Class Biophysics I

The course of Biophysics I aims to further develop the knowledge acquired in curricular units of General Physics (Physics I and Physics II) to the study of the human organism, at the level of biophysical modeling of the physiological processes, namely bioenergetics, biophysics of the digestive system, biomechanics and biophysics of the apparatus circulatory

1. Introduction to biophysics.

2. Physical properties of matter

1. Quantities and systems of units.
2. Concept of scale.

3. Basic aspects of statistical treatment of data, theory of errors and graphical representations

4. Biophysics of fluids

1. General aspects, properties of fluids and transport mechanisms.
2. Applications of hydrostatics and hydrodynamics.
3. Diffusion, osmosis and dialysis

5. Bioenergetics.

1. Generation of energy by living beings.
2. Metabolic rates.
3. Mechanisms of exchange and conservation of energy

6. Biomechanics

1. Basic aspects of the movement and locomotion of living beings.
2. Effect of internal, external forces and momentum in the movement of living beings.
3. Elastic properties and deformation of biological materials

Theoretical sessions based on expository methods and power-point presentations and theoretical-practical/practical sessions where models are applied and concrete problems are analyzed and solved. The methodology thus includes work on practical and real projects to solve real-world problems, where acquired knowledge is applied to develop meaningful solutions, promoting a collaborative process. The inverted classroom model is also promoted, encouraging students to study content before class for later discussion and interactive activities, promoting more active and personalized learning

Assessment

Continuous

Two written frequencies,tests minimum average of 10 values for approval or a global test with a minimum grade of 10 values for approval (60%); two group assignments (with presentation) to be delivered during the semester (40%). Minimum of 10 values in each component for approval

Exam

Minimum of 10 values for approval

• Davidovits, P. (2018). Physics in Biology and Medicine ( 5th Ed.). London: Academic Press. ISBN: 9780128137161
• Parke, W.C. (2020) Biophysics: A Student’s Guide to the Physics of the Life Sciences and Medicine. Cham, Switzerland: Springer Nature. ISBN 978-3-030-44145-6