Caitlin Hansen ( she/her )

Lab Coordinator, Instructor

Yale University

Physics

Pedagogical Methods Used

Guided inquiry, Modeling Instruction, Experimentally-focused activities, Computationally-focused activities

Life Sciences Focus

I focus on introductory lab courses.

Describe the courses that you teach for life sciences students

I teach four introductory lab courses designed for life sciences students, cross-listed with the physics and molecular biophysics and biochemistry departments. These hands-on labs provide an introduction to the physics principles that enable life and the measurement of living systems. The sequence builds students' skills in scientific experimental design and practice. Topics covered include light detection, basic circuit building, sterile techniques in biology, data collection using student-built instruments, and quantitative analysis.

What is your approach to teaching physics for life science students?

My approach to teaching physics for life science students begins with guided, hands-on activities designed to build foundational knowledge and confidence in experimental techniques. These structured activities gradually transition to open-ended experiments, encouraging students to design their own investigations, make decisions about data collection, and creatively apply physics concepts to biological systems. The process culminates in a communication-based assessment, where students present their findings through written reports, presentations, or scientific posters.