PHYS 1501 Introductory Physics for Life Sciences – Syllabus and Core Concepts

Course Overview

PHYS 1501 Introductory Physics for Life Sciences is a foundational course designed for undergraduate students in the life sciences. The course introduces the basic principles of physics with an emphasis on applications relevant to biology, medicine, and related fields. The course includes both lecture and recitation components, with a focus on conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and collaborative learning.

Instructor and Contact Information

• Instructor: Dr. Amal al-Wahish (she/her)

• Email: [e-mail]

• Office: Room 360 E, 19th & Grand Building

• Office Hours: Monday 1:00–2:30 PM (Zoom or in-person by appointment); Tuesday & Thursday 12:15–1:00 PM (in person at SC 4327); additional hours during exam week

• Learning Assistants (LAs): Upper-level students supporting collaborative learning and group activities

Core Ideas & Topics Covered

The course covers the following major topics in introductory physics, with a focus on applications to life sciences:

Topic	Description
Scaling	How physical quantities change with size; relevance to biological systems
One-dimensional kinematics	Motion in a straight line; position, velocity, acceleration
Vectors and 2D motion	Representation of quantities with magnitude and direction; projectile motion
Force and Newton's laws of motion	Fundamental laws governing motion and interactions
Circular motion	Motion along a curved path; centripetal force
Torque and rotational dynamics	Rotational analogs of force and motion; applications to biomechanics
Center of gravity	Point where the mass of a body is considered to be concentrated
Static equilibrium and elasticity	Conditions for objects at rest; deformation and stress in materials
Momentum and impulse	Conservation of momentum; collisions
Energy, work, and power	Energy transformations; work done by forces; rate of energy transfer
Simple harmonic oscillators	Systems that exhibit periodic motion (e.g., springs, pendulums)
Mechanical waves	Propagation of disturbances through media; sound waves
Fluids	Properties of liquids and gases; buoyancy, pressure, flow
Standing waves	Wave patterns formed by interference; relevance to acoustics and biological systems

Course Structure and Expectations

• Lectures: Focus on conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and group activities.

• Pre-lecture reading quizzes: Assess understanding of assigned readings before class.

• In-class quizzes: Short assessments during lectures to reinforce key concepts.

• Exams: Evaluate mastery of course material; may include multiple-choice and problem-solving questions.

• Assignments: Online homework via MyLab and Mastering platform; e-textbook access required.

• Group work: Collaboration with peers and Learning Assistants to solve problems and discuss concepts.

Key Definitions and Concepts

• Scaling: The study of how physical properties (such as area, volume, and strength) change as the size of an object changes. Example: The surface area to volume ratio is critical in understanding heat loss in animals.

• Kinematics: The branch of mechanics that describes the motion of objects without considering the causes of motion. Key equations:

  • Displacement: $x = x_0 + v_0 t + \frac{1}{2} a t^2$

  • Velocity: $v = v_0 + a t$

• Newton's Laws of Motion:

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

  2. Second Law: The net force on an object is equal to its mass times its acceleration: $F = m a$

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

• Momentum: The product of an object's mass and velocity. Formula: $p = m v$

• Work and Energy: Work is done when a force causes displacement. Formula: $W = F d \cos \theta$ Energy is the capacity to do work. Formula for kinetic energy: $KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2$

• Simple Harmonic Motion: Periodic motion where the restoring force is proportional to displacement. Formula for period: $T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}$

• Fluids: Substances that flow and take the shape of their container. Key concepts: Pressure ($P = \frac{F}{A}$), buoyancy, Bernoulli's principle.

Course Policies and Procedures

• Attendance: Regular attendance is expected for both lectures and recitations.

• Academic Integrity: Collaboration is encouraged, but all submitted work must be your own. Plagiarism and cheating are strictly prohibited.

• Technology: Bring a web-enabled device to class for interactive activities. Cell phones must be silenced and put away during class.

• Accommodations: Contact the instructor for any required accommodations or support.

• Communication: Check Brightspace regularly for updates, assignments, and announcements.

Assessment Components

• Pre-lecture quizzes (based on assigned readings)

• In-class quizzes (concept checks and problem-solving)

• Exams (midterm and final)

• Online homework (MyLab and Mastering platform)

Example Applications

• Biomechanics: Applying Newton's laws to analyze human movement and forces in muscles and bones.

• Fluid dynamics: Understanding blood flow in arteries and veins using principles of pressure and flow.

• Oscillations: Modeling the vibration of vocal cords or the beating of the heart as simple harmonic motion.

Additional info:

• Some details about grading, specific assignment types, and exam formats are inferred from standard introductory physics syllabi.

• Students are encouraged to participate actively in group work and to seek help from Learning Assistants and the instructor as needed.