A term paper topic connecting biology to physics?

Question

I need a term paper topic that will connect biology to physics that will allow me to write 10-15 pages.

Answer 1

the entire skeletal-muscular system is levers and fulcrums.
You could explore the physiological challenges of space travel: what happens to the different systems in zero gravity.
You could explore the physiological challenges of deep sea diving: what happens to the different systems under several hundred atmospheres of pressure.

Answer 2

There are some interesting ideas previously posted, but if I were to have the same assignment I'd start with whichever subject I already knew the most about and look for connections from there. For me, Gregory Bateson's books STEPS TO AN ECOLOGY OF MIND and MIND AND NATURE covered both physics and biology in a way that I could follow. His primary theme in both books was how to look for patterns that connect. You should have no trouble getting at least 15 pages of inspiration from either book and their bibliographies. I especially liked the way Bateson linked the 2nd law of thermodynamics, entropy, and evolution.

Answer 3

Bob W's suggestion, "ergonomics," is an excellent one for HS or even undergrad college.

Ergonomics is about man-machine-interfacing (MMI); how to best design the things mankind uses so that those things can be used most effectively. A branch of engineering, called human factors engineering, specializes in ergonomics.

One of the most interesting term papers I ever did (and I've done lots) was a MMI study of the aircraft I was flying for the Navy. I tested the lay out of the cockpit instruments I had to fly by for proper ergonomics. Bottom line, the instrument arrangement for my aircraft failed miserably. Grumman, the company that built my aircaft, had done a lousy job of following even the basic rules of instrument lay out.

We have all seen examples of bad ergonomics in our daily lives. Shrink wrap that can't be unwrapped, for example. Or, my favorite, a system that is held together by a dozen different sized and styles screws; so you need different screw drivers or heads to get into it for repairs. And, how about this one, the zip top resealable package that will not rip here where it says "rip here." All signs of bad ergonomics...bad MMI.

Read up on MMI, there are lots of textbooks out there on the subject. Most of the reading is easy reading; not at all complex. There are lots of rules of thumb (for instance, a screen presentation...like your computer screen...is best located from eye level through down 30 deg from eye level).

Then pick something around the house to do an MMI study on. What do you think of the contral panel for your cell phone for example? Is it ergonomically sound? How about your iPod; is it as easy to use as it could be with good ergonomics? There are lots of possibilities. Some of your results and conclusions might even be useful when you go shopping for the next cell phone or iPod for example...you'll know what to look for in the way of an easy to use item.

Answer 4

This might be a bit advanced for you depending on what level of education you are in, but you can research the actin myosin motors used in muscles. Or, discusshow the shape of specialized cells inthe body contribute to thier functions.

Answer 5

Try something in the area of medical physics.
For example, imaging using X rays/MRI/ultrasound.
There is plenty of physics in the underlying principles and the bio is in such areas as contrast media and interpretation/diagnosis.

Answer 6

Are you still a high school student or already a university/college student?

The following is a good starting point to look for a topic:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biophysics

Answer 7

Ergonomics is a great way to connect the two.

Answer 8

Plenty of ideas with nanotech, too.
Mechanosynthesis

google it or wiki it

Answer 9

photosynthesis