9451620 Newman Life science and pre-medical students at Union College have studied physics in a traditional two-term calculus-based sequence designed for engineering and physical science students. Representing about 20% of our undergraduates, these students have been ill-served in their introductory courses in physics. A newly developed two-term sequence of courses will provide a modern introduction to the applications of physics to biology (mostly at the molecular and cellular level) by spending roughly 25% of the time on such applications in a lecture/discussion format. These courses will present fundamental physics in a challenging and relevant manner, will use calculus, and will stress both conceptual thinking and quantitative reasoning throughout. It is proposed to develop laboratory experiences which are focused on life science themes for these students. A totally new laboratory curriculum will be developed to relate physical principles to the structure, function, and the study of biological systems. Examples of experiments include the study of the motion of bacteria, the stress/strain relations in bone, the flow of fluids through arteries, model electric circuits for nerves, feedback loops representing the pupil of the eye, and chaotic circuits of importance in the interpretation of heart rate and EKG, laser absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy as applied to biological samples, and depth perception and binocular vision. These novel experiments fit well with the themes developed in the courses and should stimulate student enthusiasm and interest in the underlying physics. ***y
