Fostering relatively deep critical thinking in physics in introductory labs for life sciences students

Subjects like physics and biology often have their own sets of courses with unrelated titles, making it difficult for students to see how these sciences are interconnected. One way to reveal the connection between biology and physics is by exploring material at the atomic level. Every biological system is made up of atoms, and understanding atoms falls within the domain of physics.  To highlight this connection, we developed a lab experiment — introduced in the introductory physics lab primarily taken by pre-life sciences students — based on the research work of Gross, Politzer, and Wilczek on quarks.

We also developed another experiment inspired by the work of Hodgkin and Huxley who modeled a neuron as an electrical circuit composed of capacitors and resistors. For this, we built a simple circuit that generates a voltage pulse crudely resembles the one produced by the neuron.

Experiments like these spark curiosity, creativity, and interest in science. They also help bridge the gap between college learning and professional scientific practice, ultimately boosting students’ confidence.