Physics of Life 4. Wave phenomena

Light, electromagnetism and sound

What you'll learn
Basics of electromagnetism and sound as it applies to living things
Elements of light and electromagnetism as they apply to living things
About the Earth's magnetic field, how it is generated and how it interacts with the solar wind
How variation in the Earth's magnetic field affects life on Earth and its relationship to major extinction events
How organisms use the Earth's magnetic field for navigation
What constitutes visible light, how it is sensed, and how information is encoded and transmitted in light
Elements of sound, its production, energetics and efficiency
How sound is used as a navigational tool, and how animals invented sonar
How animals have weaponized sound to kill and stun prey
How sound is sensed, and how information is encoded and transmitting in sound
Requirements
You should have completed high school physics and biology. Otherwise, there are no prerequisites.
Description
Wave phenomena include any propagation of energy through waves. This includes electromagnetic radiation (which includes light and a range of other phenomena) and sound (which is energy propagated through pressure waves). Both are imporatnt to life because both are rich media for transmission of information, through vision or hearing. Wave phenomena also have implications for the Earth's global energy balance, with effects on Earth climate. They also play a role in the interaction of the Earth with the solar wind, with implications for the evolution and patterns of extinction of life on Earth.

Who this course is for:
Beginning college-level students in biology and physics
Students looking for a refresher course in the interface between biology and physics
Students interested in evolution, biodiversity and the mechanics of adaptation
Anyone looking for a novel perspective on how life lives in the physical world