PHYS 121 - Introductory Physics for Life Sciences I

Learner Outcome

Activity (optional)

Assessment

Apply quantitative reasoning and appropriate mathematics to describe or explain phenomena in the natural world.

Students will work in groups in class to analyze “case studies” in which they must apply quantitative reasoning to understand a puzzling natural phenomenon. Case studies could include: (1) Analyze experimental data showing the movement of a spider, in order to determine whether the spider’s legs behave like simple pendulums. (2) Apply mechanical concepts of force and elasticity to predict whether a sprinter’s performance will depend on the rigidity of the track.

Graded summaries of in-class case studies, graded homework assignments, and graded in-class exams

Demonstrate understanding of the process of scientific inquiry, and explain how scientific knowledge is discovered and validated.

Students will work in groups to conduct in-class laboratory investigations. They will be required to state a testable hypothesis, and to design a simple experiment to systematically test their hypothesis. Lab activities could include: (1) Analyze the forces and torques involved in the human arm; (2) Analyze the biomechanics of projectile motion in the context of sporting events (e.g. long jump, shot put, field goal kick).

Graded lab reports written by individual students

Demonstrate knowledge of basic physical principles and their applications to the understanding of living systems.

Students will learn physical principles in the context of a wide variety of biological examples. In-class discussions will highlight interdisciplinary connections between biology and physics, and assigned problem sets will emphasize the application of physics concepts to biological systems. For example, when introducing the physical concept of a force, we will explore the role of muscles as an origin of force within the body.

Graded homework assignments, graded in-class exams