BI1PE2: Essentials of Physics for Medicine

Module code: BI1PE2

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: 4

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Yoshikatsu Hayashi , email: y.hayashi@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Professor Slawomir Nasuto, email: s.j.nasuto@reading.ac.uk

Additional teaching staff 1: Dr Lindsey Thompson, email: lindsey.thompson@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 19 June 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

Physics is at the heart of medicine, both in terms of the functioning of the body and the instrumentation we use to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. This module provides will provide you with a basic understanding of fundamental principles linked closely to their relevance in the functioning, diagnosis, and treatment of human conditions. It will also provide you with a basis to build knowledge for future modules with a greater focus on clinical applications. You will learn how mechanics is applicable to the motion of joints and the interaction between the skeletal and muscular systems. You will also gain a good understanding in how fluid dynamics underpins the functioning of the circulatory system and forms basis of conditions and treatments concerning the heart. You will understand how vectors and electric circuits are applied to electrocardiography, the electrical activity of the heart and neurology. You will be able to explain the principles of Nuclear Physics underpinning the use ionising radiation is used in diagnostics and therapy. Finally, you will gain knowledge of how optics gives us an understanding of optometry, endoscopy, lasers and surgical techniques.  

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Describe how fundamental physical theory relates to the functioning of, and common conditions associated with, of a range of organs and systems in the human body
2. Explain how physical theory relates to the construction of a range of diagnostic instruments
3. Explain physical interventions for common conditions in the light of functioning and diagnostics

Module content

Lecture material will include the following topics: 

• How forces interact (Newtons Laws) - comparing materials in terms of strength and elasticity and how this relates to biomechanics. 
• Describe and interpret graphs of a range of motions 
• Electricity - charge and energy, circuits, resistance and resistivity in terms of current and voltage and how this relates to neural signalling 
• Types of waves, their characteristics and how they transfer energy 
• Reflection, refraction and absorption and apply these to optical instruments such as the microscope and endoscope  
• Operation of lasers and quantum mechanics and their application in medicine. 
• Laws of thermodynamics and how they apply to body temperature regulation. 
• Radioactivity and its applications in medicine 
• Basic principles of fluid dynamics and how they apply to the circulatory system. 
• Basic mechanisms behind measurement and imaging devices. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, practical classes, self-directed learning and directed independent study. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided on Blackboard. 

Study hours

At least 41 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and se