PHYS131

Fundamentals of Physics for Life Sciences I

Prerequisite: CHEM131; and (MATH136 or MATH140); and (BSCI160 and BSCI161; or BSCI106); and (BSCI170 and BSCI171; or BSCI105). Credit only granted for: PHYS121, PHYS131, or PHYS331. The first part of a two-semester course in general physics specifically oriented towards applications relevant for students in biology and pre-medical programs. The course covers basic mechanics including forces and energy, properties of matter, and thermodynamics done in authentic biological contexts. Students must pay a $50.00 lab materials fee.

Spring 2026

46 reviews
Average rating: 2.50

Fall 2025

46 reviews
Average rating: 2.50

Summer 2025

46 reviews
Average rating: 2.50

Spring 2025

46 reviews
Average rating: 2.50

Past Semesters

46 reviews
Average rating: 2.50

46 reviews
Average rating: 2.50

46 reviews
Average rating: 2.50

15 reviews
Average rating: 2.60

46 reviews
Average rating: 2.50

46 reviews
Average rating: 2.50

46 reviews
Average rating: 2.50

15 reviews
Average rating: 2.60

46 reviews
Average rating: 2.50

46 reviews
Average rating: 2.50

46 reviews
Average rating: 2.50

15 reviews
Average rating: 2.60

0 reviews
Average rating: N/A

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2 reviews
Average rating: 5.00

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1 review
Average rating: 1.00

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0 reviews
Average rating: N/A

During the Spring 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters, students could choose to take some of their courses pass-fail mid-semester which skews grade data aggregated across multiple semesters.

Average GPA of 3.38 between 5,571 students*

PHYS131 Grade Distribution+-051015202530354045505560% of studentsABCDFWother
A-: 23.21%
A: 27.59%
A+: 6.62%
B-: 4.27%
B: 16.8%
B+: 12.28%
C-: 0.66%
C: 3.02%
C+: 1.99%
D-: 0.05%
D: 0.41%
D+: 0.2%
F: 0.41%
W: 2.23%
other: 0.25%
* "W"s are considered to be 0.0 quality points. "Other" grades are not factored into GPA calculation. Grade data not guaranteed to be correct.