To show the organization of the course that includes this module, follow this link:  Course organization

Learning outcomes

The course aims at providing the students with the basic concepts of physics and with the ability to apply those concepts to solve specific problems, thus acquiring familiarity with the scientific method and the typical tools of experimental physics.
The attendance of the course and the active participation to the proposed activities, accompanied by individual study, will concur to provide the students with the following abilities:
1) acquaintance with the basis of the scientific method applied to physics;
2) attitude towards the critical analysis of concepts employed by physical theories
3) understand and summarize the basic principles and laws of physics;
4) apply the laws of physics to the solution of specific problems in the medical practice

Program

1. Physical observables and physical laws. Fundamental and derived units. International System (M.K.S.), c.g.s. system, British units. Multiples and submultiples. Vectors and scalars.
2. Kinematics: displacement, velocity and acceleration. Uniform motion. Uniformly accelerated motion.
3. Dynamics: the three fundamental principles. Forces: vector representation, composition and decomposition. Measurements of forces: scales and dynamometer. Gravitational force, reaction forces, inertial forces. Torque. Levers.
4. Work. Kinetic and potential energy. Conservation of mechanical energy. Power.
5. States of matter. Density and pressure. Stevin’s law. Pascal principle, buoyancy. Atmospheric pressure. Flow. Bernoulli’s theorem. Viscosity. Hagen-Poiseuille law.
6. Temperature and thermometers. Thermal expansion. Ideal gases. Heat. Phase transitions. Heat propagation. Thermoregulation in living organisms. Principles of thermodynamics. Metabolism.
7. Elastic waves: physical characteristics. Sound. Ultrasounds. Doppler effect.

Examination Methods

The exam consists in a written test including multiple-choice questions and two open questions. Multiple-choice questions require the solution of specific problems with no need for a calculator.
The written test will be considered as “passed” with a minimum score of 16/30.