Highlights:
chapter 2 of an intro physics text designed for life science students focusing on the tools for using math in physics
Abstract:
One of the primary learning goals of Living Physics is to help students learn to reason with symbolic math, something many life-science students aren’t used to and actively resist. In physics, we blend conceptual meaning with mathematical symbology, and this affects how we use the math.
This chapter introduces the fundamental concepts of symbol as measurement rather than number, dimensional analysis, estimation, significant (and insignificant) figures, and algebra. The appendix explains 10 mathematical tools that physicists take for granted but life-science students tend not to know. We use and call out these tools throughout.
This chapter introduces the fundamental concepts of symbol as measurement rather than number, dimensional analysis, estimation, significant (and insignificant) figures, and algebra. The appendix explains 10 mathematical tools that physicists take for granted but life-science students tend not to know. We use and call out these tools throughout.
Resource Types:
Student reading, Instructor supplement, Restricted access
Remote Learning Ready:
This resource has been designed or adapted for use in remote learning.
Commercially available in:
TopHat
TopHat
Authors:
TOPICS
Physics Topics:
None
Life Sciences Topics:
None
Chemistry Topics:
None
Math Topics:
Algebra; Geometry; Graphical Analysis; Trigonometry
INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
IMPLEMENTATION
Equipment required:
Basic implementation tips & tricks:
PEDAGOGY
Pedagogical approach:
Skills / Competencies:
DISCUSSION
LOGIN or REGISTER to see implementation reports and comments and join the discussion.
SUBMISSION DETAILS
Copyright: 2023 Edward Redish, Ginny Redish
CC BY-NC-SA - Attribution, No Commercial uses and Share Alike. Derivative works must have the same license.Last Edit Date:
Search the Portal
Living Physics Portal
Resources and community for teaching physics for life sciences
©2025 American Association of Physics Teachers
Funded by the National Science Foundation
