Curricular Unit:			Code:
Biophysics			844BFIS
Year:	Level:	Course:	Credits:
1	Master	Pharmaceutical Sciences	4 ects
Learning Period:		Language of Instruction:	Total Hours:
		Portuguese/English	52
Learning Outcomes of the Curricular Unit:
Promotion of basic knowledge on Physics applied to biological functions. Studying different applications of Physics to Pharmaceutical operations, namely quality control and pharmaceutical technology. To develop an observation capacity in relation to different techniques for physical characterization in order to value its correct use and understanding, either when using them in other subjects or in a future job. To develop abilities to keep studiyng and learning in an autonomous and adequate way througout professional life.
Syllabus:
Matter properties Liquid state Physical structure of liquids. Example of a single component phase diagram Viscosity. Resistance to flow. Viscosoty in Pharmaceutical scienses. Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. Poiseuille equation Blood pressure and blood viscosity Deduction of the equations used in the ostwald viscometer Stokes law- viscosity measured by the falling sphere method Capillarity. Measurement of ST by the capillary method Pulmonary surfactants and premature new-borns viability Solid state Definitions Classification crystal types – Different types of unit cells Polymorphism. Relevance in Pharmaceutical Sciences Solids characterisation in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Optics Electromagnetic radiation Light properties. Reflection and refraction. Snell’s law.
Demonstration of the Syllabus Coherence with the Curricular Unit's Objectives:
The course is divided in several chapters with interest for future pharmacists. In every chapter, different examples are presented in order to better understand physics laws when applied to the knowledge of biological functions and human body. Additionally, the understanding of physics laws is also applied to the knowledge of pharmaceutical/galenic operations, pharmaceutical technology, medicine and drugs properties and quality control (chemical and instrumental analysis). To reach this goal, theoretical concepts and practical knowledge are to be supplied in subjects such as the matter state and its physical characterization, rheology, surface tension and optics.
Teaching Methodologies (Including Evaluation):
The unit comprises two parts, theoretical (T, 1h contact / week) and theoretical practice (TP, 1,5h contact / week). In class T, the topics are developed in contact time scheduled, using appropriate audio-visual equipment and emphasizing aspects that require the integration of concepts. Aditionaly deductions and demonstrations are presented using the black-board. At the end of the exposure of each subject questions are asked for debate. The evaluation is done by conducting two written tests T and two written tests TP. In class TP, theoretical aspects are deeper explored and application exercises are done. The global approval for the course requires approval from both components in a weighted average (70%T plus 30%TP).
Demonstration of the Coherence between the Teaching Methodologies and the Learning Outcomes:
The application of teaching methodologies in theoretical component aims at the acquisition and consolidation of knowledge in the technical and scientific field of the course, improve the ability to apply theoretical concepts to solve Real pharmaceutical problems and to guide the students for independent learning. The application of teaching methodologies in the theoretical practice component aims specifically to improve the capacity of interpretation and critical analysis of results and stimulate the habits of research and independent learning.
Reading:
- Física para ciencias de la vida, Jou; Llebot; Pérez; McGraw-Hill; 2009; ISBN: 978-84-481-6803-2 - Physical Chemistry for the chemical and biological sciences; R. Chang; 3ª ed., University Science Books, 2000; ISBN-13: 978-1891389061 - Principles of Physics; Bueche; Jerde; 6ª ed., McGraw-Hill; 1995; ISBN-13: 978-0070088177 - Biofísica para Ciências da Saúde; Lígia Rebelo Gomes; Universidade Fernando Pessoa, 2012; isbn: 9789896430962 - Biophysics, A students Guide to the Physics of the Life Sciences and Medicine; William C. Parke, Springer., 2020; ISBN 978-3-030-44146-3