BMS1031 Medical biophysics
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
BMS1031 Medical biophysics is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2023 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 4 units, leading on to 17 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2023
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 30%
- and 2 other tasks
This is the 2023 handbook entry. See the 2026 entry.
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Requisites
Before BMS1031
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After BMS1031
4 units list BMS1031 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
Prohibitions: PHS1031, PHS1080
Corequisite: Must be enrolled in one of the following:
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science (including double degree programs)
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Scholar Program)
- Bachelor of Emergency Health (Paramedic)
- Bachelor of Radiation Sciences
Overview
This unit introduces the student to the fundamental role of physics in how the body functions.
Throughout the semester, students will learn key principals of physics, and apply this knowledge to physiological processes. The concepts will be explored through experimentation and creation of simple models.
The concepts studied include the flow of fluids (such as blood and air) in the body, the mechanics of the musculoskeletal system, electrical signals within the brain and nervous system, and the optics involved in vision. These concepts will be explored through a range of scales - from atomic through to whole body systems.
By understanding the key principals of physics which govern how our bodies function, students will have gained a solid foundation for further study in the biomedical sciences.
Offerings in 2023
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Written examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)Threshold hurdle30%
- Practical work40%
- In-class activities and online tests30%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Explain and apply relevant physics principles to human physiology and biomedical contexts
- 2
Identify physical factors that should be considered when analysing physiological systems
- 3
Perform basic experiments, conduct reliable measurements, analyse data and interpret results
- 4
Accurately communicate scientific information in written and graphical forms
- 5
Use critical thinking to apply physics principles and models to physiological problems
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories24 hours
- Lectures12 hours
- Workshops24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
The workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours spread across the semester (roughly 12 hours per week) - approximately an even mixture of attendance at scheduled activities and self-scheduled study time. Learning activities comprise a mixture of instructor directed, peer directed and self-directed learning, which includes face-to-face and online engagement.
For full details of the teaching approach to this unit, please refer to Moodle.
Learning resources
Required resources
See Moodle for details about required resources.
Where it fits
BMS1031 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2023 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Kristian Helmerson
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Yan Wong
- Professor Kristian Helmerson
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for BMS1031?
BMS1031 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after BMS1031?
BMS1031 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 4 units, including BME2032, BMS3031, BMS3052 and PHS1002. Those lead on to 17 units in all.
When is BMS1031 offered?
In 2023, BMS1031 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does BMS1031 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 30% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include BMS1031?
BMS1031 is part of Physics.