Propedeutic Studies
Module Applied physics

Academic Year 2023/2024 - Teacher: GIUSEPPE STELLA

Expected Learning Outcomes

The aim of the course is the achievement by the student of the basic physical principles of the diagnostic and therapeutic techniques used in modern medicine.

Course Structure

Lectures and tests (entrance, on going and end-of-course verification).

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Required Prerequisites

Knowledge of the arguments of the Mathematics and Physics syllabuses required for admission to the degree course.

Attendance of Lessons

Attendance at the course is normally compulsory (please refer to the Course Regulations)

Detailed Course Content

Basic mathematics for radiology (2 hours). Conventional notation and scientific notation. Percentage. Logarithms. Graphical representation of functions. Vectors and scalars. Volumes and surfaces. Trigonometry. Oscillations and waves. 

Basic Physics for Radiology 1 (6 hours). International System of Units. Elements of kinematics and dynamics. Elements of biomechanics. Elements of fluid dynamics. 

Basic physics for radiology 2 (6 hours). Mechanical waves. Waves and oscillations. Electromagnetic radiation. Magnetism. Electricity. Basic electronics. Atomic and nuclear structure.

Textbook Information

Dowsett David J., Kenny Patrick A., Johnston R. Eugene, The Physics of Diagnostics Imaging, CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group.

Scannicchio D., Fisica Biomedica, EdiSES, 2013

Lecture notes provided during the course.

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1Basic mathematics for radiology (2 hours). Conventional notation and scientific notation. Percentage. Logarithms. Graphical representation of functions. Vectors and scalars. Volumes and surfaces. Trigonometry. Oscillations and waves. Scannicchio cap. 1 + appunti del docente
2Basic Physics for Radiology 1 (6 hours). International System of Units. Elements of kinematics and dynamics. Elements of biomechanics. Elements of fluid dynamics. Scannicchio cap. 2-6 + appunti del docente
3Basic physics for radiology 2 (6 hours). Mechanical waves. Waves and oscillations. Electromagnetic radiation. Magnetism. Electricity. Basic electronics. Atomic and nuclear structure.Scannicchio cap. 12-13; cap. 21-24 + appunti del docente

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

The final examination consists of a written test and an oral interview

The written test consists of exercises and theory questions. 

Anyone who fails the written test cannot take the oral test. The written test may be viewed prior to the oral test. 

Unless otherwise announced: the written examination takes place at 9:00 a.m. 

Notes: 

  • In order to take the examinations, it is compulsory to book using the appropriate form on the CEA portal. 
  • Late bookings via email are not permitted. If no booking is made, the exam cannot be recorded.

The learning assessment may also be conducted electronically, should conditions require it.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

Exercise 1.

Transform into the units of the International System (without multiples and submultiples) by writing the result in scientific notation::

DataSIDataSI
364 h 532 day 
36.8 mm2 0.978 cm3 
7.33 mm 13484 min 
52938 kWh 0.016 nm 


Exercise 2

At what potential difference must a defibrillator, with electrodes of approximately 120 mm2 cross-sectional area, be charged, inside which is a capacitor with a capacity of 250 μF in order to release an energy of 400 J?

Exercise 3

A charged particle moves in a horizontal plane with a velocity of 7.80 × 106 m/s. When this particle encounters a uniform magnetic field in the vertical direction, it begins to move in circular trajectories of radius 18.4 cm. If the magnetic field strength is 6.12 T, what is the charge-to-mass ratio (q/m) of this particle?

Exercise 4

After defining the decibel (dB) and the threshold of hearing, calculate the total intensity of the sound produced by 4 sound sources each with an intensity of 40 dB.