Reforming Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences at an Urban Research University

Wayne State University (WSU) is an urban research university with many first-generation students. Lacking prior exposure, many students see physics courses as of low relevance to their careers. The previous use of a physics curriculum with poor alignment to the life sciences acerbated this problem. Through an NSF-IUSE grant "Student Success through Evidence-based pedagogies" (SSTEP), of which the presenter is the PI, a team in the department of physics overhauled the physics sequence for life science students in 2015. The goal was fourfold: To increase relevance, to consistently introduce active learning strategies in lectures, discussion and labs, to improve student success and retention, and to create student interest in biomedical physics. I will report on the rationale, process, challenges, outcomes and future of this reform project, and how it fits into the context of institutional reform around student-centered teaching and broad use of evidence-based teaching methods.