Introductory Physics for Life Sciences (Part 2)

Info

This is the second in a sequence of two introductory physics courses specially designed for life scientists and based on an interactive, open textbook authored by UMass Amherst faculty. It comprises of algorithmic problems carefully organized into problem sets mapped to textbook sections. Use this course as-is, or customize at any level. You can mix-and-match problems from other catalog courses, add problems from the Edfinity problem repository, or write your own.

Here is a link to the textbook.

Here is a link to the companion Youtube video series.

This course and the problem sets herein cover the following units and topics:

1. Properties of Light and Electrons (Quantum Mechanics)
   • Basic properties of light
   • Basic properties of electrons
   • Basic properties of waves
   • Basic properties of particles
   • Basics of energy - A Refresher (see Part 1)
   • Wave-particle duality
   • Conservation of energy with wave-particle duality
   • Standing waves
2. How light and electrons move (Geometric Optics)
   • Laws of Reflection and Refraction
   • Geometric Optics
   • How light interacts with surfaces and materials
   • Optical elements and ray diagrams
3. How having charge impacts how electrons and other charged objects interact (Electrostatics)
   • Electric charges
   • The electric field
   • The electric potential
4. Applications of electrons moving together (Circuits)
   • Batteries
   • Capacitors
   • Resistors
   • Combining circuit elements
5. Magnetic forces on electrons and the nature of light waves
   • Magnetic fields and forces
   • Electrodynamics

How to use this course

1. Homework: Assign high quality problems with hints and personalized feedback to develop problem-solving skills.
2. Testing: Create summative secure online quizzes and tests in minutes. 
3. Supplementary resources: Embed videos, class notes, and applets alongside assignments.
4. Intervention: Use rich analytics to identify and monitor at-risk students for timely intervention.
5. Analytics: Drill down into student performance and identify problematic or difficult topics.
6. Flipped classroom: Assign pre-class assignments. Save precious class time for discussions.
7. Emporium classes: Use Edfinity for individual/group work for large enrollment sections in labs.