Physics
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course aims at providing the students with the fundamental of Physics, in order to have a quantitative understanding of biological phenomena and to understand the working principles of laboratory instrumentation.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student is expected to know the fundamental principles of classical Physics and to be able to apply them to the solution of simple problems.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Surname A-K
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
What physics is and why it is worth studying. Geometrical optics: reflection and refraction; thin lenses. Microscope.
Physical quantities and units of measurement. Kinematics in one and more dimensions: average and instantaneous velocity and acceleration. Reference frames, force, mass, action and reaction: Newton's laws of motion. Work, energy, and power. Centrifuge: principle of operation. Linear momentum and the center of mass; collisions and conservation laws. Oscillatory and wave motion. Mechanical waves.
Fluid statics and fluid dynamics. Temperature and the kinetic theory of gases. Thermodynamic transformations, heat, work, and internal energy; the first law of thermodynamics. Heat transfer. The second law of thermodynamics; entropy and irreversibility.
Electric charge and Coulomb's law. Electric field and electric potential. Capacitance, electric current, and Ohm's law. Magnetic fields and Lorentz force. Mass spectrometer. Electromagnetic induction: electric motor, microphone, and various devices that make use of it. Energy stored in the electromagnetic field. Electromagnetic energy transport: electromagnetic waves and light. Wave optics.
Physical quantities and units of measurement. Kinematics in one and more dimensions: average and instantaneous velocity and acceleration. Reference frames, force, mass, action and reaction: Newton's laws of motion. Work, energy, and power. Centrifuge: principle of operation. Linear momentum and the center of mass; collisions and conservation laws. Oscillatory and wave motion. Mechanical waves.
Fluid statics and fluid dynamics. Temperature and the kinetic theory of gases. Thermodynamic transformations, heat, work, and internal energy; the first law of thermodynamics. Heat transfer. The second law of thermodynamics; entropy and irreversibility.
Electric charge and Coulomb's law. Electric field and electric potential. Capacitance, electric current, and Ohm's law. Magnetic fields and Lorentz force. Mass spectrometer. Electromagnetic induction: electric motor, microphone, and various devices that make use of it. Energy stored in the electromagnetic field. Electromagnetic energy transport: electromagnetic waves and light. Wave optics.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of basics mathematics (functions, derivatives, integrals and trigonometry) is required.
Teaching methods
Attendance requirements: Mandatory.
Teaching methods: The course consists of classroom lectures, during which active student participation is encouraged and highly appreciated. Whenever possible, the concepts presented are illustrated through simple experimental demonstrations, experiments, and videos to facilitate understanding.
The lectures are complemented by problem-solving sessions, during which quantitative problems are presented for students to solve, either individually or in groups, with the support of the instructor and tutors. At the end of each session, the instructor presents the correct solution, showing how the theoretical models developed during the lectures can be applied to solve the problems.
The course includes 36 hours of lectures and 24 hours of problem-solving sessions/tutorials.
Teaching methods: The course consists of classroom lectures, during which active student participation is encouraged and highly appreciated. Whenever possible, the concepts presented are illustrated through simple experimental demonstrations, experiments, and videos to facilitate understanding.
The lectures are complemented by problem-solving sessions, during which quantitative problems are presented for students to solve, either individually or in groups, with the support of the instructor and tutors. At the end of each session, the instructor presents the correct solution, showing how the theoretical models developed during the lectures can be applied to solve the problems.
The course includes 36 hours of lectures and 24 hours of problem-solving sessions/tutorials.
Teaching Resources
The primary reference for studying are the notes taken by students during lectures and problem-solving sessions.
On the MyAriel platform, the instructor provides supplementary materials that may be useful for studying, including some of the slides used during lectures. However, these slides are not intended to be a complete set of course notes. Solutions to exercises discussed in class, as well as all past examination papers, are also made available on the platform.
Students are also encouraged to consult an introductory university-level physics textbook of their choice.
On the MyAriel platform, the instructor provides supplementary materials that may be useful for studying, including some of the slides used during lectures. However, these slides are not intended to be a complete set of course notes. Solutions to exercises discussed in class, as well as all past examination papers, are also made available on the platform.
Students are also encouraged to consult an introductory university-level physics textbook of their choice.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of a written test, followed by an oral test. Admission to the oral examination is conditional upon passing the written test.
The written test lasts two hours and consists of four exercises of a difficulty level comparable to the problems discussed during the lectures. No books, notes, or formula sheets may be used during the test. Calculators are permitted.
A passing grade on the written test remains valid for one year.
Students who attend the course may replace the written test with two in-course assessments, held during the mid-semester break and at the end of the course. To be admitted to the oral examination, students must obtain a passing grade in both assessments. These assessments are conducted under the same conditions as the written test.
The oral examination lasts approximately 10-15 minutes and consists of a discussion of a topic selected from those covered in the course, followed by questions on the remainder of the syllabus. Assessment focuses on the student's ability to describe the phenomenology of physical processes and to correctly present the relevant theoretical models. Critical reasoning in the application of physical laws to real-world problems, as well as clarity and accuracy of scientific communication, are also evaluated.
The written test lasts two hours and consists of four exercises of a difficulty level comparable to the problems discussed during the lectures. No books, notes, or formula sheets may be used during the test. Calculators are permitted.
A passing grade on the written test remains valid for one year.
Students who attend the course may replace the written test with two in-course assessments, held during the mid-semester break and at the end of the course. To be admitted to the oral examination, students must obtain a passing grade in both assessments. These assessments are conducted under the same conditions as the written test.
The oral examination lasts approximately 10-15 minutes and consists of a discussion of a topic selected from those covered in the course, followed by questions on the remainder of the syllabus. Assessment focuses on the student's ability to describe the phenomenology of physical processes and to correctly present the relevant theoretical models. Critical reasoning in the application of physical laws to real-world problems, as well as clarity and accuracy of scientific communication, are also evaluated.
PHYS-06/A - Physics for Life Sciences, Environment, and Cultural Heritage - University credits: 6
Exercises: 24 hours
Lessons: 36 hours
Lessons: 36 hours
Professor:
Carpineti Marina
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Carpineti MarinaSurname L-Z
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Introduction: physical quantities, dimensional analysis, approximations.
Kinematics: motion in one dimension, average and instantaneous velocity, acceleration.
Motion in two and three dimensions. Vectors. Uniform circular motion.
Dynamics: The reference system. The Newton's laws. Apparent forces. Some types of force: gravitational, weight, electrostatic, van der Waals, normal, friction, contact, tension, elastic, centripetal. The mechanical work.
Kinetic and potential energy. Energy conservation. Non-conservative forces.
Armonic oscillator.
Fluids: Stevino's law, Archimedes' principle, sedimentation of molecules, the centrifuge. Fluid dynamics: equilibrium and Bernoulli equation.
Thermodynamics: Isolated and closed systems. The principles of thermodynamics. Temperature's scales. Calorimetry and phase transitions. The ideal gas.
Microstates and macrostates. Boltzmann distribution, entropy and irreversibility.
Electromagnetism: electric charge and Coulomb law. Electric field and electric potential. Electric dipoles. Electrophoresis. Dielectrics and conductors. Ohm's law. Mass spectrometer.
Magnetic field. Motion o charges in an electromagnetic field. Magnetic field induced by charges in motion.
Electromagnetic waves. Polarization of light, dichroism. Reflection, refraction, absorption, interference, diffraction, X-ray crystallography. Examples of applications in the biotechnologies
Geometric optics: plane and spherical mirror. Lenses, the human eye, magnification lens and microscope.
Kinematics: motion in one dimension, average and instantaneous velocity, acceleration.
Motion in two and three dimensions. Vectors. Uniform circular motion.
Dynamics: The reference system. The Newton's laws. Apparent forces. Some types of force: gravitational, weight, electrostatic, van der Waals, normal, friction, contact, tension, elastic, centripetal. The mechanical work.
Kinetic and potential energy. Energy conservation. Non-conservative forces.
Armonic oscillator.
Fluids: Stevino's law, Archimedes' principle, sedimentation of molecules, the centrifuge. Fluid dynamics: equilibrium and Bernoulli equation.
Thermodynamics: Isolated and closed systems. The principles of thermodynamics. Temperature's scales. Calorimetry and phase transitions. The ideal gas.
Microstates and macrostates. Boltzmann distribution, entropy and irreversibility.
Electromagnetism: electric charge and Coulomb law. Electric field and electric potential. Electric dipoles. Electrophoresis. Dielectrics and conductors. Ohm's law. Mass spectrometer.
Magnetic field. Motion o charges in an electromagnetic field. Magnetic field induced by charges in motion.
Electromagnetic waves. Polarization of light, dichroism. Reflection, refraction, absorption, interference, diffraction, X-ray crystallography. Examples of applications in the biotechnologies
Geometric optics: plane and spherical mirror. Lenses, the human eye, magnification lens and microscope.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of basics mathematics (functions, derivatives, integrals and trigonometry) is required.
Teaching methods
Class lectures with interactions (36 hours) and exercises (24 hours). Flipped classrooms
Attendance strongly recommended.
Attendance strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Notes and material that can be downloaded from the Ariel site.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Two intermediate tests with exercises and theory questions (closed answer). If not passed the final exam is a written open questions test with three exercises and three theory questions.
PHYS-06/A - Physics for Life Sciences, Environment, and Cultural Heritage - University credits: 6
Exercises: 24 hours
Lessons: 36 hours
Lessons: 36 hours
Professor:
Achilli Simona
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Achilli SimonaProfessor(s)