PRINCIPLES OF COMPUTER MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICS APPLIED TO BIOTECHNOLOGY 4

Module PHYSICS APPLIED TO BIOTECHNOLOGY

The main objective of the course is to provide students with the knowledge and tools necessary to develop:

• skills to correctly apply concepts regarding the various physical quantities and dimensional analysis; 

• skills to apply notions regarding the vector calculus and to properly solve physical problems;

•  skills to solve exercises regarding the point particle (kinematic, static and dynamic cases); 

• skills to apply the concepts of hydrostatic and hydrodynamic to real problems; 

• skills to apply the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics, such as heat and thermal efficiency; 

• skills to to apply the fundamental concepts of geometrical optics; 

• skills to apply the fundamental concepts of electromagnetism; 

• acquire the physical knowledge necessary to continue the degree course. 

The teaching method will be the one that is usually considered as the most suitable in the case of Physics studies for the degree course in Biotechnology. In particular, the lecture will be given by means of slides prepared by the teacher. Furthermore, video/audio files might be used to facilitate the understanding of some topics. Various exercises will be given to the students, also during specific brainstorming and flipped-classroom sessions, with the aim to strengthen the understanding of certain arguments.

Should the circumstances require online or blended teaching, appropriate modifications to what is hereby stated may be introduced, in order to achieve the main objectives of the course.

Information for students with disabilities and / or SLD: To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and / or dispensatory measures, based on the teaching objectives and specifications needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP contact person (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and / or SLD) of the department.

Necessary mathematical knowledge: algebra, 1st and 2nd degree equations, trigonometry, basics of derivative and integral calculations.

Mandatory

Generalities
Physical quantities; units of measurement and I.S.U.; conversions; significant figures; dimensional analysis

Vector calculus
Vectors and scalars; properties of vectors; vector addition; cartesian components of vectors and unit vector; other operations between vectors: difference, vector multiplied by a scalar, scalar and vector product between vectors, applications.

Cinematics
Reference frames; displacement vector, instantaneous and average velocity; linear motion; one dimensional motion with constant velocity; instantaneous and average acceleration; one dimensional motion with constant acceleration free fall; 2D-motion. displacement vector, velocity, acceleration; projectile motion; circular motion; harmonic oscillator; applications

Dynamics
1st Newton’s law; inertial and not-inertial frame of reference; force; mass; 2nd Newton’s law; point particle static; weight; constraint force, tension of a string, centrifugal force, static and dynamic friction; Resistance of the means and terminal velocity; Applications of the laws of Newtonian mechanics with particular reference to the inclined plane. Work done by a force; Kinetic energy and kinetic energy theorem; Power; Conservative forces; Work of the weight force; Elastic forces and Hooke's law; Work of an elastic force; Potential energy; Mechanical energy and principle of conservation of mechanical energy; Example of the simple pendulum; Effects of non-conservative forces. Momentum and principle of conservation of momentum; Notes on rotationa
Moment of inertia; Moment of a force; Angular momentum; Conservation of angular momentum. Conditions of mechanical equilibrium. Applications.

Dynamics of an ideal fluid
Fluid definition; Pressure; Fluidostatics: Stevino’s law; Pascal’s principle; Archimede’s principle; Applications; Ideal fluid dynamics: flow lines and flow tubes; Volume flow rate and conservation; Bernoulli equation; Application of the Bernoulli equation (Venturi tube, Torricelli theorem)

Thermodynamics
Thermodynamic systems and systems in thermal contact; Thermodynamic equilibrium; Thermometers and thermometric scales; Zero principle of thermodynamics; Linear and volumetric dilation; Calorimetry; Heat capacity and specific heat; Equilibrium temperature; Latent heat; Heat transmission: conduction, convection and radiation; Thermodynamic transformations; Work, heat and internal energy; First law of thermodynamics; Ideal gases; Isotherm, isochore and isobar transformations; Ideal gas law; Molar specific heat; Mayer report; Adiabatic transformations; Thermal machines; Yield; Statements of the second law of thermodynamics; The entropy state function.

Geometrical optics
Reflection and refraction laws; Image formation from flat and spherical mirrors; Thin lenses; Applications.

Electromagnetism
Properties of electric charges; Conductors and insulators; Coulomb's law; The electric field; Electric field of a point charge; Gauss's law; Electrical Potential and potential energy; Electric potential difference in a uniform field; Electric potential and electric potential energy due to point charges; Capacity and capacitors (series and parallel connection); Electric current; Ohm's law; Electrical resistance (series and parallel connection); Joule effect; The magnetic field; Lorentz force; Motion of a charged particle in a uniform magnetic field; Biot-Savart law; Ampere's law; Faraday-Newmann-Lenz law; Introduction to Maxwell's laws; Electromagnetic waves and properties (notes).

1. D. Halliday, R. Resnick, J. Walker "Fondamenti di Fisica" (2015) Casa Ed. Ambrosiana;
2. Mazzoldi, Nigro, Voci: “Elementi di Fisica Vol. 1 – Meccanica e Termodinamica. Seconda edizione.” (EdiSES)
3. D. Halliday, R. Resnick, J. Walker "Fundamental of Physics" Casa Ed. Ambrosiana

The exam consists of a written test and an oral interview.

The written test will consist of a series of multiple choice questions and/or the resolution of some problems aimed at verifying the understanding of the topics proposed during the course and the ability to apply the knowledge acquired by identifying the most appropriate solution strategies. The evaluation of the written test will take into account the problem-solving approach, the correctness of the numerical calculations and the arguments supporting the procedure followed. The oral interview will be devoted to verifying communication skills and the proper use of the technical scientific language.
Verification of learning can also be carried out on-line, should conditions require it.

The questions below do not constitute an exhaustive list but represent just some examples:

• Newton's principles. Forces and their treatment. Force diagrams. · Conservative forces.

• Energy and Work.

• Archimedes' principle – Floating and sinking. 

• Stevino's law and hydrostatic pressure.

• Pascal's principle and hydraulic press. 

• Bernoulli's theorem and its proof.

• Thermal Machines: their efficiency; Carnot cycle; 2nd law of thermodynamics. 

• 1st and 2nd principles of thermodynamics. Internal energy.

• Latent heat, heat capacity and specific heat.