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Fields and Waves in Biomedical Systems
Valter Mariani Primiani

Seat Ingegneria
A.A. 2016/2017
Credits 6
Hours 48
Period I
Language ENG

Prerequisites
Fundamentals of electromagnetics

Learning outcomes
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
This is an extremely interdisciplinary course, with substantial laboratory contents. Aim of the course is to introduce students to the knowledge and understanding of the role of fields and waves (quantum charge, mechanical, electromagnetic, acoustic…) in biological systems, and showing how waves of different nature and energy can be used to probe and investigate bio-systems at micro and nanoscale.
CAPACITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
The course shows how to apply knowledge of the advanced theory of fields and waves to specific design problems of diagnostic instruments, imaging tools and systems for scientific investigation of bio-systems
TRANSVERSAL SKILLS:
By focusing on interdisciplinarity, students are introduced to tools enabling team working with experts from different areas. Students will acquire elements for independently designing systems for diagnosis and scientific investigation. Since innovative points of views will be discussed, this course will help students to address fast changing working problems related to technological innovation.

Program
Signal theory principles- the use of log quantities – phasors – Maxwell equations – boundary conditions - constitutive relationships – Fundamental theorems – wave equation – wave propagation in free space – wave propagation ion complex media – guided propagation: transmission lines – Radiation and wave sources – Antennas and their properties – Interaction with biological media – Thermal and non-thermal effects – specific absorption rate – Exposure valuation – International and national standards - Electrical properties of biological media – determination of dielectric permittivity: invasive and non-invasive methods – Interaction with biomedical devices – interference effects – Cabling – conducted and radiated reduction techniques – measurements of conducted and radiated waves – Standards and exposure limits.

Development of the examination
LEARNING EVALUATION METHODS
The examination is oral and it consists in three questions about all the topics. If required, the questions that require some calculation execution will be answered in a written form during the oral examination itself. The questions that require to draw some block diagrams, electric schemes, graphics, and the execution of analytical demonstrations will be answered in a written form during the oral examination itself.

LEARNING EVALUATION CRITERIA
To obtain a positive rating, the student must prove a sufficient knowledge about the course topics. Students must explain the topics in a sufficiently corrected way using adequate technical words and phrases. The knowledge of electromagnetic field and matter intercations will be checked, together with the ability to put in relationship several topics and to analyse real practical cases. The highest score will be obtained showing a deep knowledge of the topics presented using a valuable technical language.

LEARNING MEASUREMENT CRITERIA
A score ranging from zero up to ten will be assigned to each question. The score will be given in thirtieths.

FINAL MARK ALLOCATION CRITERIA
The final score is the sum of the score of all questions. The examination is passed if the total score will be equal or greater than eighteen. The “30/30 with distinction” score is reserved to those students who, in addition to a correct and complete answer to all questions, show a strong ability and autonomy in theoretical demonstrations.

Recommended reading
C. R. Paul, K. W. Whites, S. A. Nasar, “Introduction to Electromagnetic Fields“, McGraw-Hill, Third Edition. - DANIEL FLEISCH, “A Student’s Guide to Maxwell’s Equations“, Cambridge University Press The Edinburgh Building, Cambridge CB2 8RU, UK. - James C. Lin, “Electromagnetic Fields in Biological Systems“, CRC Press. - Clayton R. Paul, “Introduction to Electromagnetic Compatibility“, Second Edition, John Wiley & Sons.

Courses

• Biomedical Engineering (Corso di Laurea Magistrale (DM 270/04))