Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences: Mechanics (Volume One)

This textbook is designed for undergraduate students in the life sciences, including biology, biochemistry, and psychology, and pre-professional programs such as pre-medical, pre-dental, and physical therapy. It provides an accessible introduction to physics with a focus on biological applications. The text is organized and centered around analysis techniques, presenting a unified approach that allows students to apply problem-solving methods to various topics, such as tension in a tendon, sedimentation rate of red blood cells, and terminal velocity of a protein.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive textbook serves as an accessible introduction to physics for undergraduate students in the life sciences, encompassing a wide range of disciplines such as biology, biochemistry, psychology, and pre-professional programs like pre-medical, pre-dental, and physical therapy. Designed for an algebra-based physics course commonly referred to as College Physics in the United States, the text adopts a structured approach to problem-solving, making it suitable for students with varying backgrounds.

The sequence of topics covered in the textbook allows for the application of methods from either Statics or Dynamics to solve most of the problems presented. These problems typically involve the use of free body diagrams, the application of Newton's Laws, and the consideration of necessary kinematics. By employing a standardized problem-solving methodology, the text simplifies this aspect of the course, enabling students to focus on the practical application of physics to the study of biological systems. Throughout the text, students are guided through the process of applying these techniques to investigate various phenomena, such as determining the tension in a tendon, analyzing the sedimentation rate of red blood cells in hemoglobin, understanding the torques and forces exerted on a bacterium using a flagellum for movement in a viscous fluid, and determining the terminal velocity of a protein during Gel Electrophoresis.

This textbook is part of a two-volume set, with the second volume focusing on conserved quantities and introducing students to topics in Thermodynamics, Electrical Circuits, Optics, and Atomic and Nuclear Physics. Throughout both volumes, a consistent emphasis is placed on applying problem-solving techniques to biological applications, ensuring a seamless connection between physics principles and their real-world implications.

Key features of the textbook include its organization and focus on analysis techniques rather than traditional Mechanics and Electromagnetism. The text presents a unified approach, presenting concepts in a different order but allowing for the reuse of the same materials, equipment, and demonstrations when teaching the course. This approach enhances student understanding and engagement by demonstrating the relevance and practical applications of the analysis and concepts learned.

In conclusion, this textbook is an invaluable resource for undergraduate students in the life sciences. It provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to physics, equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to understand the fundamental principles of physics and their applications in the biological sciences. With its structured problem-solving methodology, emphasis on biological applications, and two-volume set format, the textbook offers a well-rounded and comprehensive learning experience for students pursuing pre-professional programs and beyond.

Weight: 504g
Dimension: 254 x 178 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032311067