Physics for Biological Sciences
Physics and its relationship with other disciplines. Models, theories, laws, measurements and uncertainties. Measurement units (International System). Mathematics in physics.
Description of motion: uni dimensional kinematics. Two dimensional kinematics: vectors. Motion and forces: dynamics. Circular motion; gravitation. Work and energy. Power. Momentum.
Rotational motion. Solids in equilibrium: elasticity and fracture. Fluids (statics, dynamics, viscosity, surface tension). Vibrations and waves (harmonic motion, sound). Short account of: temperature and kinetic theory, heat, principles of thermodynamics, thermal machines, entropy.
Electric charge. Electric potential and electric energy; capacity. Electric currents. Direct current circuits. Magnetism. Electromagnetic Induction and Faraday’s laws.
Electromagnetic waves and their spectra. Light: geometric optics. Wave-like nature of light (interference, diffraction, spectroscopy, polarization). Optics instrumentation. Quantum theory and atom models. Molecules and solids. Nuclei and radioactivity. Biological effects of radiations.
Solution of problems and laboratory sessions on the subjects dealt with.
Suggested literature (in Italian):
- D.C.Giancoli: "Fisica principi e applicazioni". Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
- D.Halliday, R.Resnick, J.Walker: "Fondamenti di fisica". Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
- J.Kane, M.M.Sternheim: "Fisica Biomedica" Casa Editrice EMSI.