Nancy Donaldson

Pedagogical Methods Used

Peer Instruction / Think-Pair-Share, Collaborative problem-solving, Conceptually-oriented activities, Context-rich problems, Project-based learning, Guided inquiry, SCALE-UP / studio / workshop physics, Modeling Instruction, Mathematically-focused activities, Experimentally-focused activities

Life Sciences Focus

Physics of Medicine Curriculum Development for pre-med and pre-health students: Physics of the Respiratory System, Physics of the Cardiovascular System, Fiber Optics in Medicine, and Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences

Education Research and Pedagogy Expertise

Introductory and Intermediate Physics of Medicine Active Learning Curriculum Development

Years teaching physics for life sciences

15

Describe the courses that you teach for life sciences students

Our university has developed a Physics of Medicine Major designed to deepen students physics understanding as related to medicine and healthcare. Our courses are conducted in a studio format with hands-on, active learning curriculum. Core Major courses include Physics of the Body I and II, Physics of Medical Imaging, Optics in Medicine and Statistics for the Health Sciences. Prior to entering the Physics of Medicine Major, students complete one year of Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences.

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