Physics(13) Faculty from George Washington University's departments of physics, biology and computer science are developing a novel introductory physics course that extends the NSF-supported SCALE-UP (Student-Centered Active Learning Environment for Undergraduate Programs) curriculum to investigations of biological systems. For this calculus-based introductory mechanics course, the biological applications drive the introduction of the physics principles rather than being mere sidebars. The project is producing in-class activities, problem sets, and computation exercises using biologically-inspired alternatives. The course is using microbial motion and molecular dynamics as central motivating examples, while simultaneously introducing students to grand challenge problems. Additional important course elements include student-created videos, student self-reflections, and career planning. Materials provided by this project will enable physics departments interested in increasing enrollments to develop a new and innovative interdisciplinary course with a minimum of effort.
