Physics in Medicine

This course examines the application of fundamental physics principles to the structure and function of the human body and to modern medical technologies. Topics include biomechanics,fluid dynamics of the circulatory and respiratory systems, energy transfer and thermoregulation,bioelectric phenomena in the nervous and cardiovascular systems, and the physics of vision. The course also introduces the physical principles underlying medical diagnostics and imaging, including ultrasound, endoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray,computed tomography (CT), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and positron emission tomography (PET), and concludes with an overview of therapeutic applications such as radiation dosimetry, external and internal radiation therapy, and the use of lasers in medicine.
This course assumes prior exposure to introductory physics, equivalent to completion of a
year-long introductory sequence such as PHYS 0101/0102. Familiarity with human physiology,as obtained through a course like BIOL 2301, is strongly recommended. The seats in this course have been reserved for LPS Pre-Health Program students. All other students should “Request permission for this course” when adding the course to their Primary Cart. You will be notified via the permit request process if seats become available.