Introduction to Physics in Modern Medicine [Paperback]

Suzanne Amador Kane (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 30, 2002 | ISBN-10: 0415301718 | ISBN-13: 978-0415301718 | Edition: 1

The medical applications of physics are not typically covered in introductory physics courses. Introduction to Physics in Modern Medicine fills that gap by explaining the physical principles behind technologies such as surgical lasers or computed tomography (CT or CAT) scanners. Each chapter includes a short explanation of the scientific background, making this book highly accessible to those without an advanced knowledge of physics. It is intended for medicine and health studies students who need an elementary background in physics, but it also serves well as a non-mathematical introduction to applied physics for undergraduate students in physics, engineering, and other disciplines.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Suzanne Amador Kane is with Haverford College in the USA.

Product Details

• Paperback: 344 pages
• Publisher: CRC Press; 1 edition (November 30, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415301718
• ISBN-13: 978-0415301718
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,749,119 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Extensive coverage without needing deep background, June 6, 2004

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This review is from: Introduction to Physics in Modern Medicine (Hardcover)

Increasingly in medicine, tools or techniques based on advances in physics have been making their mark. A problem that then arises is how to educate health professionals and students in this area about the basic physical principles behind these advances. Kane does a nice job of tackling the problem.

You don't need a degree in physics, or a heavy mathematical background to benefit from this text.

The idea behind lasers, and how they are used in surgery - from dermatology to retinal corrections to internal surgery - are clearly explained.

Of course, MRI and PET principles are covered, with the reader getting some appreciation of the immense computing power needed to obtain even the simplest images.

Even the century-old Xrays are explained. Though here one might imagine that there must be many existing texts with excellent discussions of this. But Xrays are included in this text for completeness.