PX2137: Electricity in the Human Body
School | Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy |
Department Code | PHYSX |
Module Code | PX2137 |
External Subject Code | 100350 |
Number of Credits | 10 |
Level | L5 |
Language of Delivery | English |
Module Leader | Mr Paul Williams |
Semester | Autumn Semester |
Academic Year | 2014/5 |
Outline Description of Module
- To initiate a study of electrical phenomena in the human body.
- To provide an appreciation of the body’s natural electricity and its monitoring for diagnosis and therapy.
- To provide a working knowledge of electrical techniques in medicine.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- Describe the electrical properties of cells.
- Describe how nerve and muscle impulses are generated and propagated.
- Describe the basic features of the electrocardiogram, electromyogram, electroencephalogram and how they are recorded.
- Explain the basic circuit features of an amplifier for bioelectric measurement and construct and test such an amplifier.
- Discuss the different types of electrodes used for recording bioelectric signals.
- Describe the function of different types electrical equipment used in medicine.
- Compare the physiological effects caused by an electrical current imposed on the body.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of safety of biomedical equipment.
How the module will be delivered
Lectures and laboratory practical 11 x 2 hr, marked experimental work.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Problem solving. Investigative skills. Experimental physics. Mathematics. Analytical skills.
How the module will be assessed
Examination 50%. Laboratory 50%. [Examination duration: 1 hour].
Assessment Breakdown
Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
---|---|---|---|
Exam - Autumn Semester | 50 | Electricity In The Human Body | 1 |
Written Assessment | 50 | Electricity In The Human Body | N/A |
Syllabus content
Cells: The cell as a generator of electricity, membrane potentials and conduction, sodium potassium pump, graded and action potentials and their propagation.
Neuromuscular Transmission: The nervous system, neural communication, muscle action potentials and contraction.
Electricity and the Heart: Cardiac muscle and contraction, the origin of cardiac signals, the cardiac cycle.
Monitoring of Electrical Signals: Electrodes and electrode design, measurement of electrical signals in the body (ECG,EEG,EMG), signal analysis, electrical noise.
Instrumentation: Amplifier design and construction, isolation, types of monitoring systems in current usage.
Clinical Devices: Cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators, diathermy, impedance measurements.
Physiological Effects: Electrolysis, bulk heating, nerve stimulation, electric shock.
Safety: Leakage currents, classes of equipment, basic safety testing & regulations.
Essential Reading and Resource List
Medical Physics and Physiological Measurement, B H Brown and R H Smallwood (Blackwell) (out of print but copies in the library).
Background Reading and Resource List
Not applicable.