We explore how physics, ranging from mechanics through atomic physics, can be applied to the life sciences. Examples of applications are: fluid flow and heat regulation in biological organisms, electrostatics in the nervous system, and wave phenomena in hearing and vision. The course emphasizes the development of tools and problem-solving approaches needed to describe the physical phenomena at hand.

We use gravitational and electromagnetic interactions as representatives for how physics takes experimental evidence and then encodes it into a theoretical framework that can be used to make predictions and draw inferences about new phenomena. The course emphasizes the development of the tools needed to describe the physical structure of nature and then uses these tools to infer the domain of validity of theories in physics and what might lie beyond them.

The Earth system is investigated from its origin to its functioning today. Beginning with the origin of the Universe and the creation of elements in stars, the course progresses to an understanding of solar systems and the conditions that gave rise to habitable planets. Earth evolved from a lifeless, reduced planet with a simple mineralogy to a complex, oxidized planet that can support advanced life such as human beings. An aim of the course is to place human beings in a universal and planetary context, and to see the steps in planetary evolution as an essential perspective on how we relate to Earth today.

Evolution is the unifying principle of all biological processes. Explore in detail how the fundamental processes within cells, individuals and ecological communities are explained by the basic mechanisms of evolutionary change, including mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift. Discover how the latest technologies are revealing the interconnectedness of all living systems and the interplay between the biosphere and the earth’s processes. “Nothing in biology makes sense, except in the light of evolution” – T. Dobzhansky. From the relationships among species in a forest to the interactions of molecules in a cell, evolution is ultimately responsible. One might be tempted to view Dobzhansky’s quote as indicating that evolution is one key that unlocks the complexity of biology. That view is supported by statements such as “survival of the fittest,” which oversimplify the complexity of evolution. Instead, Evolution at Multiple Scales views evolution as the elaborate set of interconnected concepts it is. Although Darwin published On the Origin of Species over 150 years ago, evolutionary biology continues to be augmented, as new discoveries are driven by new technologies. By evaluating evolutionary concepts in a broad range of biological scenarios, students deepen their understanding of evolution itself, shedding light on the diversity of life it has produced.

Study the nature of matter from a quantitative standpoint using the tools provided by quantum mechanics. Starting from experiments that led the way to the discovery of quantum mechanics, we first establish its mathematical foundations. We then focus on electronic structures of particles and atoms. Along the way, we also review examples of technological revolutions catalyzed by quantum mechanics. Zoom in on events at microscopic scales, where interactions of energy and matter can behave differently than as predicted by classical physics.

Investigate how biological traits are determined. Examine how genetic and environmental influences are translated through cellular and developmental mechanisms to determine the properties of cells, organisms, and species. Apply concepts and approaches from genetics, developmental biology, and computational biology to fundamental questions, including how to determine disease risk and how gene expression is finely coordinated and tuned. Explore the ethical and societal implications of genetics research and applications, including the impact on human health and behavior.

Explore the geology of earth, how minerals chemically interact with living organisms, the hydrosphere and the atmosphere. Consider the effects of volcanism, mountain-building, earthquakes, weathering and erosion on biotic and abiotic domains. This course is designed to complement concepts from NS111 by extending and supplementing content knowledge and practical skills. The emphasis is on examining interactions within the whole Earth system, and on considering how we know what we know. Various important geochemical approaches are taught and then applied to real-world examples. By exploring the chemistry, physics and biology behind a tremendous diversity of Earth processes—from the surface to deep Earth, from microbe scale to whole-Earth scale—students gain critical skills and perspective to apply to a host of scientific questions beyond those considered in this course.

Understanding what matter is, how matter and small molecules are studied, and how they can be manipulated is the gateway to technological solutions to many world challenges. Learn principles underlying optics, chemical identification, and chemical separation, and employ analytical tools for molecular and elemental analyses to tackle important interdisciplinary problems. In this course, we explore the application of analytical techniques to a range of topics, from everyday concerns of water quality, to major problems such as oil spill monitoring and cleanup, to ecosystem- and planetary-scale research questions that rely on remote sensing technologies. The first unit focuses on how light and electromagnetic radiation are used to view matter and molecules both directly and indirectly. The second unit focuses on identifying and quantifying molecules based upon their reactions and interactions with other, known chemicals. The third unit focuses on using sub-atomic properties, such as charge or isotopic composition, to characterize analytes. Students explore common techniques to separate and identify specific atoms or molecules within such mixtures. In the final unit we combine approaches from all earlier parts of the course to address current, multi-faceted research questions associated with the Earth’s past, present and future climate.

Investigate biological systems from the cellular and molecular levels of analysis. Learn how the physical and chemical properties of molecular interactions within and between cells give rise to the emergent properties of life. Apply the principles of organic chemistry to understand the reactions that structure and power living systems. Explore key questions about cellular functions of diverse organisms ranging from plants and animals to microbes. Learn about experimental techniques that inform our understanding of cellular function and molecular interactions—including microscopy, x-ray diffraction, stable-isotope probing, enzyme activity assays—and apply them to current research questions.

Explore how researchers study and monitor earth systems, including the latest methods for climate, pollution, and ocean monitoring. Delve into how models are used to understand and predict earth systems and how to construct your own models of environmental systems. Use this knowledge to understand the major challenges facing the Earth system, the current state-of-the-science, and to design future solutions. This course will introduce students to the fundamental processes that control weather, air pollution, and climate change and enable them to reduce this complex system to simple, yet useful, models. We will critique current models and remote sensing observations to determine what we can and cannot see or predict. Students will evaluate environmental assessments and forecasts, then extend that knowledge to how science is able to inform and change public policy. We will address what are the most important next steps to solve the pressing environmental challenges facing both science and society.

Statistical Mechanics describes how macroscopic systems and the macroscopic physical laws that govern them emerge from the aggregated behavior of many microscopic components. The field developed to explain the empirical results of thermodynamics in terms of the microscopic theory of atoms — Why do macroscopic systems have uniform properties? How do equations of state emerge from microscopic dynamics? When do these emergent laws break down? Why does the 2nd law of thermodynamics emerge, and how does it relate to phenomena from the efficiency of engines to the cooling of the universe? Why does matter have phases and under what conditions do phase transitions occur? While we primarily focus on explaining the tools of statistical mechanics through thermodynamics, we also discuss applications of these tools to computer science, machine learning, finance, and modeling social systems. In doing so, we introduce the basics of information theory and develop the connections between thermodynamic entropy and the more broadly applicable concept of Shannon entropy.

Explore cutting-edge solutions to difficult problems in human health. Learn the process by which drugs are discovered and designed, how stem cells are engineered to form tissues, and how genes can be engineered for a multitude of purposes. Analyze how to determine what solutions can be applied to what problems and how to communicate advances in biotechnology to expert and public audiences.

Examine environmental and natural resource issues such as pollution, deforestation, climate change impacts, habitat loss, agricultural impacts, and the potential impact of human population growth and consumption. Consider systems challenges and potential solutions including social, political, economic, and technological approaches to major environmental problems.