Biophysics

Code:

MV111

Acronym:

BF

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Basic Sciences

Instance: 2016/2017 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Molecular Biology
Course/CS Responsible:	Integrated Masters Degree in Veterinary Medicine

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIMV	87	Plan 2007 to 2017	1	-	5	75	135

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

To enable the students: - To understand and use basic principles of classical and modern physics that are relevant to the biological sciences. -To be familiar with examples taken from the life sciences that illustrat how these basic principles are applied. - To recognize the clarity and simplicity of many biophysical descriptions of a multitude of mechanisms that are key to our understanding of physical chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology and physiology. - To acquire the tools and to develop the competences needed to solve simple problems that are frequently multidisciplinary in nature.

Learning outcomes and competences

Understand how simple laws of classical and modern physics help us to understand the struture and function of biological structure

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

No pre-requisits

Program

1. Electricity. Concept of field and membrane potential. Ion transport across membranes. Ionic protein channels. The nerve axon.


2. Energy. Oxidative phosphorilation. Electron and proton flux. The ATPsynthase, structure and function.


3. Radioactivity and radiations. Biological effects and mechanisms. Biological applications (diagnostics, image acquisition).

4. Magnetism  Magnetic resonance. 4. Law of Biot-Savart. Mass spectrometry.  Biological applications (diagnostics and image acquisition).

5. Mechanics. Force, equilibrium and momentum. Muscles. Allometric scaling. Fluid mechanics. Viscoelastic properties of blood. Crculatory system

Mandatory literature

Kane Joseph W.; Physics. ISBN: 0-471-63845-5
Nelson David L.; Lehninger principles of biochemistry. ISBN: 1-57259-931-6

Teaching methods and learning activities

Lectures and problem solving discussions.

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Calculation formula of final grade

Either a final exam accounting for 100% of the grade, or two partial exams each accounting for 50% of the final grade.