University Physics for the Life Sciences, 2nd edition

Published by Pearson (12 June 2026) © 2027

  • Randall D Knight California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
  • Brian Jones Colorado State University
  • Stuart Field Colorado State University
Products list

In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More supportive. Get AI explanations and practice questions (select titles).
  • More interactive. Bring learning to life with audio, videos, and diagrams.
  • More memorable. Make concepts stick with highlights, search, notes, and flashcards.
  • More understandable. Translate text into 100+ languages with one tap.
Products list

In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More supportive. Get AI explanations and practice questions (select titles).
  • More interactive. Bring learning to life with audio, videos, and diagrams.
  • More memorable. Make concepts stick with highlights, search, notes, and flashcards.
  • More understandable. Translate text into 100+ languages with one tap.
Products list

In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More supportive. Get AI explanations and practice questions (select titles).
  • More interactive. Bring learning to life with audio, videos, and diagrams.
  • More memorable. Make concepts stick with highlights, search, notes, and flashcards.
  • More understandable. Translate text into 100+ languages with one tap.
 
Products list

In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More supportive. Get AI explanations and practice questions (select titles).
  • More interactive. Bring learning to life with audio, videos, and diagrams.
  • More memorable. Make concepts stick with highlights, search, notes, and flashcards.
  • More understandable. Translate text into 100+ languages with one tap.
 

Title overview

Understanding the physics-biology connection is essential for mastery of the life sciences. University Physics for the Life Sciences blends light calculus-based physics with biology and consistently presents the medical application, showing you the relevance of physics to your future career. Through annotated figures, notes, problem-solving strategies and other features, it also grounds pre-med students in the essentials for success on the MCAT.

The 2nd Edition reorganizes some topics in Parts I and II and introduces several new life sciences topics, significantly revises treatment of energy and thermodynamics, and more.

Table of contents

I. FORCE AND MOTION

  • 1. Physics for the Life Sciences
  • 2. Describing Motion
  • 3. Kinematics
  • 4. Force and Motion
  • 5. Interacting Systems
  • 6. Equilibrium and Elasticity
  • 7. Circular and Rotational Motion
  • 8. Momentum
  • 9. Fluids

II. ENERGY AND THERMODYNAMICS

  • 10. Work and Energy
  • 11. Interactions and Potential Energy
  • 12. Thermodynamics
  • 13. Kinetic Theory
  • 14. Entropy and Free Energy

III. OSCILLATIONS AND WAVES

  • 15. Oscillations
  • 16. Traveling Waves and Sound
  • 17. Superposition and Standing Waves

IV. OPTICS

  • 18. Wave Optics
  • 19. Ray Optics
  • 20. Optical Instruments

V. ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM

  • 21. Electric Forces and Fields
  • 22. Electric Potential
  • 23. Current and Resistance
  • 24. Circuits
  • 25. Biological Applications of Electric Fields and Potentials
  • 26. Magnetic Fields and Forces
  • 27. Electromagnetic Induction and Electromagnetic Waves

VI. MODERN PHYSICS

  • 28. Quantum Physics
  • 29. Atoms and Molecules
  • 30. Nuclear Physics

Need help?Get in touch