MEDPHYS 1A03 — Physics in Medicine and Biology
Course Description
Physical principles underlying medical imaging, radiation therapy, and biomechanics.
Prerequisites to Review
Waves and forces from PHYSICS 1C03; exponential decay; basic atomic structure from CHEM 1A03.
Top 7 Topics by Foundational Importance
- Radiation types and interactions with matter
- X-ray and CT imaging
- MRI fundamentals
- ultrasound
- radiation-therapy
- biomechanical-forces
- Dose, exposure, and radiation safety
Known Difficulty Spikes
- Attenuation calculations (exponentials again, with coefficients)
- Distinguishing imaging modalities by the physics, not the acronym
- Torque/lever problems in biomechanics
Free Resources
- Khan Academy MCAT Physics
- Relevant MIT OCW modules
Connections
Inverse square law → radiation intensity bridges to PHYSICS 1C03 and ASTRON 1F03. Lorentz factor → nuclear binding energy bridges to PHYSICS 1CC3. Nuclear decay bridges to CHEM 1AA3. See interdisciplinary.
Textbook
[Set by /process-syllabus once syllabus is available.]