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.

Sample Course Map

For Students who Matriculated prior to Fall 2022: please select the bulletin year in which you entered the college (matriculated) at the top right of this page.

Curriculum Map

First Year
- Fall - 15 Credit Hours
  - BIOL 117 - General Biology: Cells, Genetics, Evolution Credit(s): 3
  - BIOL 118 - General Biology Laboratory I Credit(s): 1
  - PHYS 123 - Analytical Physics I Credit(s): 3
  - PHYS 124 - Analytical Physics I Laboratory Credit(s): 1
  - INTD 105 - Writing Seminar: (subtitle) Credit(s): 3
  - MATH 221 - Calculus I Credit(s): 4
- Spring - 16 Credit Hours
  - BIOL 119 - General Biology: Diversity, Physiology, Ecology Credit(s): 3
  - BIOL 120 - General Biology Laboratory II Credit(s): 1
  - PHYS 125 - Analytical Physics II Credit(s): 3
  - PHYS 126 - Analytical Physics II Laboratory Credit(s): 1
  - MATH 222 - Calculus II Credit(s): 4
  - World Language 101 - Credit(s): 4
Second Year
- Fall - 16 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
  - CHEM 119 - Introductory Chemistry Lab Credit(s): 1
  - MATH 223 - Calculus III Credit(s): 4
  - World Language 102 - Credit(s): 4
- Spring - 17 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
  - CHEM 129 - Introduction to Laboratory Research in Chemistry Credit(s): 1
  - MATH 326 - Differential Equations Credit(s): 3
  - Global Society: CGC - Credit(s): 3
Third Year
- Fall - 15 Credit Hours
  - CHEM 211 - Organic Chemistry I Credit(s): 3
  - CHEM 216 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory Credit(s): 2
  - BIOL 222 - Genetics Credit(s): 3
  - PHYS 362 - Intermediate Laboratory Credit(s): 3
  - Global Society: WCV - Credit(s): 4
- Spring - 15 Credit Hours
  - BIOL 335 - Foundations of Biochemistry Credit(s): 3
  - CHEM 213 - Organic Chemistry II Credit(s): 3
  - Programming or Data Analysis course Credit(s): 3
  - Global Society: SST - Credit(s): 3
  - Global Society: DPP - Credit(s): 3
Fourth Year
- Fall - 13 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
  - Integrative & Applied Learning - Credit(s): 3
  - Global Society: CAI - Credit(s): 4
- Spring - 13 Credit Hours
  - BIOL/PHYS 3xx-4xx Elective Credit(s): 3
  - CHEM 324 - Principles of Physical Chemistry Credit(s): 3
  - Electives - Credit(s): 7

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: Variation in the order of courses is possible, depending upon prereqisties. Consult course information in the bulletin or your academic advisor to customize your eight semester plan.

KEY - Participation in a Global Society (PGS)

Attributes:

Sub Areas

Abbreviation	Definition
DPP	Diversity, Pluralism, Power
WCV	World Cultures & Values
CGC	Contemporary Global Challenges
CAI	Creativity & Innovation
SST	Sustainability

Learning Areas

Abbreviation	Definition
ARTS	Arts
HUMA	Humanities
SOSC	Social Science