Biophysics of Electricity and Radiation. 3 credits, 3 contact hours

Catalog description

Prerequisites: PHYS 103 or PHYS 121 with a grade of C or better. This course will survey the basic principles of biophysics using electromagnetic waves as our theme. We will learn the basic therapeutic and destructive aspects of radiation from electrical fields at frequencies from below 60 cps to x-rays and beyond. We will also use active learning and prepare reports on research projects in class. In a general sense, the biophysical properties of radiation are important in the human nervous systems, in cancer treatment and in carcinogenesis. During this course, we will explore how nuclear radiation is unnecessarily feared in some cases and appropriately feared in others. The course is designed for Biophysics and Biology majors, but is also geared to Biomedical Engineers and Chemists.