for technical institutes and professional institutes.
Books
Used textbook:
R. A. Serway, J. W. Jewett Jr - Fondamenti di fisica – Edises
D. C. Giancoli - Fisica con fisica moderna - Casa Ed. Ambrosiana - Zanichelli
J. S. Walker – Fondamenti di Fisica – Pearson
A. Alessandrini - Fisica per le scienze della vita - Casa Ed. Ambrosiana – Zanichelli
D. Scannicchio - Fisica Generale e Biomedica – Edises
Teaching mode
Lectures with exercises and numerical examples.
Lectures will be carried out in person (traditional modality).
In the event that, due to the pandemic emergency, it is not possible to carry out lessons in person, the course modality will be of the blended or remote type depending on the regulatory provisions.
Frequency
Attendance is compulsory until reaching more than 67% of the class hours.
Exam mode
According to Ministerial Decree 418, the exams for each course are held in two sessions, at least 15 days apart, on the dates established annually by a specific ministerial provision. The exams are held on the same day and time at all universities offering the filter semester.
Furthermore, each exam consists of thirty-one (31) questions, structured as follows:
- fifteen (15) multiple-choice questions;
- sixteen (16) fill-in-the-blank questions.
For each multiple-choice question, students have five answer options, only one of which is correct.
For fill-in-the-blank questions, students have a blank space in which to insert the missing word. Only one word is correct.
Bibliography
Other recommended textbooks:
D. Scannicchio, Fisica Biomedica , Edises
J.R. Gordon R.V. McGrew R.A. Serway J.W. Jewett Jr, Esercizi di Fisica, Edises
R. Davidson, Metodi matematici per un corso introduttivo di fisica, Edises
G. Bellini, R. Cerbino, G. Manuzio, F. Marzari, L. Repetto, L. Zennaro, Fisica per Medicina con applicazioni fisiologiche, diagnostiche e terapeutiche, Piccin
R. Knight, B. Jones, S. Field, Fondamenti di Fisica - un approccio strategico, Piccin
L. Nitti, R. Tommasi, FISICA, 2000 quiz a scelta multipla per le scienze biomediche, Zanichelli
Lesson mode
Lectures with exercises and numerical examples.
Lessons will be held both in person and online (blended mode).
The explanation of the theory lessons and the carrying out of exercises follow the syllabus program and will be on a classic blackboard, interactive multimedia blackboard, tablet with projection in the classroom, or through presentations.
GIULIO CARACCIOLO
Lecturers' profile
LUCA DIGIACOMO
Lecturers' profile
Program - Frequency - Exams
Course program
Teaching Unit 1. Introduction to Physics Methods (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.25)
Interpret basic mathematics and physics (graphs and formulas). Solve operations between vectors; perform unit conversions:
- Scientific notation;
- Physical quantities, dimensions and units of measurement, International System of Units. Conversions between units of measurement and order of magnitude estimation. Extensive and intensive quantities. Scalar and vector quantities.
- Equations with variables representing physical quantities;
- Elementary trigonometric functions; graphs; concepts of derivative and integral.
- Vectors: definition, components, operations (examples: sum, difference, scalar product, and cross product).
Teaching Unit 2. Mechanics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1.5)
Describe and interpret elements of mechanics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to mechanics:
- Kinematics of a particle: definition of position and displacement over time. Concept of trajectory and time law. Distinction between average velocity and instantaneous velocity, average acceleration and instantaneous acceleration. Study of rectilinear and curvilinear motion, with significant examples: uniform rectilinear motion, uniformly accelerated motion, free fall, parabolic motion. Qualitative description of uniform circular motion and the concept of centripetal acceleration. Introduction to harmonic motion, useful for understanding simple periodic phenomena.
- Dynamics of a particle: analysis of interactions between bodies and formulation of the three laws of dynamics. Physical meaning of the law of inertia and conditions for static equilibrium (first law). Relationship between resultant force and acceleration (second law). Action and reaction between interacting bodies (third law). Application to the concepts of translational equilibrium. Definition of force and key examples: weight, gravitational force, contact forces and frictional forces (static and dynamic), tension, spring forces, and Hooke's law for ideal springs.
- Work and energy: Concept of mechanical work as the effect of a force applied to a body. Definition of power and its relationship to the work done over a time interval. Kinetic energy theorem. Work and comparison between conservative and non-conservative forces. Definition of potential energy. Examples: gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy. Mechanical energy as the sum of kinetic and potential energy. Conservation of mechanical energy theorem in ideal systems.
- Momentum: Introduction to the concepts of momentum and impulse. Relationship between impulse and change in momentum. Principle of conservation of momentum in isolated systems. Applications to one-dimensional collisions, distinguishing between elastic and inelastic collisions.
- Systems of bodies: Definition of the center of mass and description of its motion. Characteristics of a rigid body. Torque and conditions for rotational equilibrium. Moment of inertia as a measure of resistance to rotation. Angular momentum and its conservation in the absence of external moments. Application examples: levers. Deformable bodies: introduction to the concepts of elasticity, stress and strain, generalized Hooke's law, Young's modulus, and the ultimate tensile strength of materials.
Teaching Unit 3. Fluid Mechanics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1)
Describe and interpret elements of fluid mechanics. Relate the principles of fluid dynamics to physiological flows, resistances, and pressures in biological systems. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to fluid mechanics:
- States of matter: fundamental characteristics of fluids compared to solids. Definition of pressure and density, and their role in the static and dynamic behavior of fluids.
- Laws of hydrostatics: Stevino’s law for pressure in liquids as a function of depth; Pascal's principle for the transmission of pressure in incompressible fluids; Archimedes' principle for the buoyancy exerted by a fluid on a submerged body. Analysis of buoyancy conditions. Instruments and methods for measuring pressure (Torricelli's experiment, manometer).
- Fluids in motion (hydrodynamics): concepts of flow and flow rate, distinction between steady and turbulent flow, with particular attention to laminar flow. Continuity equation and conservation of mass in ideal fluids. Bernoulli's theorem and its interpretation in terms of conservation of mechanical energy. Torricelli's theorem. Applications to physiological situations (stenosis and aneurysm).
- Real fluids and viscosity: analysis of laminar flow, parabolic velocity profile, concept of velocity gradient. Poiseuille's law and hydraulic resistances in series and parallel.
- Surface phenomena: surface tension and its effects on small quantities of liquid. Capillary phenomena and the behavior of fluid interfaces, both flat and curved. Curvature pressure and its qualitative description using Laplace's law, with reference to phenomena observable in biological contexts (e.g., in the lungs or blood capillaries).
Teaching Unit 4. Mechanical Waves (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.5)
Describe and interpret elements of mechanical waves. Correlate wave phenomena in acoustics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to mechanical waves:
- Mechanical waves: Introduction to the nature of mechanical waves as phenomena involving the propagation of energy and disturbances through a material medium. The concept of the harmonic oscillator as a basic model for wave generation. Definition of frequency, period, and wavelength. Wave propagation speed and relationship between wave parameters. Propagation equation for simple harmonic waves. Description of the wave vector. Examples of one-dimensional waves: transverse waves on a string and longitudinal waves, such as sound waves in fluids.
- Principles of superposition and interference: Linear superposition of harmonic waves and the formation of constructive and destructive interference. Standing waves: Conditions for formation and physical significance.
- Energy transported by waves: Concept of energy associated with a mechanical wave. Power transported by a wave in an elastic medium. Wave intensity as a measurable physical quantity, related to the energy transported per unit area and time.
- Acoustic waves: Propagation of sound in different material media, with particular attention to the speed of sound in air and other materials. Relationship between acoustic intensity and sound perception. Definition of sound intensity level in decibels. Concept of hearing threshold and limits of audibility of the human ear.
- Doppler effect: Qualitative description and interpretation of the apparent change in perceived frequency as a function of the relative motion between source and observer.
Teaching Unit 5. Thermodynamics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1)
Describe and interpret elements of thermodynamics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to thermodynamics:
- Fundamental concepts: definition of system and environment. Thermodynamic variables (pressure, volume, temperature) and thermodynamic state. Thermodynamics state functions. Temperature and its scales. Characteristics of ideal gases, ideal gas law, universal gas constant. Real gases: concept of critical temperature and deviations from ideal behavior. Internal energy and microscopic interpretation based on the kinetic theory of gases.
- Heat and heat capacity: energy exchange in the form of heat. Definition of heat capacity and specific heat, with reference to ideal gases. Phenomena of change of physical state (fusion, evaporation, condensation), latent heat. Calorimetry and experimental methods for measuring heat exchange.
- Heat transfer mechanisms: thermal conduction, convection, and radiation. Heat flow. Thermal emission, Wien's law, and radiated power. Examples of heat transfer.
- First law of thermodynamics: definition and physical significance. Internal energy, heat, and work. Application of the first law to thermodynamic processes. Reversible and irreversible processes. Canonical processes in ideal gases: isothermal, isochoric, isobaric, adiabatic, with a qualitative comparison of their behaviors.
- Second law of thermodynamics: fundamental statements and the concept of irreversibility. Thermodynamic cycles: definition and operation. Heat engines, efficiency, the Carnot cycle. Entropy as a function of state, macroscopic implications, and statistical interpretation. Relationship between entropy changes and the natural direction of thermodynamic processes.
Teaching Unit 6. Electricity and Magnetism (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1.25)
Describe and interpret basic elements of electricity and magnetism. Understand electrical and magnetic phenomena. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to basic elements of electricity and magnetism:
- Electric charge and interactions: fundamental properties of electric charge, units of measurement, conservation of charge. Interaction between point charges and Coulomb's law. Definition of electric field and representation using lines of force. Field generated by a point charge or a distribution of multiple point charges. Motion of a charge in a uniform electric field.
- Gauss's law: flux of the electric field through a closed surface. Applications to symmetric charge distributions: conducting sphere, uniformly charged plane, charged wire in electrostatic equilibrium.
- Energy and electric potential: potential energy associated with a distribution of charges. Definition of electric potential and potential difference. Conservation of energy for a charge moving in an electric field. Electric dipole and dipole moment.
- Conductors and dielectrics (insulators): electrostatic induction and polarization phenomena.
- Electric current: direct current, current intensity, electric source, and applied potential difference. Conduction in ohmic conductors. Ohm's law, resistance and resistivity of materials. Electrical power dissipated by the Joule effect. Combination of resistors in series and in parallel.
- Capacitance and capacitors: concept of electrical capacitance. Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor, effect of the presence of a dielectric. Energy stored in a charged capacitor. Connections of capacitors in series and in parallel. Charging and discharging of a capacitor over time.
- Magnetic field: origin of the magnetic field from electric currents (Oersted experiment). Lorentz force on a moving charge and on a current-carrying wire. Circular motion of an electric charge in a uniform magnetic field. Torque on a current-carrying coil immersed in a uniform magnetic field. Magnetic dipole moment.
- Biot-Savart law: infinitesimal contribution to the magnetic field generated by a current. Examples: straight wire, circular loop, ideal solenoid. Field distribution and orientation.
- Electromagnetic induction: variation of magnetic flux and generation of electromotive force. Faraday-Neumann-Lenz law. Eddy currents and their direction.
- Applications: cell membrane potentials, depolarization and repolarization of cell membranes.
Teaching Unit 7. Electromagnetic Radiation (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.5)
Describe and interpret elements of electromagnetic radiation. Understand the effects of radiation. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to the elements of electromagnetic radiation:
- Electromagnetic radiation: wave nature of electromagnetic waves as a combination of oscillating electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to each other; fundamental characteristics such as wavelength, frequency, speed of propagation in vacuum and in material media, amplitude and intensity of the wave. Relationship between wave intensity and the amount of energy transported. Main units of measurement.
- Spectrum of electromagnetic radiation: division of the spectrum into regions (radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays), in order of increasing frequency and decreasing wavelength.
- Quantization of energy: concept of photon as a quantum of energy associated with radiation; relationship between photon energy and frequency. Interpretation of the photoelectric effect and implications for the quantum nature of radiation. Selective absorption of photons by biological molecules.
- Radioactivity and radioactive decays: definition of an unstable nucleus, concept of radioactive isotopes. Main types of decay (alpha, beta, gamma) and associated nuclear transformations.
- Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation: distinction based on the energy carried by radiation versus the ionization energy of atoms. Examples of non-ionizing radiation (radio waves, microwaves, infrared) and ionizing radiation (X-rays, gamma rays).
- Optics: laws of reflection and refraction of light, concept of refractive index, phenomenon of dispersion. Properties of thin lenses: converging and diverging lenses, formation of real and virtual images. Examples: the microscope.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology is required that meets the preparation promoted by the educational institutions that organize educational and teaching activities consistent with the national guidelines for high schools and with the guidelines for technical institutes and professional institutes.
Books
Used textbook:
R. A. Serway, J. W. Jewett Jr - Fondamenti di fisica – Edises
D. C. Giancoli - Fisica con fisica moderna - Casa Ed. Ambrosiana - Zanichelli
J. S. Walker – Fondamenti di Fisica – Pearson
A. Alessandrini - Fisica per le scienze della vita - Casa Ed. Ambrosiana – Zanichelli
D. Scannicchio - Fisica Generale e Biomedica – Edises
Teaching mode
Lectures with exercises and numerical examples.
Lectures will be carried out in person (traditional modality).
In the event that, due to the pandemic emergency, it is not possible to carry out lessons in person, the course modality will be of the blended or remote type depending on the regulatory provisions.
Frequency
Attendance is compulsory until reaching more than 67% of the class hours.
Exam mode
According to Ministerial Decree 418, the exams for each course are held in two sessions, at least 15 days apart, on the dates established annually by a specific ministerial provision. The exams are held on the same day and time at all universities offering the filter semester.
Furthermore, each exam consists of thirty-one (31) questions, structured as follows:
- fifteen (15) multiple-choice questions;
- sixteen (16) fill-in-the-blank questions.
For each multiple-choice question, students have five answer options, only one of which is correct.
For fill-in-the-blank questions, students have a blank space in which to insert the missing word. Only one word is correct.
Bibliography
Other recommended textbooks:
D. Scannicchio, Fisica Biomedica , Edises
J.R. Gordon R.V. McGrew R.A. Serway J.W. Jewett Jr, Esercizi di Fisica, Edises
R. Davidson, Metodi matematici per un corso introduttivo di fisica, Edises
G. Bellini, R. Cerbino, G. Manuzio, F. Marzari, L. Repetto, L. Zennaro, Fisica per Medicina con applicazioni fisiologiche, diagnostiche e terapeutiche, Piccin
R. Knight, B. Jones, S. Field, Fondamenti di Fisica - un approccio strategico, Piccin
L. Nitti, R. Tommasi, FISICA, 2000 quiz a scelta multipla per le scienze biomediche, Zanichelli
Lesson mode
Lectures with exercises and numerical examples.
Lessons will be held both in person and online (blended mode).
The explanation of the theory lessons and the carrying out of exercises follow the syllabus program and will be on a classic blackboard, interactive multimedia blackboard, tablet with projection in the classroom, or through presentations.
LUCA DIGIACOMO
Lecturers' profile
Channel 5
DANIELA POZZI
Lecturers' profile
Program - Frequency - Exams
Course program
Teaching Unit 1. Introduction to Physics Methods (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.25)
Interpret basic mathematics and physics (graphs and formulas). Solve operations between vectors; perform unit conversions:
- Scientific notation;
- Physical quantities, dimensions and units of measurement, International System of Units. Conversions between units of measurement and order of magnitude estimation. Extensive and intensive quantities. Scalar and vector quantities.
- Equations with variables representing physical quantities;
- Elementary trigonometric functions; graphs; concepts of derivative and integral.
- Vectors: definition, components, operations (examples: sum, difference, scalar product, and cross product).
Teaching Unit 2. Mechanics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1.5)
Describe and interpret elements of mechanics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to mechanics:
- Kinematics of a particle: definition of position and displacement over time. Concept of trajectory and time law. Distinction between average velocity and instantaneous velocity, average acceleration and instantaneous acceleration. Study of rectilinear and curvilinear motion, with significant examples: uniform rectilinear motion, uniformly accelerated motion, free fall, parabolic motion. Qualitative description of uniform circular motion and the concept of centripetal acceleration. Introduction to harmonic motion, useful for understanding simple periodic phenomena.
- Dynamics of a particle: analysis of interactions between bodies and formulation of the three laws of dynamics. Physical meaning of the law of inertia and conditions for static equilibrium (first law). Relationship between resultant force and acceleration (second law). Action and reaction between interacting bodies (third law). Application to the concepts of translational equilibrium. Definition of force and key examples: weight, gravitational force, contact forces and frictional forces (static and dynamic), tension, spring forces, and Hooke's law for ideal springs.
- Work and energy: Concept of mechanical work as the effect of a force applied to a body. Definition of power and its relationship to the work done over a time interval. Kinetic energy theorem. Work and comparison between conservative and non-conservative forces. Definition of potential energy. Examples: gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy. Mechanical energy as the sum of kinetic and potential energy. Conservation of mechanical energy theorem in ideal systems.
- Momentum: Introduction to the concepts of momentum and impulse. Relationship between impulse and change in momentum. Principle of conservation of momentum in isolated systems. Applications to one-dimensional collisions, distinguishing between elastic and inelastic collisions.
- Systems of bodies: Definition of the center of mass and description of its motion. Characteristics of a rigid body. Torque and conditions for rotational equilibrium. Moment of inertia as a measure of resistance to rotation. Angular momentum and its conservation in the absence of external moments. Application examples: levers. Deformable bodies: introduction to the concepts of elasticity, stress and strain, generalized Hooke's law, Young's modulus, and the ultimate tensile strength of materials.
Teaching Unit 3. Fluid Mechanics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1)
Describe and interpret elements of fluid mechanics. Relate the principles of fluid dynamics to physiological flows, resistances, and pressures in biological systems. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to fluid mechanics:
- States of matter: fundamental characteristics of fluids compared to solids. Definition of pressure and density, and their role in the static and dynamic behavior of fluids.
- Laws of hydrostatics: Stevino’s law for pressure in liquids as a function of depth; Pascal's principle for the transmission of pressure in incompressible fluids; Archimedes' principle for the buoyancy exerted by a fluid on a submerged body. Analysis of buoyancy conditions. Instruments and methods for measuring pressure (Torricelli's experiment, manometer).
- Fluids in motion (hydrodynamics): concepts of flow and flow rate, distinction between steady and turbulent flow, with particular attention to laminar flow. Continuity equation and conservation of mass in ideal fluids. Bernoulli's theorem and its interpretation in terms of conservation of mechanical energy. Torricelli's theorem. Applications to physiological situations (stenosis and aneurysm).
- Real fluids and viscosity: analysis of laminar flow, parabolic velocity profile, concept of velocity gradient. Poiseuille's law and hydraulic resistances in series and parallel.
- Surface phenomena: surface tension and its effects on small quantities of liquid. Capillary phenomena and the behavior of fluid interfaces, both flat and curved. Curvature pressure and its qualitative description using Laplace's law, with reference to phenomena observable in biological contexts (e.g., in the lungs or blood capillaries).
Teaching Unit 4. Mechanical Waves (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.5)
Describe and interpret elements of mechanical waves. Correlate wave phenomena in acoustics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to mechanical waves:
- Mechanical waves: Introduction to the nature of mechanical waves as phenomena involving the propagation of energy and disturbances through a material medium. The concept of the harmonic oscillator as a basic model for wave generation. Definition of frequency, period, and wavelength. Wave propagation speed and relationship between wave parameters. Propagation equation for simple harmonic waves. Description of the wave vector. Examples of one-dimensional waves: transverse waves on a string and longitudinal waves, such as sound waves in fluids.
- Principles of superposition and interference: Linear superposition of harmonic waves and the formation of constructive and destructive interference. Standing waves: Conditions for formation and physical significance.
- Energy transported by waves: Concept of energy associated with a mechanical wave. Power transported by a wave in an elastic medium. Wave intensity as a measurable physical quantity, related to the energy transported per unit area and time.
- Acoustic waves: Propagation of sound in different material media, with particular attention to the speed of sound in air and other materials. Relationship between acoustic intensity and sound perception. Definition of sound intensity level in decibels. Concept of hearing threshold and limits of audibility of the human ear.
- Doppler effect: Qualitative description and interpretation of the apparent change in perceived frequency as a function of the relative motion between source and observer.
Teaching Unit 5. Thermodynamics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1)
Describe and interpret elements of thermodynamics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to thermodynamics:
- Fundamental concepts: definition of system and environment. Thermodynamic variables (pressure, volume, temperature) and thermodynamic state. Thermodynamics state functions. Temperature and its scales. Characteristics of ideal gases, ideal gas law, universal gas constant. Real gases: concept of critical temperature and deviations from ideal behavior. Internal energy and microscopic interpretation based on the kinetic theory of gases.
- Heat and heat capacity: energy exchange in the form of heat. Definition of heat capacity and specific heat, with reference to ideal gases. Phenomena of change of physical state (fusion, evaporation, condensation), latent heat. Calorimetry and experimental methods for measuring heat exchange.
- Heat transfer mechanisms: thermal conduction, convection, and radiation. Heat flow. Thermal emission, Wien's law, and radiated power. Examples of heat transfer.
- First law of thermodynamics: definition and physical significance. Internal energy, heat, and work. Application of the first law to thermodynamic processes. Reversible and irreversible processes. Canonical processes in ideal gases: isothermal, isochoric, isobaric, adiabatic, with a qualitative comparison of their behaviors.
- Second law of thermodynamics: fundamental statements and the concept of irreversibility. Thermodynamic cycles: definition and operation. Heat engines, efficiency, the Carnot cycle. Entropy as a function of state, macroscopic implications, and statistical interpretation. Relationship between entropy changes and the natural direction of thermodynamic processes.
Teaching Unit 6. Electricity and Magnetism (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1.25)
Describe and interpret basic elements of electricity and magnetism. Understand electrical and magnetic phenomena. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to basic elements of electricity and magnetism:
- Electric charge and interactions: fundamental properties of electric charge, units of measurement, conservation of charge. Interaction between point charges and Coulomb's law. Definition of electric field and representation using lines of force. Field generated by a point charge or a distribution of multiple point charges. Motion of a charge in a uniform electric field.
- Gauss's law: flux of the electric field through a closed surface. Applications to symmetric charge distributions: conducting sphere, uniformly charged plane, charged wire in electrostatic equilibrium.
- Energy and electric potential: potential energy associated with a distribution of charges. Definition of electric potential and potential difference. Conservation of energy for a charge moving in an electric field. Electric dipole and dipole moment.
- Conductors and dielectrics (insulators): electrostatic induction and polarization phenomena.
- Electric current: direct current, current intensity, electric source, and applied potential difference. Conduction in ohmic conductors. Ohm's law, resistance and resistivity of materials. Electrical power dissipated by the Joule effect. Combination of resistors in series and in parallel.
- Capacitance and capacitors: concept of electrical capacitance. Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor, effect of the presence of a dielectric. Energy stored in a charged capacitor. Connections of capacitors in series and in parallel. Charging and discharging of a capacitor over time.
- Magnetic field: origin of the magnetic field from electric currents (Oersted experiment). Lorentz force on a moving charge and on a current-carrying wire. Circular motion of an electric charge in a uniform magnetic field. Torque on a current-carrying coil immersed in a uniform magnetic field. Magnetic dipole moment.
- Biot-Savart law: infinitesimal contribution to the magnetic field generated by a current. Examples: straight wire, circular loop, ideal solenoid. Field distribution and orientation.
- Electromagnetic induction: variation of magnetic flux and generation of electromotive force. Faraday-Neumann-Lenz law. Eddy currents and their direction.
- Applications: cell membrane potentials, depolarization and repolarization of cell membranes.
Teaching Unit 7. Electromagnetic Radiation (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.5)
Describe and interpret elements of electromagnetic radiation. Understand the effects of radiation. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to the elements of electromagnetic radiation:
- Electromagnetic radiation: wave nature of electromagnetic waves as a combination of oscillating electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to each other; fundamental characteristics such as wavelength, frequency, speed of propagation in vacuum and in material media, amplitude and intensity of the wave. Relationship between wave intensity and the amount of energy transported. Main units of measurement.
- Spectrum of electromagnetic radiation: division of the spectrum into regions (radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays), in order of increasing frequency and decreasing wavelength.
- Quantization of energy: concept of photon as a quantum of energy associated with radiation; relationship between photon energy and frequency. Interpretation of the photoelectric effect and implications for the quantum nature of radiation. Selective absorption of photons by biological molecules.
- Radioactivity and radioactive decays: definition of an unstable nucleus, concept of radioactive isotopes. Main types of decay (alpha, beta, gamma) and associated nuclear transformations.
- Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation: distinction based on the energy carried by radiation versus the ionization energy of atoms. Examples of non-ionizing radiation (radio waves, microwaves, infrared) and ionizing radiation (X-rays, gamma rays).
- Optics: laws of reflection and refraction of light, concept of refractive index, phenomenon of dispersion. Properties of thin lenses: converging and diverging lenses, formation of real and virtual images. Examples: the microscope.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology is required that meets the preparation promoted by the educational institutions that organize educational and teaching activities consistent with the national guidelines for high schools and with the guidelines for technical institutes and professional institutes.
Books
Used textbook:
R. A. Serway, J. W. Jewett Jr - Fondamenti di fisica – Edises
D. C. Giancoli - Fisica con fisica moderna - Casa Ed. Ambrosiana - Zanichelli
J. S. Walker – Fondamenti di Fisica – Pearson
A. Alessandrini - Fisica per le scienze della vita - Casa Ed. Ambrosiana – Zanichelli
D. Scannicchio - Fisica Generale e Biomedica – Edises
Teaching mode
Lectures with exercises and numerical examples.
Lectures will be carried out in person (traditional modality).
In the event that, due to the pandemic emergency, it is not possible to carry out lessons in person, the course modality will be of the blended or remote type depending on the regulatory provisions.
Frequency
Attendance is compulsory until reaching more than 67% of the class hours.
Exam mode
According to Ministerial Decree 418, the exams for each course are held in two sessions, at least 15 days apart, on the dates established annually by a specific ministerial provision. The exams are held on the same day and time at all universities offering the filter semester.
Furthermore, each exam consists of thirty-one (31) questions, structured as follows:
- fifteen (15) multiple-choice questions;
- sixteen (16) fill-in-the-blank questions.
For each multiple-choice question, students have five answer options, only one of which is correct.
For fill-in-the-blank questions, students have a blank space in which to insert the missing word. Only one word is correct.
Bibliography
Other recommended textbooks:
D. Scannicchio, Fisica Biomedica , Edises
J.R. Gordon R.V. McGrew R.A. Serway J.W. Jewett Jr, Esercizi di Fisica, Edises
R. Davidson, Metodi matematici per un corso introduttivo di fisica, Edises
G. Bellini, R. Cerbino, G. Manuzio, F. Marzari, L. Repetto, L. Zennaro, Fisica per Medicina con applicazioni fisiologiche, diagnostiche e terapeutiche, Piccin
R. Knight, B. Jones, S. Field, Fondamenti di Fisica - un approccio strategico, Piccin
L. Nitti, R. Tommasi, FISICA, 2000 quiz a scelta multipla per le scienze biomediche, Zanichelli
Lesson mode
Lectures with exercises and numerical examples.
Lessons will be held both in person and online (blended mode).
The explanation of the theory lessons and the carrying out of exercises follow the syllabus program and will be on a classic blackboard, interactive multimedia blackboard, tablet with projection in the classroom, or through presentations.
DANIELA POZZI
Lecturers' profile
Channel 6
DANIELA POZZI
Lecturers' profile
Program - Frequency - Exams
Course program
Teaching Unit 1. Introduction to Physics Methods (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.25)
Interpret basic mathematics and physics (graphs and formulas). Solve operations between vectors; perform unit conversions:
- Scientific notation;
- Physical quantities, dimensions and units of measurement, International System of Units. Conversions between units of measurement and order of magnitude estimation. Extensive and intensive quantities. Scalar and vector quantities.
- Equations with variables representing physical quantities;
- Elementary trigonometric functions; graphs; concepts of derivative and integral.
- Vectors: definition, components, operations (examples: sum, difference, scalar product, and cross product).
Teaching Unit 2. Mechanics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1.5)
Describe and interpret elements of mechanics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to mechanics:
- Kinematics of a particle: definition of position and displacement over time. Concept of trajectory and time law. Distinction between average velocity and instantaneous velocity, average acceleration and instantaneous acceleration. Study of rectilinear and curvilinear motion, with significant examples: uniform rectilinear motion, uniformly accelerated motion, free fall, parabolic motion. Qualitative description of uniform circular motion and the concept of centripetal acceleration. Introduction to harmonic motion, useful for understanding simple periodic phenomena.
- Dynamics of a particle: analysis of interactions between bodies and formulation of the three laws of dynamics. Physical meaning of the law of inertia and conditions for static equilibrium (first law). Relationship between resultant force and acceleration (second law). Action and reaction between interacting bodies (third law). Application to the concepts of translational equilibrium. Definition of force and key examples: weight, gravitational force, contact forces and frictional forces (static and dynamic), tension, spring forces, and Hooke's law for ideal springs.
- Work and energy: Concept of mechanical work as the effect of a force applied to a body. Definition of power and its relationship to the work done over a time interval. Kinetic energy theorem. Work and comparison between conservative and non-conservative forces. Definition of potential energy. Examples: gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy. Mechanical energy as the sum of kinetic and potential energy. Conservation of mechanical energy theorem in ideal systems.
- Momentum: Introduction to the concepts of momentum and impulse. Relationship between impulse and change in momentum. Principle of conservation of momentum in isolated systems. Applications to one-dimensional collisions, distinguishing between elastic and inelastic collisions.
- Systems of bodies: Definition of the center of mass and description of its motion. Characteristics of a rigid body. Torque and conditions for rotational equilibrium. Moment of inertia as a measure of resistance to rotation. Angular momentum and its conservation in the absence of external moments. Application examples: levers. Deformable bodies: introduction to the concepts of elasticity, stress and strain, generalized Hooke's law, Young's modulus, and the ultimate tensile strength of materials.
Teaching Unit 3. Fluid Mechanics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1)
Describe and interpret elements of fluid mechanics. Relate the principles of fluid dynamics to physiological flows, resistances, and pressures in biological systems. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to fluid mechanics:
- States of matter: fundamental characteristics of fluids compared to solids. Definition of pressure and density, and their role in the static and dynamic behavior of fluids.
- Laws of hydrostatics: Stevino’s law for pressure in liquids as a function of depth; Pascal's principle for the transmission of pressure in incompressible fluids; Archimedes' principle for the buoyancy exerted by a fluid on a submerged body. Analysis of buoyancy conditions. Instruments and methods for measuring pressure (Torricelli's experiment, manometer).
- Fluids in motion (hydrodynamics): concepts of flow and flow rate, distinction between steady and turbulent flow, with particular attention to laminar flow. Continuity equation and conservation of mass in ideal fluids. Bernoulli's theorem and its interpretation in terms of conservation of mechanical energy. Torricelli's theorem. Applications to physiological situations (stenosis and aneurysm).
- Real fluids and viscosity: analysis of laminar flow, parabolic velocity profile, concept of velocity gradient. Poiseuille's law and hydraulic resistances in series and parallel.
- Surface phenomena: surface tension and its effects on small quantities of liquid. Capillary phenomena and the behavior of fluid interfaces, both flat and curved. Curvature pressure and its qualitative description using Laplace's law, with reference to phenomena observable in biological contexts (e.g., in the lungs or blood capillaries).
Teaching Unit 4. Mechanical Waves (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.5)
Describe and interpret elements of mechanical waves. Correlate wave phenomena in acoustics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to mechanical waves:
- Mechanical waves: Introduction to the nature of mechanical waves as phenomena involving the propagation of energy and disturbances through a material medium. The concept of the harmonic oscillator as a basic model for wave generation. Definition of frequency, period, and wavelength. Wave propagation speed and relationship between wave parameters. Propagation equation for simple harmonic waves. Description of the wave vector. Examples of one-dimensional waves: transverse waves on a string and longitudinal waves, such as sound waves in fluids.
- Principles of superposition and interference: Linear superposition of harmonic waves and the formation of constructive and destructive interference. Standing waves: Conditions for formation and physical significance.
- Energy transported by waves: Concept of energy associated with a mechanical wave. Power transported by a wave in an elastic medium. Wave intensity as a measurable physical quantity, related to the energy transported per unit area and time.
- Acoustic waves: Propagation of sound in different material media, with particular attention to the speed of sound in air and other materials. Relationship between acoustic intensity and sound perception. Definition of sound intensity level in decibels. Concept of hearing threshold and limits of audibility of the human ear.
- Doppler effect: Qualitative description and interpretation of the apparent change in perceived frequency as a function of the relative motion between source and observer.
Teaching Unit 5. Thermodynamics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1)
Describe and interpret elements of thermodynamics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to thermodynamics:
- Fundamental concepts: definition of system and environment. Thermodynamic variables (pressure, volume, temperature) and thermodynamic state. Thermodynamics state functions. Temperature and its scales. Characteristics of ideal gases, ideal gas law, universal gas constant. Real gases: concept of critical temperature and deviations from ideal behavior. Internal energy and microscopic interpretation based on the kinetic theory of gases.
- Heat and heat capacity: energy exchange in the form of heat. Definition of heat capacity and specific heat, with reference to ideal gases. Phenomena of change of physical state (fusion, evaporation, condensation), latent heat. Calorimetry and experimental methods for measuring heat exchange.
- Heat transfer mechanisms: thermal conduction, convection, and radiation. Heat flow. Thermal emission, Wien's law, and radiated power. Examples of heat transfer.
- First law of thermodynamics: definition and physical significance. Internal energy, heat, and work. Application of the first law to thermodynamic processes. Reversible and irreversible processes. Canonical processes in ideal gases: isothermal, isochoric, isobaric, adiabatic, with a qualitative comparison of their behaviors.
- Second law of thermodynamics: fundamental statements and the concept of irreversibility. Thermodynamic cycles: definition and operation. Heat engines, efficiency, the Carnot cycle. Entropy as a function of state, macroscopic implications, and statistical interpretation. Relationship between entropy changes and the natural direction of thermodynamic processes.
Teaching Unit 6. Electricity and Magnetism (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1.25)
Describe and interpret basic elements of electricity and magnetism. Understand electrical and magnetic phenomena. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to basic elements of electricity and magnetism:
- Electric charge and interactions: fundamental properties of electric charge, units of measurement, conservation of charge. Interaction between point charges and Coulomb's law. Definition of electric field and representation using lines of force. Field generated by a point charge or a distribution of multiple point charges. Motion of a charge in a uniform electric field.
- Gauss's law: flux of the electric field through a closed surface. Applications to symmetric charge distributions: conducting sphere, uniformly charged plane, charged wire in electrostatic equilibrium.
- Energy and electric potential: potential energy associated with a distribution of charges. Definition of electric potential and potential difference. Conservation of energy for a charge moving in an electric field. Electric dipole and dipole moment.
- Conductors and dielectrics (insulators): electrostatic induction and polarization phenomena.
- Electric current: direct current, current intensity, electric source, and applied potential difference. Conduction in ohmic conductors. Ohm's law, resistance and resistivity of materials. Electrical power dissipated by the Joule effect. Combination of resistors in series and in parallel.
- Capacitance and capacitors: concept of electrical capacitance. Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor, effect of the presence of a dielectric. Energy stored in a charged capacitor. Connections of capacitors in series and in parallel. Charging and discharging of a capacitor over time.
- Magnetic field: origin of the magnetic field from electric currents (Oersted experiment). Lorentz force on a moving charge and on a current-carrying wire. Circular motion of an electric charge in a uniform magnetic field. Torque on a current-carrying coil immersed in a uniform magnetic field. Magnetic dipole moment.
- Biot-Savart law: infinitesimal contribution to the magnetic field generated by a current. Examples: straight wire, circular loop, ideal solenoid. Field distribution and orientation.
- Electromagnetic induction: variation of magnetic flux and generation of electromotive force. Faraday-Neumann-Lenz law. Eddy currents and their direction.
- Applications: cell membrane potentials, depolarization and repolarization of cell membranes.
Teaching Unit 7. Electromagnetic Radiation (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.5)
Describe and interpret elements of electromagnetic radiation. Understand the effects of radiation. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to the elements of electromagnetic radiation:
- Electromagnetic radiation: wave nature of electromagnetic waves as a combination of oscillating electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to each other; fundamental characteristics such as wavelength, frequency, speed of propagation in vacuum and in material media, amplitude and intensity of the wave. Relationship between wave intensity and the amount of energy transported. Main units of measurement.
- Spectrum of electromagnetic radiation: division of the spectrum into regions (radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays), in order of increasing frequency and decreasing wavelength.
- Quantization of energy: concept of photon as a quantum of energy associated with radiation; relationship between photon energy and frequency. Interpretation of the photoelectric effect and implications for the quantum nature of radiation. Selective absorption of photons by biological molecules.
- Radioactivity and radioactive decays: definition of an unstable nucleus, concept of radioactive isotopes. Main types of decay (alpha, beta, gamma) and associated nuclear transformations.
- Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation: distinction based on the energy carried by radiation versus the ionization energy of atoms. Examples of non-ionizing radiation (radio waves, microwaves, infrared) and ionizing radiation (X-rays, gamma rays).
- Optics: laws of reflection and refraction of light, concept of refractive index, phenomenon of dispersion. Properties of thin lenses: converging and diverging lenses, formation of real and virtual images. Examples: the microscope.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology is required that meets the preparation promoted by the educational institutions that organize educational and teaching activities consistent with the national guidelines for high schools and with the guidelines for technical institutes and professional institutes.
Books
Used textbook:
R. A. Serway, J. W. Jewett Jr - Fondamenti di fisica – Edises
D. C. Giancoli - Fisica con fisica moderna - Casa Ed. Ambrosiana - Zanichelli
J. S. Walker – Fondamenti di Fisica – Pearson
A. Alessandrini - Fisica per le scienze della vita - Casa Ed. Ambrosiana – Zanichelli
D. Scannicchio - Fisica Generale e Biomedica – Edises
Teaching mode
Lectures with exercises and numerical examples.
Lectures will be carried out in person (traditional modality).
In the event that, due to the pandemic emergency, it is not possible to carry out lessons in person, the course modality will be of the blended or remote type depending on the regulatory provisions.
Frequency
Attendance is compulsory until reaching more than 67% of the class hours.
Exam mode
According to Ministerial Decree 418, the exams for each course are held in two sessions, at least 15 days apart, on the dates established annually by a specific ministerial provision. The exams are held on the same day and time at all universities offering the filter semester.
Furthermore, each exam consists of thirty-one (31) questions, structured as follows:
- fifteen (15) multiple-choice questions;
- sixteen (16) fill-in-the-blank questions.
For each multiple-choice question, students have five answer options, only one of which is correct.
For fill-in-the-blank questions, students have a blank space in which to insert the missing word. Only one word is correct.
Bibliography
Other recommended textbooks:
D. Scannicchio, Fisica Biomedica , Edises
J.R. Gordon R.V. McGrew R.A. Serway J.W. Jewett Jr, Esercizi di Fisica, Edises
R. Davidson, Metodi matematici per un corso introduttivo di fisica, Edises
G. Bellini, R. Cerbino, G. Manuzio, F. Marzari, L. Repetto, L. Zennaro, Fisica per Medicina con applicazioni fisiologiche, diagnostiche e terapeutiche, Piccin
R. Knight, B. Jones, S. Field, Fondamenti di Fisica - un approccio strategico, Piccin
L. Nitti, R. Tommasi, FISICA, 2000 quiz a scelta multipla per le scienze biomediche, Zanichelli
Lesson mode
Lectures with exercises and numerical examples.
Lessons will be held both in person and online (blended mode).
The explanation of the theory lessons and the carrying out of exercises follow the syllabus program and will be on a classic blackboard, interactive multimedia blackboard, tablet with projection in the classroom, or through presentations.
DANIELA POZZI
Lecturers' profile
Channel 7
GIULIO CARACCIOLO
Lecturers' profile
Program - Frequency - Exams
Course program
Teaching Unit 1. Introduction to Physics Methods (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.25)
Interpret basic mathematics and physics (graphs and formulas). Solve operations between vectors; perform unit conversions:
- Scientific notation;
- Physical quantities, dimensions and units of measurement, International System of Units. Conversions between units of measurement and order of magnitude estimation. Extensive and intensive quantities. Scalar and vector quantities.
- Equations with variables representing physical quantities;
- Elementary trigonometric functions; graphs; concepts of derivative and integral.
- Vectors: definition, components, operations (examples: sum, difference, scalar product, and cross product).
Teaching Unit 2. Mechanics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1.5)
Describe and interpret elements of mechanics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to mechanics:
- Kinematics of a particle: definition of position and displacement over time. Concept of trajectory and time law. Distinction between average velocity and instantaneous velocity, average acceleration and instantaneous acceleration. Study of rectilinear and curvilinear motion, with significant examples: uniform rectilinear motion, uniformly accelerated motion, free fall, parabolic motion. Qualitative description of uniform circular motion and the concept of centripetal acceleration. Introduction to harmonic motion, useful for understanding simple periodic phenomena.
- Dynamics of a particle: analysis of interactions between bodies and formulation of the three laws of dynamics. Physical meaning of the law of inertia and conditions for static equilibrium (first law). Relationship between resultant force and acceleration (second law). Action and reaction between interacting bodies (third law). Application to the concepts of translational equilibrium. Definition of force and key examples: weight, gravitational force, contact forces and frictional forces (static and dynamic), tension, spring forces, and Hooke's law for ideal springs.
- Work and energy: Concept of mechanical work as the effect of a force applied to a body. Definition of power and its relationship to the work done over a time interval. Kinetic energy theorem. Work and comparison between conservative and non-conservative forces. Definition of potential energy. Examples: gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy. Mechanical energy as the sum of kinetic and potential energy. Conservation of mechanical energy theorem in ideal systems.
- Momentum: Introduction to the concepts of momentum and impulse. Relationship between impulse and change in momentum. Principle of conservation of momentum in isolated systems. Applications to one-dimensional collisions, distinguishing between elastic and inelastic collisions.
- Systems of bodies: Definition of the center of mass and description of its motion. Characteristics of a rigid body. Torque and conditions for rotational equilibrium. Moment of inertia as a measure of resistance to rotation. Angular momentum and its conservation in the absence of external moments. Application examples: levers. Deformable bodies: introduction to the concepts of elasticity, stress and strain, generalized Hooke's law, Young's modulus, and the ultimate tensile strength of materials.
Teaching Unit 3. Fluid Mechanics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1)
Describe and interpret elements of fluid mechanics. Relate the principles of fluid dynamics to physiological flows, resistances, and pressures in biological systems. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to fluid mechanics:
- States of matter: fundamental characteristics of fluids compared to solids. Definition of pressure and density, and their role in the static and dynamic behavior of fluids.
- Laws of hydrostatics: Stevino’s law for pressure in liquids as a function of depth; Pascal's principle for the transmission of pressure in incompressible fluids; Archimedes' principle for the buoyancy exerted by a fluid on a submerged body. Analysis of buoyancy conditions. Instruments and methods for measuring pressure (Torricelli's experiment, manometer).
- Fluids in motion (hydrodynamics): concepts of flow and flow rate, distinction between steady and turbulent flow, with particular attention to laminar flow. Continuity equation and conservation of mass in ideal fluids. Bernoulli's theorem and its interpretation in terms of conservation of mechanical energy. Torricelli's theorem. Applications to physiological situations (stenosis and aneurysm).
- Real fluids and viscosity: analysis of laminar flow, parabolic velocity profile, concept of velocity gradient. Poiseuille's law and hydraulic resistances in series and parallel.
- Surface phenomena: surface tension and its effects on small quantities of liquid. Capillary phenomena and the behavior of fluid interfaces, both flat and curved. Curvature pressure and its qualitative description using Laplace's law, with reference to phenomena observable in biological contexts (e.g., in the lungs or blood capillaries).
Teaching Unit 4. Mechanical Waves (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.5)
Describe and interpret elements of mechanical waves. Correlate wave phenomena in acoustics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to mechanical waves:
- Mechanical waves: Introduction to the nature of mechanical waves as phenomena involving the propagation of energy and disturbances through a material medium. The concept of the harmonic oscillator as a basic model for wave generation. Definition of frequency, period, and wavelength. Wave propagation speed and relationship between wave parameters. Propagation equation for simple harmonic waves. Description of the wave vector. Examples of one-dimensional waves: transverse waves on a string and longitudinal waves, such as sound waves in fluids.
- Principles of superposition and interference: Linear superposition of harmonic waves and the formation of constructive and destructive interference. Standing waves: Conditions for formation and physical significance.
- Energy transported by waves: Concept of energy associated with a mechanical wave. Power transported by a wave in an elastic medium. Wave intensity as a measurable physical quantity, related to the energy transported per unit area and time.
- Acoustic waves: Propagation of sound in different material media, with particular attention to the speed of sound in air and other materials. Relationship between acoustic intensity and sound perception. Definition of sound intensity level in decibels. Concept of hearing threshold and limits of audibility of the human ear.
- Doppler effect: Qualitative description and interpretation of the apparent change in perceived frequency as a function of the relative motion between source and observer.
Teaching Unit 5. Thermodynamics (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1)
Describe and interpret elements of thermodynamics. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to thermodynamics:
- Fundamental concepts: definition of system and environment. Thermodynamic variables (pressure, volume, temperature) and thermodynamic state. Thermodynamics state functions. Temperature and its scales. Characteristics of ideal gases, ideal gas law, universal gas constant. Real gases: concept of critical temperature and deviations from ideal behavior. Internal energy and microscopic interpretation based on the kinetic theory of gases.
- Heat and heat capacity: energy exchange in the form of heat. Definition of heat capacity and specific heat, with reference to ideal gases. Phenomena of change of physical state (fusion, evaporation, condensation), latent heat. Calorimetry and experimental methods for measuring heat exchange.
- Heat transfer mechanisms: thermal conduction, convection, and radiation. Heat flow. Thermal emission, Wien's law, and radiated power. Examples of heat transfer.
- First law of thermodynamics: definition and physical significance. Internal energy, heat, and work. Application of the first law to thermodynamic processes. Reversible and irreversible processes. Canonical processes in ideal gases: isothermal, isochoric, isobaric, adiabatic, with a qualitative comparison of their behaviors.
- Second law of thermodynamics: fundamental statements and the concept of irreversibility. Thermodynamic cycles: definition and operation. Heat engines, efficiency, the Carnot cycle. Entropy as a function of state, macroscopic implications, and statistical interpretation. Relationship between entropy changes and the natural direction of thermodynamic processes.
Teaching Unit 6. Electricity and Magnetism (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 1.25)
Describe and interpret basic elements of electricity and magnetism. Understand electrical and magnetic phenomena. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to basic elements of electricity and magnetism:
- Electric charge and interactions: fundamental properties of electric charge, units of measurement, conservation of charge. Interaction between point charges and Coulomb's law. Definition of electric field and representation using lines of force. Field generated by a point charge or a distribution of multiple point charges. Motion of a charge in a uniform electric field.
- Gauss's law: flux of the electric field through a closed surface. Applications to symmetric charge distributions: conducting sphere, uniformly charged plane, charged wire in electrostatic equilibrium.
- Energy and electric potential: potential energy associated with a distribution of charges. Definition of electric potential and potential difference. Conservation of energy for a charge moving in an electric field. Electric dipole and dipole moment.
- Conductors and dielectrics (insulators): electrostatic induction and polarization phenomena.
- Electric current: direct current, current intensity, electric source, and applied potential difference. Conduction in ohmic conductors. Ohm's law, resistance and resistivity of materials. Electrical power dissipated by the Joule effect. Combination of resistors in series and in parallel.
- Capacitance and capacitors: concept of electrical capacitance. Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor, effect of the presence of a dielectric. Energy stored in a charged capacitor. Connections of capacitors in series and in parallel. Charging and discharging of a capacitor over time.
- Magnetic field: origin of the magnetic field from electric currents (Oersted experiment). Lorentz force on a moving charge and on a current-carrying wire. Circular motion of an electric charge in a uniform magnetic field. Torque on a current-carrying coil immersed in a uniform magnetic field. Magnetic dipole moment.
- Biot-Savart law: infinitesimal contribution to the magnetic field generated by a current. Examples: straight wire, circular loop, ideal solenoid. Field distribution and orientation.
- Electromagnetic induction: variation of magnetic flux and generation of electromotive force. Faraday-Neumann-Lenz law. Eddy currents and their direction.
- Applications: cell membrane potentials, depolarization and repolarization of cell membranes.
Teaching Unit 7. Electromagnetic Radiation (learning effort assessed in ECTS = 0.5)
Describe and interpret elements of electromagnetic radiation. Understand the effects of radiation. Solve problems and numerical exercises related to the elements of electromagnetic radiation:
- Electromagnetic radiation: wave nature of electromagnetic waves as a combination of oscillating electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to each other; fundamental characteristics such as wavelength, frequency, speed of propagation in vacuum and in material media, amplitude and intensity of the wave. Relationship between wave intensity and the amount of energy transported. Main units of measurement.
- Spectrum of electromagnetic radiation: division of the spectrum into regions (radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays), in order of increasing frequency and decreasing wavelength.
- Quantization of energy: concept of photon as a quantum of energy associated with radiation; relationship between photon energy and frequency. Interpretation of the photoelectric effect and implications for the quantum nature of radiation. Selective absorption of photons by biological molecules.
- Radioactivity and radioactive decays: definition of an unstable nucleus, concept of radioactive isotopes. Main types of decay (alpha, beta, gamma) and associated nuclear transformations.
- Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation: distinction based on the energy carried by radiation versus the ionization energy of atoms. Examples of non-ionizing radiation (radio waves, microwaves, infrared) and ionizing radiation (X-rays, gamma rays).
- Optics: laws of reflection and refraction of light, concept of refractive index, phenomenon of dispersion. Properties of thin lenses: converging and diverging lenses, formation of real and virtual images. Examples: the microscope.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology is required that meets the preparation promoted by the educational institutions that organize educational and teaching activities consistent with the national guidelines for high schools and with the guidelines for technical institutes and professional institutes.
Books
Used textbook:
R. A. Serway, J. W. Jewett Jr - Fondamenti di fisica – Edises
D. C. Giancoli - Fisica con fisica moderna - Casa Ed. Ambrosiana - Zanichelli
J. S. Walker – Fondamenti di Fisica – Pearson
A. Alessandrini - Fisica per le scienze della vita - Casa Ed. Ambrosiana – Zanichelli
D. Scannicchio - Fisica Generale e Biomedica – Edises
Teaching mode
Lectures with exercises and numerical examples.
Lectures will be carried out in person (traditional modality).
In the event that, due to the pandemic emergency, it is not possible to carry out lessons in person, the course modality will be of the blended or remote type depending on the regulatory provisions.
Frequency
Attendance is compulsory until reaching more than 67% of the class hours.
Exam mode
According to Ministerial Decree 418, the exams for each course are held in two sessions, at least 15 days apart, on the dates established annually by a specific ministerial provision. The exams are held on the same day and time at all universities offering the filter semester.
Furthermore, each exam consists of thirty-one (31) questions, structured as follows:
- fifteen (15) multiple-choice questions;
- sixteen (16) fill-in-the-blank questions.
For each multiple-choice question, students have five answer options, only one of which is correct.
For fill-in-the-blank questions, students have a blank space in which to insert the missing word. Only one word is correct.
Bibliography
Other recommended textbooks:
D. Scannicchio, Fisica Biomedica , Edises
J.R. Gordon R.V. McGrew R.A. Serway J.W. Jewett Jr, Esercizi di Fisica, Edises
R. Davidson, Metodi matematici per un corso introduttivo di fisica, Edises
G. Bellini, R. Cerbino, G. Manuzio, F. Marzari, L. Repetto, L. Zennaro, Fisica per Medicina con applicazioni fisiologiche, diagnostiche e terapeutiche, Piccin
R. Knight, B. Jones, S. Field, Fondamenti di Fisica - un approccio strategico, Piccin
L. Nitti, R. Tommasi, FISICA, 2000 quiz a scelta multipla per le scienze biomediche, Zanichelli
Lesson mode
Lectures with exercises and numerical examples.
Lessons will be held both in person and online (blended mode).
The explanation of the theory lessons and the carrying out of exercises follow the syllabus program and will be on a classic blackboard, interactive multimedia blackboard, tablet with projection in the classroom, or through presentations.
GIULIO CARACCIOLO
Lecturers' profile
- Lesson code10621692
- Academic year2025/2026
- CourseMedicine and Surgery
- CurriculumSingle curriculum
- Year1st year
- Semester1st semester
- SSDFIS/07
- CFU6
- Subject areaB_01. Discipline generali per la formazione del medico