Biophysics, B.S.

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Not available to students majoring in Neuroscience.

Faculty of the departments of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. An interdisciplinary program to prepare students for graduate study and subsequent careers in Biophysics.

Program Learning Outcomes

None listed.

General Education Requirements (30-46 Credits)

Prerequisite coursework may be required to satisfy certain General Education courses and will count as elective credit.

Total Credits Required to Complete Major: 77-81

Department Writing Requirement

Students in Biophysics will satisfy the writing requirement of either the department of Biology or Physics. The determination will be made by the program director and/or advisor upon review of the student’s course selection. Students must consult with their advisors to ensure that they meet the College’s writing requirement.

Outline/Advising Guide

First Year

Fall (17 Credit Hours)

BIOL 117 - General Biology: Cells, Genetics, Evolution Credit(s): 3
BIOL 116 - N/General Biology Laboratory Credit(s): 2
PHYS 123 - Analytical Physics I Credit(s): 3
PHYS 124 - N/Analytical Physics I Laboratory Credit(s): 1
MATH 221 - R/Calculus I Credit(s): 4
INTD 105 - Writing Seminar: (subtitle) Credit(s): 3
INTD 106 - Conventions of College Writing Credit(s): 1

Spring (14 Credit Hours)

BIOL 119 - N/General Biology: Diversity, Physiology, Ecology Credit(s): 3
PHYS 125 - N/Analytical Physics II Credit(s): 3
PHYS 126 - N/Analytical Physics II Laboratory Credit(s): 1
MATH 222 - Calculus II Credit(s): 4
Foreign Language Credit(s): 3

Second Year

Fall (14-15 Credit Hours)

PHYS 223 - Analytical Physics III Credit(s): 3
PHYS 226 - Optics and Modern Physics Laboratory Credit(s): 1
CHEM 116 - Chemistry I Credit(s): 3 or
CHEM 203 - N/Principles of Chemistry I Credit(s): 3 *
MATH 223 - Calculus III Credit(s): 4
Foreign Language Credit(s): 3

Spring (15-16 Credit Hours)

PHYS 224 - Analytical Physics IV Credit(s): 3
PHYS 228 - Mathematical Methods in Physics Credit(s): 2
CHEM 118 - Chemistry II Credit(s): 3 or
CHEM 204 - Principles of Chemistry II Credit(s): 3 *
CHEM 119 - N/Introductory Chemistry Lab Credit(s): 2 *
MATH 326 - Differential Equations Credit(s): 3
Foreign Language or S/ Credit(s): 3

Third Year

Fall (16-17 Credit Hours)

CHEM 211 - Organic Chemistry I Credit(s): 3 or
CHEM 223 - Principles of Organic Chemistry I Credit(s): 3
CHEM 216 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory Credit(s): 2
HUMN 220 - W/H/Western Humanities I Credit(s): 4 or
HUMN 221 - W/H/Western Humanities II Credit(s): 4
BIOL 222 - Genetics Credit(s): 3
PHYS 362 - Intermediate Laboratory Credit(s): 2
S/ Credit(s): 3

Spring (14-15 Credit Hours)

BIOL 335 - Foundations of Biochemistry Credit(s): 3
CHEM 213 - Organic Chemistry II Credit(s): 3 or Elective Credit(s): 2
Programming or Data Analysis course Credit(s): 3
M/ Credit(s): 3
F/ Credit(s): 3

Fourth Year

Fall (15 Credit Hours)

PHYS 335 - Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism I Credit(s): 3 or
PHYS 344 - Statistical Thermodynamics Credit(s): 3 or
PHYS 352 - Quantum Mechanics I Credit(s): 3
BIPH 375 - Biophysics Credit(s): 3
S/ Credit(s): 3
U/ Credit(s): 3
Electives Credit(s): 3

Spring (13 Credit Hours)

BIOL/PHYS 300-level elective Credit(s): 3
CHEM 324 - Principles of Physical Chemistry Credit(s): 3
F/ Credit(s): 3
Electives Credit(s): 4

Total Credit Hours: 120

*There are two possible chemistry lecture sequences: CHEM 116/118 (Chemistry I/II) and CHEM 211/213 (Organic Chemistry I/II) requires 4 semesters. An alternative accelerated chemistry lecture sequence (CHEM 203, 204, 223, 224) completes general and organic chemistry in 3 semesters (204 and 223 are each half semester courses), and might be appropriate for students with strong chemistry backgrounds. Note that either CHEM 213 or CHEM 223 is required as a prerequisite for CHEM 324. (CHEM 224 is not required for the major.)

Note: Where no prerequisites apply, some variation in the order or semester in which courses are taken is possible. Students should consult their academic advisors for additional information.