Biophysics for Biologists

Empower yourself to learn biophysics independently

Teaching the biophysics course for biology students at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro presented challenges for me as there was no standard syllabus or textbook available. After years, I realized that students needed a guide to navigate through the vast amount of information available online.

To create this guide, I looked to the theory of conceptual maps and learning objects. Rather than creating another textbook, I wanted to empower students to learn independently and critically evaluate information. I reached out to a community of science communication bloggers who were willing to provide content, and with the help of my graduate students and a grant from FAPERJ, we created a paradidactic textbook of biophysics for biology students.

Although our limited budget presented challenges with the visuals and navigation of the book, we created an innovative guide to biophysics that focuses on empowering students to learn independently and critically evaluate information. Our work is a proof of concept for future development in this field, providing students with the tools they need to learn on their own.

Download the book (Portuguese only): Biofísica para(didático) Biologia

A paradidactic textbook of biophysics for biology students using the theory of conceptual maps and learning objects.

#biophysics #conceptualmaps #independentlearning