Physics fields and forces in biological systems

Course annotation

Physics fields and forces in biological systems (3 European Credits)

Taught by: Prof. Olga Tchaikovskaya, Prof. Yakov Pekker.

Module provides the theoretical basis for understanding the interaction of physics fields with biological objects and systems. The course allows exploring biophysics basis for the formation of physics fields of tissues, organs and systems of the body. Students study fundamental physics principles of medical diagnostic techniques, methods for controlling the state of the human body, therapy and surgery. Course provides knowledge of interaction of technical devices, environment and biological object, united in biotechnical system for purposeful action. The course authors avoid quantum concepts, and some complex issues are presented in a simplified nonmathematical form. The course does not require knowledge of quantum field theory and the structure of matter. The module introduces students to a variety of modern physics methods and features of the experiment. During the practical classes and laboratory lectures, students will be introduced to specific examples of biotech systems, establishing compounds’ structure, learn to decipher spectra and identify substances, assess the state of biological systems by the of objective physics parameters and characteristics.

The module covers the following topics:

·   Introduction to the course. Physics fields. Basic principles and definitions.

·   Biophysics mechanisms of forming physics fields of living systems.

·   Receptor systems of the human organism, the transfer of energy, substances and information in biological systems.

·   The basic principles of biotechnical systems.

·   The interaction of electromagnetic fields with biological tissues and body.

·   Exposure of electromagnetic fields in microwave, EHF and terahertz range on living systems.

·   Optical fields. Photobiological processes in tissues. Lasers in medicine.

·   Ionizing radiation in diagnostic and treatment of living systems. Anatomic and functional imaging.

·   Physics principles of medical use of mechanical, barometric effects and acoustic fields.

·   Spectroscopic methods in Experimental Biology and Medicine.

Learning objectives

As a result of the course, a student must:

·   know: main methods to determine a molecular structure and microenvironment and its applications in biomedical diagnostics;

·   be able to: conduct a generalized description of the biological systems characteristics based on analysis of substances; evaluate informative biomedical environment by physics methods; solve the issues of classification and assessment of biosystems by using spectroscopic instruments; evaluate informative biomedical environment by physics methods;

·   master: the skills of using modern physics devices.

Content of the module

The module is useful for a wide range of professionals of any skill level and assists in the individual learning of physics methods even for those who do not have special training in the field of physics. The structure of this course was developed based on the extensive teaching experience within designing and teaching the course "biotechnical systems", focusing on physics concepts of interaction of "living" with the "non-living", the interaction of physical fields, the environment and biological objects. The course includes lectures about multiple widely used methods of spectroscopy, laser systems and ultrasound in medicine.

Overview of tasks and lectures

The module consists of 6 lectures of 2 hours each.

1.   Introduction to the course. Physics fields. Basic principles and definitions.

2.   Biophysics mechanisms of forming physics fields of living systems.

3.   Receptor systems of the human organism, the transfer of energy, substances and information in biological systems.

4.   The basic principles of biotechnical systems. The interaction of electromagnetic fields with biological tissues and body. Exposure of electromagnetic fields in microwave, EHF and terahertz range on living systems.

5.   Optical fields. Photobiological processes in tissues. Lasers in medicine. Ionizing radiation in diagnostic and treatment of living systems. Anatomic and functional imaging.

6.   Physics principles of medical use of mechanical, barometric effects and acoustic fields. Spectroscopic methods in Experimental Biology and Medicine.

The lectures are complemented by a seminar on fluorescent spectrophotometry, laboratory practice that includes experimental work on photophysics and photochemistry of molecules. Experimental and theoretical calculation methods of photophysics constants with the use of modern spectrometers and spectrophotometers are also introduced. Students present summaries on the course.

Position within the programme

The course is a variable part of the master's programme concerning the diversity of modern physics methods of analysis aimed at examination and evaluation of biosystems. The knowledge and skills are topical for professionals and researchers in the field of identification of organic compounds.

Teaching format

Structure

The course is scheduled for third semester. The course involves 108 hours of study, including 24 hours in the classroom. The length of the course is 12 weeks (6 lectures of 2 hours, 2 laboratory works for 4 hours and 2 seminars for 2 hours). Lectures and seminars are conducted with the use of video-conferencing devices and e-learning technologies for individual work. Laboratory works are conducted under the supervision of a teacher.

Grading

The form of final assessment is an exam. The exam consists of an overall grade that reflects the quality of practical tasks and an oral exam on theory.