Biophysics

Code:

EBE0201

Acronym:

BIOFIS

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Basic Sciences

Instance: 2020/2021 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Molecular Biology
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Bioengineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIB	106	Syllabus	1	-	6	56	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

To enable the students: - To understand and use basic principles of classical and modern physics that are relevant to biochemistry. - To be familiar with examples taken from the life sciences that illustrate 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 the simplicity of biophysical descriptions of the functioning of biological systems.
Understand the physical principles behind several imaging/diagnostic techniques used in biomedicine.

Working method

Presencial

Program

A - Molecular Biophysics

1 - Proteins, structure and function

2 - Enzymes

3 - Membrane proteins. Ion channels, ion pumps. Nerve conduction.

4- Metalloenzymes. Protein structure and coordination of the  metal centers. Transport of O2. Transport of electrons.

5- Proteins involved in energy conversion. Oxidative phosphorilarion. ATPsynthase.

B - Diagnostics, therapy, image acquisition

6- Radioactivity and radiations. Biological effects and mechanisms. Biological applications (structural biology, diagnostics, therapy, image acquisition).

7- Magnetism. Concept of field. Magnetic force and energy. Mass spectrometry. Magnetic Resonance imaging.

8 - Ultrasounds. Doppler effect. Image acquisition. Evaluation of the blood flow.


C - Biomechanics

9-  Elastic Propertities of materials (bone)
10 - Biomechanics of the  muscle

Mandatory literature

Nelson David L.; Lehninger principles of biochemistry. ISBN: 1-57259-931-6

Complementary Bibliography

Kane Joseph W.; Physics. ISBN: 0-471-63845-5

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

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	106,00
Frequência das aulas	56,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

As defined by the PC

Calculation formula of final grade

Calculation formula of final grade Students choose between final exam only and an alternative (and equivalent) evaluation scheme involving partial tests.