66600 - Physics and Statistics

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will have the basic concepts of classical physics with emphasis on the concepts of motion, force, energy, electromagnetics, fluid physics, optics, concepts and basic knowledge of interest and use in the continuation of the course of studies . The student knows the basics of the theory of errors, the main distributions used in physics and biology, and the main methods for the statistical analysis (hypothesis testing, correlation between random variables, linear interpolation of pairs of random variables). In particular, the student is able to: - interpret correctly the result of experimental measurements; - estimate the main statistical parameters relating to a set of experimental data; - understand the outcome of the main statistical tests applied to experimental data, or methods interpolation and / or correlation of random variables.

Course contents

PHYSICS (prof. G. Sartorelli)

Introduction: operational definition of physical quantities. Systems of measurement units. 

Dimensional equations.

Kinematics: reference systems. Motion in one dimension, equation hourly.

Speed and acceleration. Uniform motion, uniformly accelerated motion.

Uniform circular motion.

Dynamics of: inertial systems. Forces. The laws of dynamics. Weight force and acceleration of gravity. Law of gravitation. Friction force.

Job. Kinetic energy. Kinetic energy theorem. Conservative forces.

Potential energy. Forces elastiche.Conservazione energy.

Dynamic systems: impulse and momentum. Problems of impact.

Center of mass. Theorem of momentum.

Moment of a force. Angular momentum.

Fluid dynamics: pressure. Density.

Basic laws of hydrostatics.

Pascal's principle. Buoyancy.

Perfect fluids. Continuity equation. Bernoulli's Theorem.

Real fluids. Viscosity. Sedimentation rate. Centrifuges.

Electrostatics: Coulomb's law. Electric field. Field lines. Electric dipole. Dipole in an electric field. Electric potential.

Capacity. Ohm's law. Resistors in series and parallel.

Electromagnetism: magnetic field. Lorentz force.

Electromagnetic induction. Faraday's law. Lenz's Law.

Electromagnetic waves.

Wave properties of light: Huygens' principle.

Reflection and refraction. Total reflection. Interference. Diffraction.

X-ray diffraction and structure of biological molecules.

Geometric optics: mirrors. Lenses.

The eye: near-point and visual acuity.

Linear and angular magnification. Magnifier. Optical microscope.

STATISTICS (dott. M. Garbini)

Error theory

Measurements and the International System. Order of magnitude: multiples and submultiples of 10. Resolution of an instrument, systematic errors, random fluctuations. Significant digits and scientific notation. Absolute and relative error. Repeated Measures (continuous and discrete variables): mean value and dispersion. Indirect measurements: error propagation.

Descriptive Statistics

Definition of a random variable. Frequencies of appearance. Histograms of distribution of the experimental data, limit curve. Probability density and cumulative distribution. Distribution parameters: mean, variance, skewness and kurtosis. Empirical estimation of the parameters of a distribution. Binomial, Poisson and Gauss distributions. Sum of random variables and the Central Limit Theorem. Examples and applications in biophysical problems.

Statistical analysis tools

Theory of errors. Comparison of two populations: Student's T test. Linear interpolation. Coefficient of linear correlation and covariance.

LABORATORY OF STATISTICS:

Experiences of biological data processing with the computer. Application of statistical methods to real and simulated data.

Readings/Bibliography

PHYSICS

D.C. GIANCOLI – FISICA: Principi e Applicazioni - Seconda Edizione. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana

D. HALLIDAY, R. RESNICK, J. WALKER, Fondamenti di Fisica, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana

Physics execises
G. RUFFO, Problemi di Fisica, Vol. 1 e 3, ZANICHELLI, Bologna.

STATISTICS
Course notes and tasks are available online correct previous
Theory of Errors: Introduction to Error Analysis (Taylor, Freeman)
Probability and Statistics: Statistical Methods for biological experimentation (Camussi et al, Freeman)

Teaching methods

PHYSICS: Lectures and exercises. STATISTICS: Lectures and laboratory activities

Assessment methods

Written exam of Physics and Statistics. Oral exam of Physics. The assessment of learning is through a final written exam, during which it is not permissible to use books, and electronic media, and a subsequent oral examination.
The written test is designed to ascertain the skills acquired in solving problems in the context of the issues addressed. It is assessed by a judgment which should be positive to allow access to the oral test. The validity of the written test exceeded is limited to the appeals of the same academic year. The oral exam aims to test knowledge acquisition under the program of the course. Both the written and oral test have the additional purpose of verifying the learning of a scientific method of approaching problems. The final mark takes into account the estimates reported both in the two written  and in the oral Physics examinations.

Teaching tools

Blackboard normal and bright. Laboratory exercises for Statistics.

Office hours

See the website of Gabriella Sartorelli

See the website of Marco Garbini

See the website of Marco Garbini