Mochrie and De Grandi, “Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences” published

April 6, 2023

Just published by Springer Books, Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences, by Simon Mochrie (Yale University) and Claudia De Grandi (University of  Utah, formerly of  Yale).

Statement from the authors about the book, “Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences” was developed as the textbook for Yale Physics’ introductory class for pre-meds. and bio. majors, namely PHYS 170/171, which debuted in Fall 2010 in response to the HHMI/AAMC report “Scientific Foundations for Future Physicians”. Others who helped tremendously with this endeavor include Sarah Demers, Rona Ramos, Daisuke Nagai, Sidney Cahn, and Alison Sweeney, and the terrific teaching assistants,  peer tutors,  and students who were in involved in PHYS170/171 over the last decade.

The goals of the book are fourfold: (1) Introduce biological science majors and future clinicians to a set of physical and mathematical principles and tools, that will enable a deeper scientific understanding of biological systems, including the human body.  (2) Demonstrate the application of physics and mathematics to the life sciences  and medicine,via highly-relevant examples.  (3) Transform introductory physics for the life sciences into an engaging and exciting subject, that is essential to every biologist’s undergraduate education.  (4) Provide curricula materials, including problems, to enable every physics faculty member to teach a biologically-meaningful version of IPLS.”

From the publisher website:

Provides a complete course for biology and pre-medical students, with exercises, activities, and computational tasks

Explains concepts from physics and connects them to biology using innovative examples, many inspired by research topics

Enables easy classroom use with learning goals and competencies for each chapter

This text is part of the book series: Undergraduate Texts in Physics (UNTEPH)

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