Physics in Medicine

Catalog description

This course examines the application of fundamental physics principles to the structure and function of the human body and to modern medical technologies. Topics include biomechanics. bioelectric phenomena in the nervous and cardiovascular systems, and the physics of vision. The course also introduces the physical principles underlying medical diagnostics and imaging, including ultrasound, endoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, computed tomography (CT), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and positron emission tomography (PET), and concludes with an overview of therapeutic applications such as radiation dosimetry, external and internal radiation therapy, and the use of lasers in medicine. This course is appropriate for students who have completed an introductory physics sequence equivalent to PHYS0101 and PHYS9102. A physiology course such as BIOL 2302 is highly recommended. LPS PreHealth students have priority seating.