Introductory Physics for Biology and Pre-Medicine I: Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction to Physics 1221.100

This course is the first semester of a two-semester sequence in introductory physics, designed for students in biology and pre-medicine. The main emphasis is on the laws of physics relevant to life sciences, with a focus on mechanics, quantitative description of motion, and foundational physical principles.

• Objective: To understand and apply the basic laws of physics to biological systems and everyday phenomena.

• Topics Covered: Measurement, uncertainty, kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotation, fluids, and thermodynamics.

• Skills Developed: Problem-solving, quantitative reasoning, and laboratory techniques.

Course Structure and Materials

Textbook and Resources

• Textbook: Physics for Scientists & Engineers with Modern Physics by Giancoli, 5th edition.

• Lab Manual: Provided through Canvas.

• Online Homework: Mastering Physics platform.

• Calculator: Only simple scientific calculators are permitted.

Class Format

• Lectures: Core concepts and problem-solving strategies.

• Discussion Sessions: Collaborative group work and concept review.

• Laboratories: Hands-on experiments to reinforce theoretical concepts.

• Quizzes and Exams: Regular assessments to test understanding and application.

Main Topics in Physics 1221.100

Measurement and Uncertainty

Measurement is fundamental to physics, providing quantitative descriptions of natural phenomena. Uncertainty quantifies the limitations of measurements.

• Key Terms: Accuracy, precision, significant figures, uncertainty.

• Formula: For combined uncertainties: $\Delta Q = \sqrt{(\Delta A)^2 + (\Delta B)^2}$

• Example: Measuring the length and width of a cell under a microscope, reporting the uncertainty in each measurement.

Kinematics: Motion in One and Two Dimensions

Kinematics describes the motion of objects without considering the forces that cause the motion. It includes concepts such as displacement, velocity, and acceleration.

• Key Equations:

  • Displacement: $\Delta x = x_f - x_i$

  • Average velocity: $v_{avg} = \frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}$

  • Acceleration: $a = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}$

  • Projectile motion equations (for two dimensions): $x = v_{0x} t$, $y = v_{0y} t - \frac{1}{2} g t^2$

• Example: Calculating the trajectory of a ball thrown horizontally from a table.

Newton's Laws of Motion

Newton's laws form the foundation of classical mechanics, describing the relationship between forces and motion.

• First Law (Inertia): An object remains at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by a net force.

• Second Law: The net force on an object is equal to its mass times its acceleration: $F_{net} = m a$

• Third Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

• Example: Analyzing the forces on a person standing in an elevator.

Work, Energy, and Power

Energy is the capacity to do work. Work and power are measures of energy transfer and usage.

• Work: $W = F d \cos \theta$

• Kinetic Energy: $KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2$

• Potential Energy: $PE = m g h$

• Conservation of Energy: Total energy in a closed system remains constant.

• Power: $P = \frac{W}{t}$

• Example: Calculating the work done by muscles during a jump.

Momentum and Collisions

Momentum is a measure of an object's motion, and collisions involve the transfer of momentum between objects.

• Momentum: $p = m v$

• Impulse: $J = F \Delta t$

• Conservation of Momentum: $m_1 v_1 + m_2 v_2 = m_1 v_1' + m_2 v_2'$ (for two-object collisions)

• Example: Analyzing a collision between two carts in a lab experiment.

Rotational Motion

Rotational motion describes objects that spin or rotate about an axis. It includes angular displacement, velocity, and acceleration.

• Angular Displacement: $\theta$ (in radians)

• Angular Velocity: $\omega = \frac{\Delta \theta}{\Delta t}$

• Moment of Inertia: $I = \sum m_i r_i^2$

• Rotational Kinetic Energy: $KE_{rot} = \frac{1}{2} I \omega^2$

• Example: Calculating the rotational energy of a spinning cell organelle.

Fluids and Pressure

Fluids (liquids and gases) exhibit unique properties such as pressure, buoyancy, and flow.

• Pressure: $P = \frac{F}{A}$

• Buoyant Force: $F_b = \rho_{fluid} V_{displaced} g$

• Bernoulli's Equation: $P + \frac{1}{2} \rho v^2 + \rho g h = \text{constant}$

• Example: Explaining how blood flows through arteries using fluid dynamics.

Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics studies heat, temperature, and energy transfer in physical systems.

• First Law: $\Delta U = Q - W$ (change in internal energy equals heat added minus work done)

• Second Law: Entropy of an isolated system never decreases.

• Heat Transfer: $Q = m c \Delta T$

• Example: Calculating the heat required to raise the temperature of a sample of water.

Course Assessment and Grading

Quizzes and Final Exam

Quizzes and the final exam assess understanding of core concepts and problem-solving skills. Exams are closed book, with formula sheets provided.

• Quiz Format: Multiple-choice and short-answer questions.

• Final Exam: Comprehensive, covering all course topics.

Grading Breakdown

• ICQ (in-class questions): 5%

• Discussion section: 5%

• Laboratory: 30%

• Quizzes: 30%

• Final exam: 30%

Minimum laboratory grade of 60% required to pass the course.

Laboratory and Discussion Section Schedule

Lab/Lecture Schedule

Week	Chapters	Lab	Quizzes
1 (Sept. 2)	1-2	No lab in week 1
2 (Sept. 9)	2-3	Measurement & uncertainty	quiz 1
3 (Sept. 16)	4-5	Vectors
4 (Sept. 23)	6-7	2D kinematics	quiz 2
5 (Sept. 30)	8-9	Newton's laws
6 (Oct. 7)	10-11	Energy and power	quiz 3
7 (Oct. 14)	12-13	Buoyancy & pressure
8 (Oct. 21)	14-15	Rotational motion	quiz 4
9 (Oct. 28)	16-17	Double & mixed labs
10 (Nov. 4)	18-19	No lab in week 10	Final exam

Additional info:

• Students are expected to attend all lectures, labs, and discussion sessions.

• Mastering Physics online homework is optional but recommended for extra practice.

• ICQs (in-class questions) are administered via Canvas and count toward participation.

• Collaboration and group work are encouraged in discussion and laboratory sessions.