Physics with Applications to Life Sciences
(PHYS 1420)

York University

Fall 2019 - Course Website

Basic Information

A survey of physics in which many fundamental concepts are emphasized through applications to the life sciences. Topics include kinematics, dynamics, momentum and energy for linear and rotational motion; elementary kinetic theory and thermodynamics; static and current electricity; waves and physical and geometrical optics; elements of modern physics. This is a calculus-based course recommended for students unlikely to take 2000-level Physics courses. Prerequisites: 12U Physics or OAC Physics or SC/PHYS 1510 4.00; MHF4U Advanced Functions and MCV4U Calculus and Vectors, or 12U Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus, or OAC Algebra and OAC Calculus, or SC/MATH 1505 6.00, or SC/MATH 1520 3.00. Course Credit Exclusions: SC/PHYS 1010 6.00; SC/PHYS 1410 6.00; SC/PHYS 1800 3.00 and SC/PHYS 1801 3.00; SC/ISCI 1310 6.0.
Location & Time: MWF 12:30-1:30 (ACE 102) AND Tutorial T 1:30-2:30 (ACE 102)
Course Syllabus (includes course logistics): here (pdf; tentative draft prior to 2019.09.04)
Instructor: Christopher Bergevin
Office: Petrie 240
Email: cberge [AT] yorku.ca
Office Hours: T 2:30ish-4:00 and/or by appointment
Phone: 416-736-2100 ext.33730
TAs: See syllabus
Text University Physics for the Physical and Life Sciences vols. 1 & 2 by Kesten PR and Tauck DL (W H Freeman & Co, 2012). Lastly, you will need the Sapling Online Homework license, which comes packaged w/ the hard copy of the course text as sold by the bookstore. You will not need a "clicker" for F19.

Updates and useful bits

[2019.12.23] First, happy holidays to all and apologies for a belated update. A few items:
- I'm posting the final exam here as a reference point for the class. It might be wise to review it (and yes, I am aware that there are a few typos/issues; such has been factored into while grading). Please take close look at Q4 in particular!
- Grades for the final exam have been tallied, but have yet to be posted to Moodle. A summary of how the class did as a whole can be found here. In short, the mean score was 60% (and that is after a 9% bump). On average, students did worse on the final exam relative to the midterm.
- I am hoping to get grades totaled and posted to Moodle as soon as I can. Remember that there is no final grade for F19 PHYS 1420 however, just a component of your overall PHYS 1420 grade which also factors in the winter term.
- Have a good holiday and good luck as you step into winter term with Prof. Storry!
[2019.12.12] In the final stretch as we approach the final exam. A few items/reminders:
- Exam will take place on Saturday (12/14) evening from 7-10 PM at the testing center at Aviva. See here for basic logistical details. Also see [2019.12.04] entry below for further details.
- Cover page of the exam can be accessed here. Read over beforehand so you are familiar with the instructions and thus "ready to roll" come exam time.
- Students will be permitted to enter the exam room a 15 to 20 minutes prior to the start of each examination period. SO come early to get situated.
- Note that students may not leave the exam room during the first 30 minutes of the examination nor during the last 15 minutes.
[2019.12.05B] Some problems for tomorrow's review session can be downloaded here
[2019.12.05] We will aim to run two review sessions. Details are as follows:
- Friday 12/6 from 2-5pm in NEW/Second Student Centre, lounge 1st floor or 2nd floor (3 lounge areas each with large enough space for a group, not very central or busy. It will likely have space available). This session will be run by the class reps. For additional info, contact Poneet (poneet@my.yorku.ca)
- Tuesday 12/10 from 12:30-3:30 in Vari Hall C. This will be run by CB, but will chiefly focus on your questions and encouraging you guys to interact/explain. The room may be kind of small (~100?), so you are encouraged to show up a bit early as it cannot be guaranteed that there will be enough space for everyone.
[2019.12.04] Our fall term final exam is approaching. Here are some details to help you further prepare:
- Exam will take place on Saturday (12/14) evening from 7-10 PM at the testing center at Aviva. See here for basic logistical details.
- Please show up and show up on time. You do not want to miss the exam. As stated in the syllabus: There will be no makeup exams. If there is some form of an emergency or extreme case, please contact the instructor prior to the exam. But again, just to emphasize: It is in your best interests to be present and write the final exam on 12/14.
- As for the formula sheet, it has been clearly stated before: You are allowed a formula sheet (8.5x11 in) to bring with you. It must be a single hard copy sheet of paper (though you can write on front and back). You must turn such in with your exam. You are free to include anything on it you want (e.g., formulae, figures, coefficients, explanations, etc...)
- Much of the detail provided below re the midterm will also apply to the final exam. The main difference is that this will be a 3 hour exam (and that we will be at Aviva).
- As for what to study book-wise, the relevant chapters are noted below (re Book reading in the daily lecture listings). To help clarify further (and eradicate any inconsistencies), here is a definitive list of the relevant chapters I expect you to know from Kesten & Tauck for the exam:
  - ch.1.1-1.6
  - ch.2.1-2.4
  - ch.3.1-3.5
  - ch.4.1-4.6
  - ch.5.1-5.5
  - ch.6.1-6.8
  - ch.7.1-7.6
  - ch.8.1-8.8
  - ch.11.1-11.5
  - ch.12.1-12.8
  - ch.13.1-13.6
  Note also that there is no book chapter on diffusion (but it was covered extensively in class; see next point).
- Aside from the book material, the in-class lectures are central to the course (and thereby the final exam). The slides (as provided on this webpage) are a great foundation, and also contain useful/important problems not explicitly discussed in class. It is highly suggested that you study them. Additionally, the HW problems (both online and written) are relevant, as are the problems discussed during tutorial.
- Though the book does not explicitly cover diffusion, this was a topic we spent a lot of time on. The class notes themselves should be central for preparing for the exam. A similar argument extends to cover multivariable functions (and you may be asked, within reason, to determine a partial derivative).
- Tentatively, we will aim to have two review sessions: One student-led one on Friday (12/6) and one led by CB on Tuesday (12/10). Once details firm up, an update will be posted.
- Lastly, the format of the exam. There will be T/F questions as well as multiple choice. These will cover material from throughout the semester, chiefly from the lectures/slides. Further, there will be problems involving problems much like the format of the midterm. These will be roughly equivalent to the "two dot" problems found at the end of the chapters in the textbook.
[2019.11.26] Last online HW assignment (re oscillations and waves) is now posted. Rather than be due 12/3, the due date has been extended until 12/6.
[2019.11.22] Details to help you start preparing for the final exam will be posted here soon. But in the meantime, please keep in mind resources that may be of help via Bethune: Bethune College runs Peer Tutors for first-year PHYS courses at certain times Tue/Wed/Thu afternoons. For info, see here (and here for updates)
[2019.11.08] Solutions for the midterm are posted (see appendment to 11/5 entry below)
[2019.11.05] Written HW#2 is now posted.
[2019.11.05] Update regarding midterm scores. Final grades have been determined and should soon be posted on Moodle (if they have not been already). We strived to grade the exams uniformly and fairly, and were well represented by a normal distribution. We also strove to ensure similar scores between different versions. Such ultimately amounted to adjusting total scores by adding 5-8 points (dependent upon test version). As a result, the mean total scores were ~67-68%, which matched well to median values. The highest scores were in the mid-90s, while low score chiefly tailed off by 35% or so. We will aim to hand individual tests back as soon as possible. It is recommended however that you go over them carefully with regard to studying for the final exam. And please note that for the sake of fairness and efforts to maintain such, further adjustments to grades are unlikely. For those curious, histograms of (unadjusted) mean scores for the total grades and individual problem grades can be viewed. Solutions are accessible here: vers.A, vers.B, vers.C
[2019.10.20] Final update before the midterm. Because of the high volume of email requests from students, I am unable to respond to all messages directly. However, all those messages request information that has been previously stated and/or discussed in detail in class. So I will highlight a few salient points here:
- The midterm exam will take place tomorrow (Monday 10/21) at normal class time (12:30-1:30). Try to arrive early if possible, as we intend to start the exam promptly at 12:35.
- Location-wise, the exam will take place in ACE 102 (our regular lecture room) and ACE 001 (basement lecture hall very close by). Students can take the exam in either room, but you may be asked by the instructor or TAs to move to another room depending upon space. Please act quickly as directed.
- In a given room, you will likely be directed where to sit. So be prepared and follow instructions.
- As for the formula sheet, it has been clearly stated before: You are allowed a formula sheet (8.5x11 in) to bring with you. It must be a single hard copy sheet of paper (though you can write on front and back). You must turn such in with your exam. You are free to include anything on it you want (e.g., formulae, figures, coefficients, explanations, etc...)
- The exam is designed to be taken in 40 min or less. That means the intention is that you will have the exam in hand and working on it from ~12:35-1:15. That will allow us time to hand it out and collect it in a fairly-timed fashion.
- It is critical you follow instructions tomorrow (e.g., do not start the exam until you are told to). Deviations from such could result in cessation of taking the exam. That is, we will have a careful eye out to ensure everyone has a fair chance at the exam. Any indications of cheating will be swiftly dealt with.
- To help with regard to instructions, here is the cover page for the exam. Look over carefully so to make sure you know what to do ahead of time.
- As a reminder of what is stated in the course syllabus handed out on the first day of class: There will be no makeup exams. It is very important that you are present in class for the exams (as these determine 65% of your final grade!). Exceptions in extreme cases may be granted, but only upon prior approval or for an (excused) emergency.
- Good luck tomorrow.
[2019.10.08] We have a tentative date for the final exam: Saturday Dec.14 from 7-10 PM(!?!?). I don't know who schedules these things...
[2019.10.04] The midterm will take place on Monday 10/21. To help start preparing, here are a few things to consider:
- The test will cover material from Kesten and Tauck chapters 1-6 and the class notes. Anything within there is fair game, though obviously the focus will be upon material covered in-depth (e.g., you do not need to know how to solve various classes of differential equations). For chapter 6 material (i.e., Work and Energy), there will not be any detailed/involved calculations of integrals.
- The test will take place in two rooms: ACE 102 (our normal room) and ACE 0001. Due to the size of the class, you will be split up and guided towards the optimal location. So be prepared to be flexible right before the exam! [will say more on this as the date gets closer]
- The test will be designed to be completed within 30-35 minutes. You will only have about 40-45 mins. w/ the exam though (due to time to hand out and collect). So prepare accordingly.
- The test will comprise both some True/False questions as well as problems where you will need to lay out a clear answer and explanation. Sketch all relevant graphs and explain all relevant mathematics. Circle/box your final answers. Please keep your written answers brief; be clear and to the point.
- Calculators can be used for this exam. Use of phones/tablets/computers/smart watches/etc... is not permitted.
- You are allowed a formula sheet (8.5x11 in) to bring with you. It must be a single hard copy sheet of paper (though you can write on front and back). You must turn such in with your exam.
[2019.09.30] The class reps have set up a Facebook page for 1420-related discussions, accessible here (the privacy setting is public): https://www.facebook.com/groups/phys1420/
[2019.09.10] The website for the labs can be accessed here (http://www.yorku.ca/menary/courses/firstyrlabs/2019/main.html). Check there for updates (I'll try to post salient updates here too as they come. Note that labs START NEXT WEEK (Sept.16-20). Also, for those 1st year students potentially interested in integrated science, check out the ISCI link and let me know if you are interested.
[2019.09.06] Several updates. First is regarding labs. Labs will not start until the week of Sept 16-20. Further, you will NOT need to buy a lab manual from the bookstore: It is be freely accessible online. Finishing tweaks are being placed upon it and we should have the proper URL posted here next week. Second, the Moodle site for 1420 should now be "live". Feel free to start using it and self-organizing discussion threads and whatnot. Lastly, am getting a 2nd HW assignment together via Sapling (re "Linear Motion"). Still learning the ropes of Sapling, so it may take a bit to iron some wrinkles out as we all get used to this software-interface...
[2019.09.04] First day of class. Welcome to PHYS 1420! Note that labs will start the week of September 9th. Similarly, the first tutorial session will take place on Tuesday 9/10. Announcements will be made in-class and here on this website (i.e., this page will be your go-to info source rather than Moodle). Please note that we need several students to volunteers to act as class reps . Please get in touch ASAP if you are willing to volunteer.
Note that PHYS 1420 is a two-semester course. C. Bergevin will be teaching the Fall 2019 (F19) term, while Prof. Cody Storry will be teaching the Winter 2020 term. For F19, we are aiming to cover chapters 1-9 & 11-13 of the text. As a short list: 1-D and 2-D Newtonian mechanics, rotational motion, energy and momentum, material properties (e.g., elasticity, stress/strain), fluid statics and dynamics, oscillations, waves, and diffusion. We will aim to weave in a wide range of biophysical threads, including those tied into biomedical applications.
Note that to pass PHYS 1420, the lab component and the non-lab component (homework, tests, etc.) must BOTH be passed for a student to pass the course. In other words, obtaining a mark of 50% or greater in the total course mark does NOT guarantee passage of the course.
For Matlab-related shenanigans, here are some links to resources that might be useful:
- Website to get Matlab running (via York's site license).
- Guide to help get you started with plotting in Matlab.
- Cody
- Lecture notes from a NYU Polytechnic course
- Coursera class on scientific computing
- Lecture notes from YorkU CSE 1541 (W14, courtesy of Prof. Burton Ma)

Class Notes

NOTE: Slides are posted AFTER lectures.

2019.09.04 - Introduction and review
- Book reading: K&T 1.1-1.6 (esp. 1.5) & Polya "crib notes"
- Slides
2019.09.06 - Mathematics overview/review
- Book reading: K&T 2.1-2.2 (Math Box) & Polya excerpt
- Slides
2019.09.09 - 1-D motion: Basics (coordinate systems, etc...)
- Book reading: K&T 2.1-2.3
- Slides
2019.09.10 - Tutorial: Problem solving
- Slides
2019.09.11 - 1-D motion: Examples & Gravity
- Book reading: K&T 2.4
- Slides
- Solutions for problems
2019.09.13 - 2-D motion: Basics (vectors)
- Book reading: K&T 3.1-3.3
- Slides
2019.09.16 - 2-D motion: Projectiles
- Book reading: K&T 3.4
- Slides
2019.09.17 - Tutorial: Projectiles
- Problems (SOLs)
2019.09.18 - 2-D motion: Circular Motion
- Book reading: K&T 3.5
- Slides (problem solutions)
2019.09.20 - Forces: Intro to Newton's Laws
- Book reading: K&T 4.1-4.3
- Slides
2019.09.23 - Forces: Free body diagrams
- Book reading: K&T 4.4-4.5
- Slides
2019.09.24 - Tutorial: Newtonian mechanics
- Problems (SOLs)
2019.09.25 - Forces: Newtonian mechanics
- Book reading: K&T 4.6
- Slides
2019.09.27 - Forces: Newtonian mechanics (cont)
- Book reading: K&T 4.6
- Slides
2019.09.30 - Friction and Drag
- Book reading: K&T 5.1-5.3
- Slides
2019.10.01 - Tutorial: Biomechanics
- McCulloch (2016 Biophys. J.) (read before and come to discuss!)
- Some CB notes/questions re McCullough
- Problems (SOLs)
2019.10.02 - Drag
- Book reading: K&T 5.4
- Slides
2019.10.04 - Work and Energy: Introduction
- Book reading: K&T 6.1-6.2
- Slides
2019.10.07 - Work and Energy: Applications and Variable Forces
- Book reading: K&T 6.3-6.4
- Slides
2019.10.08 - Tutorial: Midterm exam overview and problems
- Try to work through the following Kesten & Tauck ch.5 problems: 78-82 (SOLs)
2019.10.09 - Work and Energy: Potential energy, Conservation Laws
- Book reading: K&T 6.5-6.7
- Slides
2019.10.11 - Work and Energy: Interplay between different types of energy
- Book reading: K&T 6.8
- Slides
2019.10.21 - MIDTERM
- See notes re preparing above
2019.10.23 - Momentum and collisions
- Book reading: K&T 7.1-7.3
- Slides
2019.10.25 - Center of mass
- Book reading: K&T 7.4-7.6
- Slides
2019.10.28 - Rotational motion I
- Book reading: K&T 8.1-8.3
- Slides
2019.10.29 - No tutorial this week
2019.10.30 - Rotational motion II
- Book reading: K&T 8.4-8.5
- Slides
2019.11.01 - Rotational motion III
- Book reading: K&T 8.6
- Slides
2019.11.04 - Rotational motion IV
- Book reading: K&T 8.6, 8.8
- Slides
2019.11.05 - Tutorial: Rotational motion
- Problems
2019.11.06 - Rotational motion V + MRI
- Book reading: K&T 8.7
- Slides
2019.11.08 - Diffusion: Introduction
- Book reading: K&T 11.1-11.2
- Slides
2019.11.11 - Diffusion: Random walkers
- Book reading: K&T N/A
- Slides
2019.11.12 - Tutorial: Multivariable functions & Diffusion equation solutions
- Notes
2019.11.13 - Diffusion: Diff. Eqn.
- Book reading: K&T N/A
- Slides
2019.11.15 - Fluids: Low Reynold's Number
- Book reading: K&T 11.1-11.3
- Slides
- Link to Purcell's paper (Life at Low Reynolds Number). You should read it!
2019.11.18 - Oscillations I
- Book reading: K&T 11.4-11.5, 12.1
- Slides
2019.11.19 - Tutorial: Pressure
- Problems (w/ solutions)
2019.11.20 - Oscillations II
- Book reading: K&T 12.2-12.4
- Slides
2019.11.22 - Oscillations III
- Book reading: K&T 12.5-12.8
- Slides
2019.11.25 - Oscillations IV
- Book reading: K&T 12.8, 13.1-13.2
- Slides
2019.11.26 - Tutorial: Oscillations & Waves
- Problems (solutions)
2019.11.27 - Waves I
- Book reading: K&T 12.8, 13.2-13.4
- Slides
2019.11.29 - Waves II
- Book reading: K&T 13.5-13.6
- Slides
2019.12.02 - Summary
- Last day of classes
- Slides
2019.12.03 - No Tutorial

HW Assignments

Online

Homework is handled via Sapling. Instructions are as follows:

Go to www.saplinglearning.ca/login to create an account. If you already have a Macmillan Learning account you can log in with your existing credentials and skip to step 3.
Create your password and set all three security questions.
Start typing in your institution to select from the options that appears in the Primary Institution or School name field. If you institution does not appear you can add it by typing in the full name.
Accept the terms of use and click "Sign Up".
Check your email for the confirmation link to complete your registration and return to the login page.
Set your institution by searching using your institution's full name and selecting the appropriate option from the menu that appears.
Under Enroll in a new course, you should see Courses at York University. Click to expand this list and see courses arranged by subject. Click on a subject to see the terms that courses are available.
Click on the term to expand the menu further. Once the menus are fully expanded, you'll see a link to a specific course. If this is indeed the course you'd like to register for, click the link.
To access your eBook click on the image of the cover on the right sidebar of your course site. Create an account or log in with an existing Macmillan Learning eBook account.
Need Help? Answers to many common questions are found in our Student Support Community. If you need direct assistance you can also contact technical support at https://macmillan.force.com/macmillanlearning/s/.

Assignment Info

2019.09.11 (DUE DATE) - First assignment is posted (2019.09.04) to get you acquainted with Sapling. Note that there are two parts: A "Math Review" and "Physics: An introduction". The latter counts towards your HW grade, while the first does not (but you are still encouraged to do it if you need the review!).
2019.09.14 (DUE DATE) - Second assignment (re Linear Motion) is posted (2019.09.06).
2019.09.23 (DUE DATE) - Third assignment (re 2-D Motion) is posted (2019.09.16).
2019.10.02 (DUE DATE) - Fourth assignment (re Newtonian mechanics) is posted (2019.09.25).
2019.10.14 (DUE DATE) - Fifth assignment (re friction/drag and circular motion) will be posted by 2019.10.07.
2019.10.ff
2019.12.06 (DUE DATE) - Ninth assignment (re oscillations and waves) is posted (2019.11.26).

Written

Instructions for hard copy HW can be found on the first page of the assignments (see pdfs below). Assignments are to be handed in as hard copies (and STAPLED!) at the start of class. Late assignments will be penalized as per the Lateness Policy spelled out in the syllabus.

HW1: Due 2019.09.25 at 12:30 PM (Solutions)
HW2: Due 2019.11.15 at 12:30 PM (Solutions)

Physics with Applications to Life Sciences (PHYS 1420)