Biophysics

Mathematics A (12th year); Physics and Chemistry (11th year)

2 hours of theoretical classes per week, where the professor exposes the discipline contents, while applying the physical concepts in relevant exemples.

1 theoretic-practical class of 1 hour per week, where students proceed to the discussed resolution of exercises of practical application formulated with the aim of clarifying and relate the subjects discussed in the theoretical component, with application to the specificity of IMR.

• Deep know-how on the expression of physical quantities, in different unit systems and with correct quantification

• Understanding of theoretical principles of Fluid Mechanics and its application in the biological systems
• Understanding of the transport in biomembranes phenomena and its application in biophysics and physiology

Skills:
• Use of advanced knowledge of biophysics in understanding the underlying mechanisms and technology involved in IMR

Competences:
• Make individual decisions and in multidisciplinary environment in matters involving technical and scientific knowledge based on biophysics
• Develop the ability to deepen and expand knowledge in biophysics.

1 Units and systems. Numerical expression and uncertainties.

2 Fluid Mechanics

Hydrostatics: fundamental law; Archimedes ‘ principle
Hydrodynamics: equation of continuity and flow; Bernoulli equation; Viscosity; Poiseuille’s law; hydrodynamic
resistance; outflow regime.
Surfaces: surface tension; Laplace’s law; capillarity and Jurin’s law
Circulatory mechanics: cut voltage, speed profile and properties of blood vessels; equilibrium radius and complacency

2 Biomembranes
Dissemination: current density of solute; Fick’s laws; permeability; osmotic pressure; Kedem-Katchasky equation ; chemical potential
Ionic diffusion and bioelectricity: ion current density; Nernst-Planck and Nernst equation; electrochemica potential; Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation; resting and action potential.

The continuous evaluation is optional and consists of:

 1) periodic exercises (EP) to be solved at each class (theoretical-practical matrix).
 2) two written evaluation tests (PE1 + PE2) to be scheduled in the first week of classes (theoretical and theoretical-practical matrix).

The final score is given by the average of the classifications obtained at all evaluation moments, i.e.:
 Final Grade = (EP + PE1 + PE2)/3, where PE represents the average of the classifications of the various exercises solved in the classes, and PE1 and PE2 represents the evaluation obtained in the written evaluation tests. In PE1 and PE2 tests, the theoretical and theoretical-practical matrix components will have equal weighting.

 Either the mean of the components of the theoretical matrix evaluation, or the mean of the components of the theoretical-practical matrix evaluation, must be equal or greater than 9,5 values.

The evaluation by Exam includes two components: a theoretical-practical component and a theoretical component, with a weight of 2/3 and 1/3 in the final grade, respectively. The classification of each of the theoretical and theoretical-practical components must be equal to or greater than 9,5 values.

NAO