Physics in the Life Sciences Physics for Life Science Students

This book provides undergraduate life science students taking a general physics class with physics that is directly relevant to the life sciences. It develops the basic concepts of physics in a manner that they can be directly used to explain the "engineering" of living organisms, from the operation of the skeleton to the interaction between DNA and proteins. Topics such as the physics of statics, elasticity, fluids, and physical chemistry that are rich in life-science applications are emphasized. A clear understanding of this material should provide students with a solid foundation for future biochemistry, molecular biology, and physiology students. It should prepare life science students for tests, such as the MCAT exam.

 

Contents:

• The Measurement of Physical Quantities
• Vectors
• Forces I: Statics
• Energy I: Work and Potential Energy
• States of Matter I: Solids
• States of Matter II: Liquids
• States of Matter III: Gases
• Surfaces and Interfaces
• Forces II: Dynamics
• Momentum: Rotational Analogs
• Energy II: Conservation of Energy and the First Law of Thermodynamics
• Oscillations: Waves on Strings
• Acoustics
• Optics
• Interference and Polarization
• Quantum Theory and Radioactivity
• Hydrodynamics
• Electrostatics in Vacuum
• Electrostatics in Water
• Electrical Current
• Magnetism
• Diffusion and Heat Flow