Introductory Physics for Biological Scientists

Why do elephants have sturdier thigh bones than humans? Why can't ostriches fly? How do bacteria swim through fluids? With each chapter structured around relevant biological case studies and examples, this engaging, full-colour book introduces fundamental physical concepts essential in the study of biological phenomena. Optics is introduced within the context of butterfly wing colouration, electricity is explained through the propagation of nerve signals, and accelerated motion is conveniently illustrated using the example of the jumping armadillo. Other key physical concepts covered include waves, mechanical forces, thermodynamics and magnetism, and important biological techniques are also discussed within this context, such as gel electrophoresis and fluorescence microscopy. A detailed appendix provides further discussion of the mathematical concepts utilised within the book, and numerous exercises and quizzes allow readers to test their understanding of key concepts. This book is invaluable to students aiming to improve their quantitative and analytical skills and understand the deeper nature of biological phenomena.

Preface; 1. Physics as a basis for describing biological systems; 2. Errors, units and scaling laws; 3. Motions and oscillations; 4. Resonances and waves; 5. Optics, light and colours; 6. Forces and Newton's laws of motion; 7. Continuum mechanics; 8. Heat, temperature and entropy; 9. Electrical charges and currents; 10. Magnetism; Appendix A. Mathematical tools; Appendix B. Solutions to quizzes; References; Index.

Christof M. Aegerter is a Professor of Physics at the Universität Zürich. He has extensive research experience in biological and soft condensed matter physics, specifically bio-imaging and the dynamics of biological growth. He currently teaches a course for first year biology students, demonstrating introductory physics with examples from the biological sciences.