Class Biophysics

The discipline of Biophysics aims to interconnect various areas of knowledge, namely Physics and Biology as applied within the scope of Veterinary Medicine; to explain how biophysical concepts and phenomena justify biological processes and how they can be applied in the diagnosis and treatment of living organisms. It seeks to understand and use concepts of Physics relevant to biomedical phenomena, both in terms of the foundations of theoretical knowledge and from the perspective of practical application and scientific research. Furthermore, it focuses on understanding the biophysical principles underlying medical equipment used as complementary diagnostic tools in clinical practice and on integrating these concepts with particular emphasis on the safe and efficient application of imaging techniques and radiological therapy.

Not applicable

- Definition of Biophysics, physical properties of matter, measurement systems, and dimensions; - Biophysics of Fluids: application of Hydrostatics concepts; - Biophysics of Fluids: application of Hydrodynamics concepts; - Biophysics of Membranes and transmembrane transport; - Study of membrane potential: action potential and resting potential; - Electrophysiology of muscle contraction; - Biophysics of the cardiovascular system: bioelectric phenomena and electrocardiogram; - Biomechanics; - Nuclear and Radiation Biophysics; - Medical applications of radiation; - Assessment of biosafety aspects in radiology (use of protective barriers; proper calibration of equipment; use of dosimeters; implementation of safety protocols ensuring minimal radiation doses and reduced exposure); - Biophysics of sound: applications as a diagnostic tool; - Fundamentals of radiotherapy and its applications in Veterinary Medicine.

Attendance in at least two-thirds of theoretical and practical/theoretical-practical classes is mandatory, except for students with working-student status or similar, who follow a supplementary assessment scheme defined by the instructor. - Continuous assessment requires a minimum final grade of 9.5/20, obtained from the weighted average of written tests, practical evaluations, and class performance. - The final grade is the weighted average of theoretical and practical components. Students who fail continuous assessment are admitted to the final exam. In this case, approval requires a grade of 9.5/20 or higher in the written exam.

- Material Pedagógico facultado pelo docente; - Pedroso de Lima, J. J. Biofísica Médica (3ª edição). Imprensa da Universidade de Coimbra. Coimbra, 2014.