The course is taught in English. The course analyzes the most relevant known effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on biological tissues, with emphasis on humans. Both high- and low-frequency fields will be considered, for diagnostics (e.g. MRI) and therapy, as well as the fields to which we are exposed to (e.g. radio broadcasting, etc.); recommendations and regulations for such exposure will be analyzed. The scenario will extend up to recent results on studied effects and presently experimental therapeutic applications.

Knowledge of the scenario of known scientific results; Ability to understand the main perspectives and technological issues of present clinical and future applications, the regulations and recommendations.

University (undergraduate) calculus; basic physics including elementary notions on electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields; circuit theory.

Review of fundamentals of electromagnetic (EM) field characterization. The EM field in material bodies, macroscopic EM characterization of biological tissues. Energy balance for EM field. Low-frequency (quasi-static) and high-frequency (wave) regimes. Overview of scientifically recognized bio effects of non-ionizing EM fields: non-thermal and thermal effects. Non-thermal cell response (low-frequency). Thermal effects: the EM field as a heat source, low and high frequency regimes; bio-heat equation. Most important clinical applications of EM fields: MRI, EEG; electrosurgery and RF ablation; hyperthermia for cancer treatment. Man-made environment EM fields: relevant sources, exposure regulations and recommendations. Emerging and future therapeutic and diagnostic applications of EM fields.

The course is delivered in the form of lectures (classes) and problem-solving sessions. Problems/tasks are assigned about every 15days; they are intended for 1) allowing retention testing; 2) learning application of presented theory; 3) gaining orders of magnitude and issues of typical applications. A key component of the learning activity are problem-solving classes and home assignments. The use of specialized simulation software tools is anticipated as an instruction support and/or for hands-on experience. Optional lab on special projects.

The learning will be supported by handouts made available by the instructor, via the didattica web portal. Other materials, including scholarly journal articles and other relevant sources will also be made available. The provided handouts are enough for preparing to the final exam. Bibliographical indications will be given for "probing further".

Modalità di esame: Prova scritta (in aula); Elaborato scritto individuale;

Exam: Written test; Individual essay;

... Grading can be achieved in two alternative ways. A- Evaluation by grading of submitted assignments. - Requires submission of all assignments, in complete form, by the indicated deadlines. - Assignments must be carried out individually. Assignment papers will be graded and result in the final grade. - Max score achievable: 30L (no limit). Grading criteria will also include difference between papers submitted by different persons; it will also consider discussions during carrying out of the assigned tasks in class. Exam in standard form: written test on problem solving; the test will propose problems similar to those assigned during the course, and questions on the lectures (as reported in the provided class material). The exam material encompasses all topics listed in the Syllabus above. The test is closed-book (no material allowed), but useful formulas are provided with exam text (to avoid unnecessary mnemonic efforts); the formulas are taken from the course handouts. Duration: 2hrs.

Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.