Biophysics

Year
0
Academic year
2019-2020
Code
01003155
Subject Area
Área Científica do Menor
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Other Languages of Instruction
English
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
6.0
Type
Elective
Level
1st Cycle Studies

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic knowledge and competences in Biophysics and applied Physics. The course can be held in both Portuguese or English.

Teaching Methods

Lectures will be given by a group of leading experts in Biophysics. Beyond that, computational simulations in laboratory environment and small group discussions will allow the PhD students to brainstorm around new research ideas and develop new research projects, always with a face to face interaction with the faculty members. Critical analysis of published research articles will also be performed. Continuous evaluation of the students will be performed during course. There will also be a theoretical evaluation.

Learning Outcomes

Biophysics, interdisciplinary science, uses the laws of physics and mathematical methods to explain biological phenomena. The development of methods to analyse and measure physiologic parameters is one of its best known applications. There are several medical areas where physics methods are obvious such cardiology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, imaging, nuclear medicine, etc.

The goal is to give a general view of Biophysics applications in health sciences, covering different subjects, such as transport mechanisms, bioelectricity, solid state, fluids, radiation and thermodynamics. Special attention will be paid on:

-molecular transport across cellular membranes

-distribution of dipoles and its relation to signal acquisition and clinical interpretation

-physical properties of biological materials and their relation to structure of matter

-fluids behaviour and its relation to pathological situations

-harmful consequences of radiation and their effects, dose limits and radioprotection.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1st day - 13:00 – 20:00 (M Filomena Botelho, M Morgado,M Patrício,  F Caramelo, R Bernardes)
Introduction to Biophysics Course
Optical Radiation Protection
Applications with the finite element method
Critical analysis of papers

2nd day - 13:00 – 20:00 (M Filomena Botelho, F Caramelo, R Bernardes)
Ionizing radiation protection
Biomechanics
Critical analysis of papers

3rd day - 13:00 – 20:00 (M José Ribeiro, M Filomena Botelho, F Caramelo, R Bernardes)
Interfaces Brain-Computer
Critical analysis of papers

4th day - 13:00 – 20:00 (A Dourado, R Bernardes, F Caramelo)
Systems and Intelligent Data Analysis in Medicine
Group work: Laboratory component of computer
Elaboration and discussion of report

5th day - 13:00 – 20:00 (A Paixão, N Ferreira, F Caramelo, M Filomena Botelho)
Structure of matter
laboratory applications
Elaboration and discussion of report.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria Filomena Rabaça Roque Botelho

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Report of a seminar or field trip: 30.0%
Exam: 30.0%
Critical analysis of scientific papers: 40.0%

Bibliography

1. “Intermediate Physics for Medicine and Biology”, 2cd Edition, Russel Hobbie; John Wiley and Sons
2. “Radiobiology for the Radiologist”, 5th Edition, Eric Hall; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
3. “Mathematical Physiology”, James Keener, James Sneyd, Springer
4. “Éléments de biophysique”, vol I e II, F. Grémy, J. Perrin, Flammarion
5. "Biophysics. Searching for principles". William Bialek. Princeton University Press. USA.