The unit will first introduce senses and sensory systems in living organisms with special focus on the biomechanics of one sensory system. We will build a mathematical model to study how organisms collect and process specfici sensory information from their surroundings. A main aim of the module is to develop the skills necessary for group work, learn how to critically read the literature, develop simple mathematical models that capture the fundamental ingredients of an open problem and assess its potential, limitations and potential improvements.
The course aims to provide students with knowledge of the mechanical behaviour of biological tissues. One additional important aim is to accustom the students to work in groups on specific projects. A final aim of the course is to teach the students how to look for and study scientific literature.
More specifically, at the end of this module the student will be able to:
The teaching methods are in common to both modules. Each project will be presented by an instructor and the necessary mechanical knowledge will be provided during a suitable number of frontal lectures. These will include the presentation of the problem, the state of the art and a simple modeling approach that is suitable to be analyzed by the students. During most of the class hours, students will work in small groups on the projects.
Every year we will analyze a different sensory system and how it functions physically. The content will be an introduction of the function of the sensory system; an introduction on the physical laws that dictate how it behaves; a simplified model that analyzes a specific aspect of the sensory system and the methods to run simple numerical simulations regarding the model. More specifically:
Each year a different sensory system will be analyzed, and the teacher will therefore provide research papers and book relevant to the topic at the beginning of the module.
Ricevimento: contact the teacher to set up 1 to 1 meetings at agnese.seminara@unige.it
RODOLFO REPETTO (President)
NICOLETTA TAMBRONI
AGNESE SEMINARA (President Substitute)
ALBERTO LAGAZZO (Substitute)
ALESSANDRO STOCCHINO (Substitute)
https://corsi.unige.it/info/studenti-calendario
This module will be taught last.
The timetable for this course is available here: EasyAcademy
The exam is the same for both modules. For the exam modalities, please refer to the description in the corresponding form common to both modules.
The exam is the same for both modules. For the assessment methods, please refer to the description in the corresponding form common to both modules.
For any additional information please contact the teacher by email.
