Syllabus

Physics 1301 – Introduction to Physics in Modern Medicine

Spring 2008

 

 

 

Instructor:

Dr. Buxton Johnson

 

Office:

Room H204

 

Office Hours:

M F  2:00 – 5:00 PM

W Th  3:00 – 5:00 PM 

 

Phone:

852-3168

 

E-mail:

johnsonb@kwc.edu

 

 

 

 

PantherNet:

My Courses > PHYS 1301 – Intro Physics in Modern Medicine

 

 

 

 

Description:

Modern medical applications of physics are studied. This course introduces the technologies important to modern medicine and the basic physical principles which underlie them.

 

 

 

 

Goals & Competencies:

The following General Education goals and competencies are addressed:

 

1.     To think creatively: Can develop a unique, original approach to solving a problem.

2.     To communicate effectively in writing: Can correctly attribute a source and document the source using the appropriate editorial style.

3.     To better understand the natural world: Can analyze the natural world and human efforts to achieve progress through involvement with it.

4.     To use mathematics to better understand applied situations: Can use tools such as graphs, statistics, logarithms, etc. to analyze relevant data and/or test hypotheses.

 

Assessment will include homework assignments, regular exams, and a final writing assignment. 

 

 

 

 

Topics:

ุ       Laparoscopic surgery;

ุ       Laser surgery and photodynamic therapy;

ุ       Ultrasound imaging;

ุ       X-ray and radionuclide imaging;

ุ       Computed tomography (CT) scans and positron emission tomography (PET) scans;

ุ       Radiation therapy;

ุ       Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

 

 

 

 

Applications:

 

ุ       Colon cancer screening and arthroscopic knee surgery;

ุ       Laser eye surgery and dermatological laser surgery;

ุ       Virtual reality applications in medicine;

ุ       Obstetrical ultrasound and cardiovascular ultrasound;

ุ       Mammography and osteoporosis screening;

ุ       Cancer radiation therapy, applications of PET, and MRI brain scans in neuroscience.

 

 

 

 

Values:

 

ุ     Develop a sense of responsibility;

ุ     Develop an honest work ethic.

 

 

 

 

Class Time:

T Th  9:25 – 10:40 AM   Room H202A

 

 

 

 

Attendance:

Two (2) absences are allowed without affecting the student's grade.  Beyond this, each additional absence will result in a 20-point reduction unless the absence is excused through the Academic Dean’s office. 

 

Arriving late or leaving early is disruptive.  Each two times will count as one absence. 

 

 

 

 

Class Text:

Introduction to Physics in Modern Medicine – Suzanne Amador Kane

 

 

 

 

Class Schedule:

Ch 1 – Introduction and overview

Ch 2 – Fiber optics and endoscopes

Ch 3 – Lasers in medicine

Exam 1

Ch 4 – Diagnostic ultrasound imaging

Ch 5 – Diagnostic x-rays and CT scans

Exam 2

Ch 6 – Radionuclide scans, SPECT, and PET

Ch 7 – Radiation therapy and radiation safety

Exam 3

Ch 8 – Magnetic resonance imaging

Exam 4

 

 

 

 

Exams:

Four exams will be given during the semester.

 

 

 

 

Homework:

Homework will be assigned regularly to be due on a designated date.

 

 

 

 

Quizzes:

Quiz questions will be given regularly during class using iClicker technology and points assessed based on correct responses.

 

 

 

 

Final Report:

Each student will prepare an 10-to-12 page double-spaced investigative report on the modern medical applications of physics in use at the hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and physician’s offices in the region.  The report should focus on the use of at least two technologies covered in this course. The report must document at least five sources to include interviews with medical personnel (physicians, nurses, technicians, scientists, etc.), web site information, publications (journals, magazines, booklets, etc.), and video documentaries.  The investigative report will be due on the day of the last exam.

 

 

 

 

Missed/Late Work:

Only excused exam absences can be made up for credit.

 

Only one late homework will be accepted for credit.

 

Late final reports will not be accepted for credit.

 

 

 

 

Grading:

Final grades will be based on the following:

 

Homework (8):

200 points

iClicker Quizzes (10):

100 points

Exams (4):

  480 points

Final Project:

120 points

Total Possible:

900 points

 

Letter grades will be assigned as follows:

 

     A - 90% to 100%

     B - 80% to 89%

     C - 70% to 79%

     D - 60% to 69%

     F - less than 60%

 

 

 

 

Cheating:

The first time a student is found cheating, copying, etc., a zero will be given on the compromised work.  The second time will result in failure of the course.

 

 

 

 

Accommodations:

If you have a documented disability that may affect your performance in this class and you wish to request reasonable accommodations, please schedule an appointment with the instructor so that provisions can be made to assure you have equal opportunity to meet all the requirements of this course.

 

 

 

 

 

Send comments and questions to: johnsonb@kwc.edu
Last modified: 1-11-2008