OVERVIEW

The course provides the student with understanding of the dynamics of physiological fluid flows. The focus will be on the mechanical aspects of such flows.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to provide students with the fundamentals needed to understand the dynamics of biological fluid flows, with particular emphasis on fluid motion in the human body. The following topics will be covered: blood rheology; fluid flow in the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins; and ocular fluid mechanics.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course it to provide students with knowledge that will allow them to understand the mechanics of physiological fluid flows. Particular attention will be devoted to the cardiovascular system. At the end of the course will the student will be able to
- understand the mechanical properties of blood and how they affect blood flow;
- understand the laws that govern physiological fluid flows in various compartments of the human body and, most notably, the circulatory system;
- solve analytically and/or numerically simple (yet fundamental) problems related to physiological fluid flows.

PREREQUISITES

Basic notions of mathematics and mechanics.

TEACHING METHODS

Combination of formal lectures and classroom work on specific small projects.

Students who hold valid certificates relating to Specific Learning Difficulties (SLD), disabilities or other educational needs are invited to contact the lecturer and the school’s disability liaison officer at the start of the course to agree on any teaching arrangements which, whilst respecting the course objectives, take into account individual learning styles. 

The contact details for the university’s disability liaison officer are available at the following link: https://unige.it/commissioni/comitatoperlinclusionedeglistudenticondisabilita. 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1. Introduction to biofluid dynamics

2. Blood rheology

3. Fluid mechanics of the heart

4. Flow in large arteries

5. Flow in the microcirculation

6. Perfusion of organs

7. Basics of ocular fluid mechanics

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lecture notes of the course.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

RODOLFO REPETTO (President)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/index.php?view=easycourse&_lang=it&include=corso

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam will consist in an oral discussion of the topics covered during the course. Great attention will be devoted to asses the student understanding of the physical processes underlying the physiological flow considered.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) may request accommodations for exams at least 7 days prior to the exam date by filling out the “accommodation request form” (available via online services at https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti# no-back), which will be automatically forwarded by the system to the instructor in charge of the course and to the faculty liaison for students with disabilities and SLDs in their School/Department. 

The student will receive a copy of their request.