phy1ls physics for life sciences
PHYSICS FOR LIFE SCIENCES
PHY1LS
2017
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
Students are introduced to the concepts underlying biophysics and medical physics. The states of matter are described and the thermodynamic properties and laws that govern biophysical processes on cellular and molecular scales are discussed. The medical physics required to understand functions of the human body and medical imaging are introduced. Students investigate waves and their application in medicine, nuclear energy, radioactivity, detection and use of radiation, and effects of radiation on living organisms. This introductory subject uses basic mathematical tools and requires no specific science background or previous experience in physics.
SchoolSchool of Molecular Sciences/LIMS
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorNarelle Brack
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 1 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
PrerequisitesN/A
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects PHY10SCI, PHY11ENG, PHY11SCA, PHY11PAA, PHY1SCA, PHY1SCB, PHY1LSA, PHY1LSB, PHY1MO
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Physics Principles with Applications | Recommended | D.C. Giancoli (Global edition , 7 th edition) | Pearson |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Diagrammatically represent, analyse and / or solve conceptual and mathematical problems related to biophysics, thermal physics and radiation.
- Activities:
- Students are assessed via 12 online quizzes and 11 problem-solving classes. In the online quizzes, students answer conceptual and mathematical multiple choice questions. In problem classes, students solve short answer problems. Students sit a mid-semester multiple choice quiz, and a final end of semester exam comprising short answer questions.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
02. Use accurate terminology and appropriate SI units to describe physical phenomena related to biophysics, thermal physics and radiation.
- Activities:
- Students are required to use appropriate terminology and SI units in all assessment elements (namely problem classes, online quizzes, laboratory reports and exams).
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Ethical behaviour)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
03. Perform experiments related to thermal physics and radiation using standard physics laboratory techniques, equipment and software and assess the data to check for inappropriate, irrelevant or spurious results.
- Activities:
- Students complete six extended laboratory experiments and submit a report that indicates their ability to detail and assess experimental data. Students follow written and verbal laboratory instructions to conduct the experiments accurately and safely.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Ethical behaviour)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
04. Explain and interpret laboratory results in the context of biophysics, thermal physics and radiation.
- Activities:
- Students submit six laboratory reports detailing their interpretation of the results. The laboratory report mark contains a writing component.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Ethical behaviour)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
05. Collaborate in pairs to complete laboratory experiments and submit reports.
- Activities:
- The teamwork component of the laboratory report mark assesses the participation of each student in completing the experiment. Students are expected to submit their own individual report (as instructed in the laboratory sessions).
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Ethical behaviour)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2017, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorNarelle Brack
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
Three 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.
Laboratory ClassWeek: 32 - 43
Six 2.0 hours laboratory class per study period on weekdays during the day from week 32 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Labs will run in Weeks 2, 3, 4, 7, 9 and 11 of semester 2."
Problem Based LearningWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours problem based learning per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory reports/exercises (1500 word equiv) | 20 | 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| Online Quizzes (500 word equiv) | 20 | 01, 02 | |
| 1 x Two-hour written exam | 55 | 01, 02 | |
| 30 min online exam | Assessment will be held in Week 5 of semester. | 5 | 01, 02 |