BI2AP22-Medical Applications of Physics

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Lindsey Thompson
Email: lindsey.thompson@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module will provide students with a good understanding of how fundamental principles are essential to how some key organs in the body function. The focus is to relate understanding to diagnosis and treatment of specific common conditions associated with each of the organs studied. Students will gain experience of the full process and will be provided with opportunities to discuss key equipment, treatment options and choices at the clinical level. Clinical case studies will be presented by clinicians. No previous knowledge of Physics is required.

Aims:

Lectures will provide an opportunity for students to understand fundamental concepts and relate them to ideas in biomedicine and biomedical Engineering at the level of diagnostics and treatment of a variety of health issues associated with the eye, the ear, the heart and the brain. Associated clinical sessions /and visits/ tutorial sessions will allow them to apply their knowledge and combine this with skills such as scientific calculations, communication, report writing.

Further aims include:

• To provide an opportunity to develop problem solving skills.


• To provide an illustration of the link between physics and scientific application.


• To provide students with experience in scientific laboratory report writing, research report writing, poster production and presentations.


• To provide students with a deeper understanding of the relationship between physics and biology.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Describe the anatomy of the eye and explain how vision can be corrected using lenses. Describe and evaluate the key equipment found in an ophthalmology clinic in terms of structure, function, and diagnostics. Describe and evaluate a range of corrective eye surgery techniques such as lens replacement, cataract removal. 


• Describe the anatomy of the ear and how it enables differentiation of responses to frequency and loudness. Understand the function of key equipment for audiology testing, the underlying principles, and the significance of diagnostic outcomes. Describe key clinical presentations of a range of common pathologies and relate to surgical techniques and outcomes. 


• Describe how nerve cells create electrical signals. Understand brain function on an electrical level and relate to the complexity required for processing large amounts of information in the brain. Describe the operation of a simple EEG machine and what it can tell us. Evaluate the use of Electric shock therapy as a treatment option. Describe and evaluate a range of diagnostic imaging techniques for the brain in terms of function and diagnostics. 


• Describe the induction and pathway of  electrical signalling in the heaert.


• Describe and explain a range of electrical signalling disorders and treatment options in the heart.


• Explain the electrical action of the heart and techniques for correction of rhythm. Describe the action of a simple ECG machine and interpret outputs.

Additional outcomes:

Students should obtain an understanding of the application of fundamental principles to medicine at the whole-body level. They will gain practical experience of various diagnostic and imaging techniques as well as an overview of what can go wrong and how we can diagnose and treat. These will be illustrated with clinical case studies presented by clinicians. 

Outline content:

This module will provide a fundamental understanding of the role of basic principles in medicine and its application in both diagnostics and treatment.

Students will engage in a series of lectures, tutorials, and virtual visits led by both academics and clinicians that will provide a competence in the links between fundamental principles and biology at the level of medicine. 

Sample lecture content includes:

• The Eye: Function correction of sight, common problems and treatments.


• The Ear: Function, common problems and treatments.


• The Nervous System and the brain: Function, common problems and treatments.


• The Heart: Electrical function, common problems and treatments.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

There will be 2 hours of traditional lectures with an additional 5 hours of online drop in sessions/ seminars/ workshops. Students in these sessions will be encouraged to explore developments in both clinical treatments and instrumentation.

There will be 6 hours of video ‘tours’ which involve interviews with clinicians and an opportunity to look at the various equipment in terms of function and clinical relevance.

Clinicians from the RBH wil l deliver two sessions further exploring clinical case studies relevant to the sections.

Finally a 3 hour visit to the MRI scanner on campus will complete the wide range of experience. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	24
Seminars		10
External visits	4
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	57
Wider reading (directed)	10
Exam revision/preparation	30
Advance preparation for classes	10
Preparation for seminars	5
Completion of formative assessment tasks	10
Group study tasks	20
Essay preparation	10
Reflection	10
Total hours by term	190	10	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

This will be one paper consisting of two essays from a choice of 4. The exam will be 1.5 hours in length.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Single project assignment worth 50%, 4000 words guide. To be handed in in week 2 of the Spring term. 

Formative assessment methods:

Formative MCQ Blackboard tests are linked to each organ and will be released in the appropriate week. A formative Blackboard test on the whole course will be released in week 10. Full feedback on each answer is given so students can understand the principles behind each answer. Feedback groups will be given 121 sessions.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Students will have an opportunity to resit the final exam in the resit period. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023