Biophysics Major

Biophysics (B.S.)

Effective Fall 2011

May be elected as a departmental major

The biophysics major is designed for students with a strong interest in the natural sciences who intend to embark on a career as a biophysical or medical scientist. It is intended to satisfy the admission requirements of most combined MD/Ph.D. programs and provide a strong foundation for quantitative interdisciplinary work in the biophysical or biomedical sciences or related fields, such as biomedical engineering.

The major requires introductory courses in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, followed by specialized biophysics courses. In addition, participation in research is required, which allows students to explore cutting-edge biophysical research and gain valuable experience for a future career.

Gateway Courses

Recommended but not required: BIOPHYS 120.

Prerequisites to the Major

MATH 115, 116, 215, 216;
CHEM 210 / 211, 215;
PHYSICS 135/136, and 235/236;
BIOLOGY 162 or 171 or 172.

Program of study in a major

A plan for the major in biophysics must include 32 credits:

Core: BIOPHYS 290, 370, 417, 450, 454, 495
Outside Core: BIOLOGY 305 and CHEM 351
Electives: One elective such as BIOPHYS 430, 433, 435, MCDB 411 and MATH 463. Other electives may be approved by a major counselor.
Cognate: One cognate course from PHYSICS 406, CHEM 451 or BIOLCHEM 451, MCDB 427.
Research: At least two credits of BIOPHYS 399. Students wishing to do research in a laboratory outside the Biophysics Program must identify a co-sponsor.

Honors Program

In addition to completing all the Biophysics requirements for the major, a major GPA of at least 3.4 and the completion of an Honors thesis (BIOPHYS 499), and a second Biophysics elective are required.