OVERVIEW

This course introduces the main physical phenomena that can have an impact on the environment and human health. In particular, it covers radioactivity, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, acoustic waves, and air pollution.

The course presents the basic concepts, the main natural and artificial sources, and the mechanisms through which these phenomena interact with humans and the environment. For radioactivity and radiation, practical applications and safety criteria are also discussed. Acoustic waves are mainly addressed in relation to noise and its effects, while air pollution is analyzed by focusing on the main pollutants and their consequences.

The course aims to provide essential knowledge to understand these topics and to interpret them in an informed and critical way in everyday and professional contexts.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, students will be able to understand and describe some physical phenomena of particular relevance in the environmental field, including acoustics and noise, waves and electromagnetic pollution, air pollution, radioactivity, and environmental contamination.

The course provides the basic knowledge needed to identify the main sources of these phenomena, assess their effects on the environment and human health, and interpret the main parameters used in their study and monitoring.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide theoretical and practical knowledge for the monitoring and control of radioactive, electromagnetic, acoustic, and atmospheric pollution.
Students will acquire the ability to understand the essential data related to these four types of pollution and to place them within the relevant regulatory framework.
Students will also learn how to carry out quantitative assessments of the physical quantities relevant to each of the four areas.

PREREQUISITES

The student must have the knowledge of mathematics and general physics proposed in the first year of the bachelor course.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching consists of lectures and classroom exercises. Attendance at lectures and exercises is strongly recommended.

Lectures in the classroom are delivered through multimedia presentations.

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Environmental radioactivity: the structure and characteristics of the atomic nucleus, equilibrium between Coulombian and nuclear forces and consequences on the stability of the nuclei. Radioactive decay: average life, half-life, activity. Observed radioactive decays in nature and electromagnetic de-exitacion. Exposure to ionizing radiation and dosimetric quantities. Dosage limits for the population and workers: regulatory references.

Non-ionizing Radiation (NIR): Electromagnetic wave spectrum, distinction between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Interaction of NIRs with matter and definition of specific absorption rate (SAR). NIR biological effects and regulatory  limits. Power transmitted by electromagnetic waves and relationship with the electric and magnetic fields.

Acoustics: definition of sound and sound pressure, acoustic waves. Flat and spherical waves, propagation and sound velocity, Doppler effect, interference and diffraction. Definition of Level of Sound Pressure  Intensity and Acoustic Power: the decibel scale. Human ear operation and perception of sound: isophonic curves and weighting curves. Audible and Extra-Noise Acoustic Effects: Environmental and Workplace Reference Standards. Notes on the operation of sound meters for environmental surveys.

Atmospheric pollution: composition and structure of the Earth's atmosphere, definition and classification of atmospheric pollutants. Spectrum of solar and terrestrial radiation and energy balance of the planet: the greenhouse effect and climatic forcing. Characteristics of atmospheric particulate matter: equivalent aerodynamic diameter, dimensional distributions, sources. Definition of PM10 and PM2.5: effects of atmospheric particulate matter on health, regulation and reference limits. Atmospheric visibility. Guidelines for PM10 and PM2.5 monitoring.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The course program does not refer to a specific textbook; however, much of the material covered can be further explored in general physics textbooks such as:

Halliday, Resnick, Walker: Fundamentals of Physics and Elements of Modern Physics – Zanichelli

Course notes are available on Aulaweb, and on the former lecturer’s webpage (https://www.ge.infn.it/~prati) all the slides used in previous courses and the texts of past exam papers are available.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

FEDERICO MAZZEI (President)

PAOLO PRATI

DARIO MASSABO' (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

February 15th 2022 - March 31th 2022

Class schedule

ENVIRONMENTAL APPLIED PHYSICS

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a written test divided in four sections, one for each of the topics covered in the class.

For each section, the student must answer to a question that requires a brief descriptive response, and solve an exercise as well.

The exam is passed if the student has obtained a grade greater than or equal to 18.

There will be 4 exam dated available in the summer section (one in June, two in July, one in September) and one in the winter session (in February)

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The student will have two hours to complete the written test. Textbooks, notes and mobile phones are not allowed in the exam room.

Details on how to prepare for the exam and the degree of detail required for each topic will be provided at the beginning of the class and confirmed during lectures and exercises. In particular, the class will end with a simulation of the exam.

Possible changes related to the COVID-19 emergency will be communicated by the AULAWEB service

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Regular attendance to lessons and exercises is strongly recommended.