PCB150 Biomedical Physics
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | PCB150 |
|---|---|
| Antirequisite(s): | PVB101 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,118 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,680 |
| International unit fee | $5,244 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | PCB150 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Anti-requisite: | PVB101 |
| Coordinator: | Joel Alroe | j.alroe@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit aims to provide Biomedical and Allied Health students with an introduction to the physical properties and processes that underlie the science and technologies used in those fields. Professionals in the applied sciences require an understanding of the processes involved in making and recording measurements and of the physical principles that underlie the parameters being measured and the instruments being used to make those measurements. The unit introduces you to the processes of measurement, and of estimating, presenting and interpreting the uncertainties associated with measurements. The physics of mechanics, heat, sound and light will be introduced and explained to enable you to understand the parameters being measured and the limits of the measurement process. The unit will include a broad introduction to the imaging technology underpinning the diagnosis of many diseases.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a basic, broad understanding of the key biophysical principles that underpin biomedical science.
- Be able to apply and manipulate simple formula, and develop basic problem solving skills.
- Be able to construct and interpret graphs and use scientific conventions for recording, communicating and reporting laboratory and project work.
- Gain basic competency in the use of laboratory instruments and techniques.
Content
Mechanics of the human body
- Gravity, mass and weight.
- Force and levers (torque and moment).
- Young's modulus and strength calculations and material properties.
- Work and energy.
Physics of the human body
- Fluid dynamics, Poiseuille's equation, (flow, viscosity, resistance to flow, pressure gradients), hydrostatic pressure and compliance.
- Surface tension.
- Molecular movement, diffusion, Fick's law, osmolarity, osmosis and osmotic pressure in biological systems.
- Gas laws, atmospheric pressure, partial pressure, density and specific gravity, (including Boyle's law, Henry's law and Dalton's law).
- Electrical potential, potential difference across cell membranes and equilibrium potential, (Nernst equation), conduction, current, resistance and electrophoresis.
- Sounds waves, frequency and velocity.
Imaging of the human body and radiation
- Light, electron and confocal microscopy.
- Electromagnetic spectrum, light, divergent beams and lasers.
- Atoms, radiation and radiotherapy.
- Medical imaging, including radiography (x rays), Doppler, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging.
Learning Approaches
Learning in this unit will involve a range of approaches, including interactive lectures and demonstrations, practicals and tutorials.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will be given regular feedback on your online tests and laboratory worksheets throughout the semester.
Assessment
Overview
There will be a range of assessment items in this unit which will be designed to develop your understanding of the content, and to develop scientific skills, problem solving skills and practical skills.
If campus access is restricted at the time of the central examination period/due date, an alternative, which may be a timed online assessment, will be offered. Individual students whose circumstances prevent their attendance on campus will be provided with an alternative assessment approach.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Problem Solving Task
Online Quiz
Four (4) short online tasks will be conducted throughout the semester, with approximately one every 4 weeks. Written feedback will be provided after each task.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Report
Laboratory worksheet
Experimental worksheets based on laboratory work.
Assessment: Examination (written)
Theory Examination
Multiple-choice and short-answer questions will cover content from all components of the unit (lectures and practicals).
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
There is no required text for this unit.
Risk Assessment Statement
This unit involves lectures, laboratories, tutorials and group work in conventional teaching spaces and online. Special safety requirements of the laboratory will be outlined in laboratory resource material and at the first laboratory session. You will be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first practical class. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, or on a lecturer's instruction, you should leave the room and assemble in the designated area which will be indicated to you. You are required to complete an online health and safety quiz prior to entry to the laboratory. You are referred to the university's health and safety web site for further information. You should be conscious of your health and safety at all times whilst on campus or in the field. Practical classes are subject to current COVID-19 social distancing protocols as updated weekly or as needed.