Physics in Biology and Medicine

Physics in Biology and Medicine, Fourth Edition, covers topics in physics as they apply to the life sciences, specifically medicine, physiology, nursing and other applied health fields. This is a concise introductory paperback that provides practical techniques for applying knowledge of physics to the study of living systems and presents material in a straightforward manner requiring very little background in physics or biology. Applicable courses are Biophysics and Applied Physics.

This new edition discusses biological systems that can be analyzed quantitatively, and how advances in the life sciences have been aided by the knowledge of physical or engineering analysis techniques. The volume is organized into 18 chapters encompassing thermodynamics, electricity, optics, sound, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, and atomic and nuclear physics. Each chapter provides a brief review of the background physics before focusing on the applications of physics to biology and medicine. Topics range from the role of diffusion in the functioning of cells to the effect of surface tension on the growth of plants in soil and the conduction of impulses along the nervous system. Each section contains problems that explore and expand some of the concepts. The text includes many figures, examples and illustrative problems and appendices which provide convenient access to the most important concepts of mechanics, electricity, and optics in the body.

Physics in Biology and Medicine will be a valuable resource for students and professors of physics, biology, and medicine, as well as for applied health workers.

Provides practical techniques for applying knowledge of physics to the study of living systemsPresents material in a straight forward manner requiring very little background in physics or biologyIncludes many figures, examples and illustrative problems and appendices which provide convenient access to the most important concepts of mechanics, electricity, and optics in the body

Chapter 1: Static Forces

Chapter 2: Friction

Chapter 3: Translational Motion

Chapter 4: Angular Motion

Chapter 5: Elasticity and Strength of Materials

Chapter 6: Insect Flight

Chapter 7: Fluids

Chapter 8: The Motion of Fluids

Chapter 9: Heat and Kinetic Theory

Chapter 10: Thermodynamics

Chapter 11: Heat and Life

Chapter 12: Waves and Sound

Chapter 13: Electricity

Chapter 14: Electrical Technology

Chapter 15: Optics

Chapter 16: Atomic Physics

Chapter 17: Nuclear Physics

Chapter 18: Nanotechnology in Biology and Medicine

Appendix A: Basic Concepts in Mechanics

Appendix B: Review of Electricity

Appendix C: Review of Optics

Bibliography

Answers to Numerical Exercises

Index