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 | 2015/6 |
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 and Laboratory work
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.
Background 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).