PHYSICS 304: Physics of the Human Body -- Spring 2000

Instructor: J.V. Noble -- J.W. Beams Lab, 312D

11:00 - 11:50 MWF - Room 205, Jesse Beams Laboratory of Physics

Physics of the Human Body represents the physicist's view of a complex living organism. Although emphasizing physical (as opposed to strictly mathematical) reasoning, the treatment will be quantitative since the test of physical understanding is confrontation with measurement. The minimum prerequisites are Physics 201 and Mathematics 122. Physics 202 or some other course in electromagnetism and modern physics is a minimum corequisite.

Unfortunately an appropriate textbook for this course does not (yet) exist. Instead, we shall draw upon material from books and articles in physics and physiology. These (required) readings will be placed on reserve.

Homework will be assigned on a biweekly basis. There will be an in-class midterm exam and an in-class final exam. In addition, the student will be expected to prepare a five (5) page term paper on a topic of his or her choosing, within the framework of the course subject matter. The paper will summarize a significant amount of external library research effort. Each paper's topic will be approved in advance, from a one-paragraph synopsis.

The course will be graded as follows:

Weightings for Course Grade

Homework 20%
Midterm 20%
Term paper 30%
Final 30%