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Presentation
Presentation
The Biophysics course integrates and applies the knowledge acquired in Physics and Complementary Physics to the study of the human body, promoting understanding of physiological processes from a biophysical perspective. The syllabus covers fundamental concepts such as membrane biophysics, biological fluid dynamics, bioenergetics, and the mechanical and functional properties of the circulatory and respiratory systems. Through the analysis of physical models applied to physiology, the aim is to develop students' comprehension, application, and analysis skills, promoting competencies in the modeling of biological systems. This course unit is essential for consolidating the link between physics and biomedical sciences, and is fundamental to the study cycle due to its applicability in areas such as biomechanics, physiology, and biomedical research.
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Class from course
Class from course
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Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Bachelor | Semestral | 5
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Year | Nature | Language
Year | Nature | Language
2 | Mandatory | Português
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Code
Code
ULHT1706-3074
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Prerequisites and corequisites
Prerequisites and corequisites
Not applicable
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Professional Internship
Professional Internship
Não
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Syllabus
Syllabus
1. Concept of biophysics. 2. Biophysics of membranes, general overview of structure and functions. 3. Ideal and real fluids; rheology of biological fluids; energies associated with liquids in motion: conservation of mass, Bernoulli's theorem, power, resistance, and flow regime; vascular networks; osmosis and osmotic pressure; blood and Casson's equation; biological applications of Hagen-Poiseuille's equation. 4. Surface tension: Laplace's law, applications to the circulatory and respiratory systems. 5. Bioenergetics; energy generation by living beings; metabolic rates
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Objectives
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: understand the fundamental principles of biophysics and their application to biological systems; explain the physical phenomena associated with membranes, biological fluids, and bioenergetics; apply physical laws (Bernoulli, Laplace, Hagen-Poiseuille, among others) in modeling physiological processes; analyze the behavior of real fluids in the circulatory and respiratory systems; evaluate the relevance of the physical properties of biological systems in clinical and physiological contexts; and create simplified models that relate physical and biological variables, promoting an integrated and quantitative approach to the study of the human organism.
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Teaching methodologies
Teaching methodologies
The teaching methodologies of this course are consistent with the learning objectives, balancing theory and practice. Lectures provide the conceptual basis necessary to understand fundamental principles of biophysics, such as fluid rheology and bioenergetics. Theoretical-practical sessions, focused on problem solving and case analysis, allow students to apply their knowledge in real contexts, promoting the development of skills. The flipped classroom model encourages active learning, preparing students for more effective participation in discussions. Continuous assessment, with written tests and group work, allows for balanced monitoring of progress, evaluating both theoretical mastery and the ability to apply concepts in a practical and collaborative manner
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References
References
Davidovits, P. (2024). Physics in Biology and Medicine ( 6th Ed.). London: Academic Press. Hardback ISBN: 9780443215582 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
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Assessment
Assessment
Avaliação
1º Teste de avaliação
40%2º Teste de avaliação
40%
Trabalho de grupo sobre um tópico na área de intervenção da unidade curricular (apresentação e discussão)
20%
Frequência global 80%
Exame 100%
Detalhe<
A avaliação é feita por provas escritas (dois testes, média mínima de 10 valores para aprovação ou alternativamente uma frequencia global com nota mínima de 10 valores para aprovação) e um trabalho de grupo (com apresentação, 40% e discussão, 60%) a entregar durante o semestre, correspondendo a 80% (frequências) e 20% (trabalho) da nota final. Uma classificação mínima de 10 valores em cada uma das duas componentes é requerida para aprovação na UC. Caso não consiga aprovação nos testes ou no trabalho, o aluno submete-se a exames escritos finais, necessitando de uma classificação mínima de 10 valores para aprovação.Em caso de suspeita ou evidência de qualquer tipo de fraude, o professor poderá fazer uma prova oral para confirmar os conhecimentos do alunoAssessment
1st Assessment test
40%
2nd Assessment test
40%
Group work on a topic related to the course unit (presentation, 40% and discussion, 60%)
20%
Overall Test 80%
Exam 100%
Details
Assessment is based on written tests (two tests, minimum average of 10 points to pass, or alternatively overall attendance with a minimum grade of 10 points to pass) and group work (with presentation, 40%, and discussion, 60%) to be submitted during the semester, corresponding to 80% (tests) and 20% (work) of the final grade. A minimum grade of 10 in each of the two components is required to pass the course unit. If the student fails the tests or the project, they must take final written exams, requiring a minimum grade of 10 to pass. In case of suspicion or evidence of any type of fraud, the professor may conduct an oral exam to confirm the student's knowledge.
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Mobility
Mobility
No
