Prerequisites: PHYS 201 or PHYS 231 or PHYS 151 & 152 or PHYS 142E
Corequisite: PHYS 202 or PHYS 232 or PHYS 251
Instructor: Rogers C. Ritter, 106D Physics Bldg., 924-6795, email: rcr8r@Virginia.edu

This course investigates the physical laws and processes which are the basis for much of the human body's form and function. Although often subtle, the relevant concepts can be grasped without going deeply into the complex chemical, structural and organizational details of the body that are central to medical research and practice. More pedagogical details about this class are available. The course is particularly appropriate for biology or chemistry majors, premeds, or B.A. physics majors. It is an acceptable physics elective for any of the undergraduate physics degree programs.

The reading list has specific recommendations, as well as some pointers to help you find additional material in hardcopy &/or on the internet.

PHYSICS 384 - PHYSICS OF THE HUMAN BODY
	Provisional Syllabus
DATE	TOPIC	SUGGESTED READING REF.
Wed, Jan 15	Course introduction, outline discussed
Fri, Jan 17	The ear as a black box; Sound waves
Mon, Jan 20
Wed, Jan 22	The ear: construction and function
Fri, Jan 24
Mon, Jan 27	Basics of information and the ear
Wed, Jan 29
1/29/97	Last Day to Drop a Class
Fri, Jan 31	E&M waves; The eye as a camera, processor
1/31/97	Last Day to Change Grading Option
Mon, Feb 3
Wed, Feb 5	Intensity, eye retinal structure as imager
Fri, Feb 7
Mon, Feb 10	Eye lens structure, disposition of photons
Wed, Feb 12
Fri, Feb 14	Response of the eye to photons
Mon, Feb 17	Sensory information; eye and ear comparisons
Wed, Feb19
Fri, Feb 21	Perception, storage, consciousness?
Mon, Feb 24
Wed, Feb 26	Mechanics; materials of the body
Fri, Feb 28
Mon, Mar 3	Statics; the hip
Wed, Mar 5
Fri, Mar 7	Dynamical performance; kenesiology
3/12/97	Last Day to Withdraw
Mar 8 - Mar 16	Spring Vacation
Mon, Mar 17
Wed, Mar 19	Fluid dynamics I; the cardiovascular system
Fri, Mar 21
Mon, Mar 24	Problem session
Wed, Mar 26
Fri, Mar 28	Thermal behavior of the body; homeostasis
Mon, Mar 31	Midterm Exam (takehome) due
Wed, Apr 2	Heat loss; control; metabolism
Fri, Apr 4	Fluid dynamics II; lung, urinary system
Following Topics Tentative - Class Input
Mon, Apr 7
Wed, Apr 9	Muscle, physical performance
Fri, Apr 11
Mon, Apr 14	Topic of Paper Approved by This Date
Mon, Apr 14
Wed, Apr 16	Scaling
Fri, Apr 18
Mon, Apr 21	Feedback in some of the body's systems
Wed, Apr 23
Fri, Apr 25	Nuclear radiatoion; risk analysis
Mon, Apr 28	Review; answer questions
Apr 30-May 1	Reading Days
Fri, May 2	Last Day to Turn in Paper
May 6	Final Examination - 9:00 to 12:00