Biophysics

The course comprises:
– 1 TP class 2h/ week, to expose the syllabus content and to apply the physical concepts presented to the understanding of practical examples related to audiology
– 1 TP class 1h/ week, to solve practical exercises with the support of their teacher. These exercises are intended to be related with the field of Audiology. They are also important to develop effective analysis and problem solving skills.

The continuous evaluation scheme is optional and consists of:
1) periodic exercises (EP) to be solved each class.
2) two written evaluation tests (PE1 + PE2) to be scheduled in the first week of classes.
The final score is given by the average of the classifications obtained at all evaluation moments, i.e.:
Final Score = (EP + PE1 + PE2)/3, in which EP represents the average of the classification obtained in the various exercises, and PE1 and PE2 represents the evaluation obtained in the written evaluation tests.

This curricular unit aims to provide Audiology students with a solid base in fundamental biophysics concepts necessary to achieve the overall objectives of the training course of Audiology at Coimbra Health School, with an emphasis on the aspects related with the acoustic and bioelectric behavior of the auditory, vestibular and honatory systems, while transmitting the intellectual understanding of mechanisms underlying the scientific method and rigor that so clearly are reflected in the field of Physics.

1. Fluid Mechanics
Hydrostatic
Hydrodynamic (non-viscous flow)
Viscous flow
2. Bioelectricity and nerve receptors
Diffusion phenomena
Ion diffusion
Bioelectricity and nerve receptors
3. Biophysics and bioacoustics of the auditory, vestibular and speech
Auditory system
Vestibular system
Phonatory system

NAO