124103

Biophysical Principles

Students will develop understanding of biophysical principles including the description of motion, forces, equilibrium, fluids and flow, heat as energy, heat transfer, waves and sound, and the use of spreadsheets. Application of foundational knowledge of mathematical principles to biophysical systems, including the rules of arithmetic, fractions, simple algebra, trigonometry, transcendental functions, SI units and unit conversions, and creating and interpreting graphs. A practical course.

Course code

Qualifications are made up of courses. Some universities call these papers. Each course is numbered using six digits.

124103

Level

The fourth number of the course code shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).

100-level

Credits

Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.

15

Subject

Physics

Course planning information

Course notes

Any domestic student or on-shore international student applying for selection into the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) needs to enrol in the Manawatū (internal) offering of this course. Studying this course by distance would make you ineligible for BVSc selection.

A minimum of 40% is required to pass the Final Examination. Students must attend 6 laboratory sessions and submit all laboratory reports. A minimum number of Mastery Tests must be attempted.

Restrictions

Similar content
160101, 160102, 160103, 160104, 160105, 160111, 160112, 160132, 160133, 124100, 124104, 124105, 124111

You cannot enrol in this course if you have passed (or are enrolled in) any of the course(s) above as these courses have similar content or content at a higher level.

Learning outcomes

What you will learn. Knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ll be able to show as a result of successfully finishing this course.

  • 1 Explain the physical and mathematical principles underlying a wide range of biological phenomena.
  • 2 Solve quantitative mathematical problems relating to: number, algebra, trigonometry and transcendental functions.
  • 3 Solve qualitative problems relating to: motion, forces, fluids, heat and waves.
  • 4 Use a wide range of mathematical techniques important for understanding of biophysics, including unit conversions, drawing and interpreting graphs and using basic spreadsheets.
  • 5 Carry out experimental investigations and draw appropriate conclusions from these, including the use of statistical reasoning/inference.

Learning outcomes can change before the start of the semester you are studying the course in.

Assessments

Assessment Learning outcomes assessed Weighting
Test 2 5%
Test 1 2 3 4 20%
Practical/Placement 1 3 4 5 10%
Test 1 2 3 4 25%
Exam (centrally scheduled) 1 2 3 4 5 40%

Assessment weightings can change up to the start of the semester the course is delivered in.

You may need to take more assessments depending on where, how, and when you choose to take this course.

Explanation of assessment types

Computer programmes
Computer animation and screening, design, programming, models and other computer work.
Creative compositions
Animations, films, models, textiles, websites, and other compositions.
Exam College or GRS-based (not centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by a college or the Graduate Research School (GRS). The exam could be online, oral, field, practical skills, written exams or another format.
Exam (centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by Assessment Services (centrally) – you’ll usually be told when and where the exam is through the student portal.
Oral or performance or presentation
Debates, demonstrations, exhibitions, interviews, oral proposals, role play, speech and other performances or presentations.
Participation
You may be assessed on your participation in activities such as online fora, laboratories, debates, tutorials, exercises, seminars, and so on.
Portfolio
Creative, learning, online, narrative, photographic, written, and other portfolios.
Practical or placement
Field trips, field work, placements, seminars, workshops, voluntary work, and other activities.
Simulation
Technology-based or experience-based simulations.
Test
Laboratory, online, multi-choice, short answer, spoken, and other tests – arranged by the school.
Written assignment
Essays, group or individual projects, proposals, reports, reviews, writing exercises, and other written assignments.

Textbooks needed

Textbooks can change. We recommend you wait until at least seven weeks before the semester starts to buy your textbooks.

Highly recommended

INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL PHYSICS FOR THE HEALTH AND LIFE SCIENCES 2ED

Author
FRANKLIN ET AL
ISBN
9781118934500
Edition
2ND ED
Publisher
WILEY WILEY

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