PH3708: Physics in Medicine

Module Provider:

Physics

Number of credits:

10 [5 ECTS credits]

Level:

H (Honours)

Terms in which taught:

Spring and Summer

Module Convenor:

Dr RJ Stewart

Pre-requisites:

PH2001 PH2002 PH2003

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

Module version for:

2006/7

Aims:
The module aims to introduce the physical principles underlying some of the operations of the human body and those associated with the main physics based diagnostic and imaging techniques used in medicine. In addition the module aims to provide an insight into the work of a hospital physicist.

Assessable learning outcomes:
After the module each student should be able to:
Explain the operation of the cardiovascular system in terms of the flow of a viscous fluid through pipes of different diameter.
Recall the various techniques for measuring blood flow and pressure.
Explain the transport of molecules across membranes in terms of osmotic pressure, potential differences and the application for example in dialysis.
Describe the transmission of electrical signals in nerve fibres and their application in electro-cardiology and the functional operation of the brain.
Explain the use of optical fibres in endoscopy and the use of lasers in surgery.
Describe the interaction of sound waves with interfaces and explain how ultra sound is used examine moving boundaries (for example blood flow). Explain the application of ultrasound in imaging.
Recall how radioisotopes are produced and describe how they are employed in gamma ray imaging.
Recall the use of radioisotopes in radiotherapy and be aware of the issues surrounding the biological effects of radiation.
Recall the quantitative units used in the measurement of radiation
Describe the physical principles of x-ray production and the use of x-rays in diagnostic imaging.
Recall the physical principles behind nuclear magnetic resonance and its application in magnetic resonance imaging.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:
The module includes the following topics:
The cardiovascular system. Measurement of blood flow and pressure. Transport of fluids across membranes and osmotic pressure. Transmission of electrical signals in the body via the nervous system. Electrocardiograms. Optical instrumentation - fibre optics and endoscopy. Use of lasers - eye surgery. Reflection of sound waves at interfaces. Ultrasound - production and use in imaging. Radio isotope production and their use in imaging. Radiology. Radiation safety. X-ray production and use in diagnostic imaging. The phenomenon of nuclear magnetic resonance and its application in magnetic resonance imaging.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module comprises 20 lectures and 10 workshop sessions utilising mainly traditional methods of presenting material. OHPs are used in the lecture and copies are given to the students. During the workshop sessions the students work through a set of problems at their own pace, interaction between students and between the students and staff during the workshop sessions is encouraged. The workshop problems are used as learning aids to illustrate particular principles and improve the students' reasoning ability. A selection of these problems forms part of the assessment of the module (20%).
There is not one book which covers this module entirely at the required level. Pope, J.A. Medical Physics Heinman is a useful general book. The following cover specific aspects of the unit: Bushberg, J.T. & Seibert, J.A. The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging, Williams & Wilkins Cameron, J.R. & Skofronick, J.G. Medical Physics, Wiley; Dyson, N.A. Radiation Physics with Applications in Medicine and Biology. (2nd Ed), Horwood; Fish, P., Physics and the Instrumentation of Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound, Wiley; Monaghan, M.J., Practical Echocardiography and Doppler,Wiley; Nias, A.H.W, An Introduction to Radiobiology, Wiley; Cameron, J.R., Skofronick, J.G. & Grant, R.M., Physics of the Body, Medical Physics Pub; Webb, S. (Ed),The Physics of Medical Imaging, IOP; Wehrli, F.W. & Shaw, D. Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Imaging, VCH; Hobbie, R.K., Intermediate Physics for Medicine and Biology (2nd Ed), Wiley;Roberts, M.B.V.& King, T.J. Biology a functional approach. Students' Manual, Nelson

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework:
Assessed problems completed in private study, set at regular intervals
Relative percentage of coursework : 20%
Examinations:
One end-of-term departmental examination 20%
One 1½ hour final examination in June, 60%
Requirements for a pass:
40%
Reassessment arrangements:
One 1½ hour examination in September, 100%