Issues
News of the Institute
Articles
Physics and biology—Where do they meet?
Although biological phenomena must have physical origins, impedance matching betwen the two sciences turns out to be difficult. Unlike physics, biology is not a coherent field. Moreover physical concepts and the generalities of its mathematics often do not lead anywhere in life sciences. Social problems, too, impede the physicist who would turn biologist. But the problem exists: how to use physical instruments and methods to meet the challenges of medicine and biology. It behooves us to find a way.
Should students grade professors?
Recent campus protests concerning undergraduate instruction have brought to the foreground the proposal of teacher evaluation. We asked physics teachers for their opinions, and most replies stated that physics education needs more feedback. The teachers believe that formal criticism by their students is one good method, provided it is properly conceived and executed. They also suggest personal acquaintance with students and classroom observation by other members of the faculty.
People and papers—The January meeting
The New York meeting between semesters: a place to hear papers (900 of them are scheduled), to talk physics, find a job, see the latest books and equipment.