Apr 25, 2024

2014-2015 Academic Catalog

2014-2015 Academic Catalog THIS IS AN ARCHIVED CATALOG. LINKS MAY NO LONGER BE ACTIVE AND CONTENT MAY BE OUT OF DATE!

Biophysics Major

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The biophysics major integrates the physical principles that are part of the core material found in a traditional physics major with areas of interest in the life sciences. Offering many possible avenues via molecular/cellular, biomechanical, organismal, and/or physiological sequences, the major is appropriate for students interested in attending graduate school in physics or biophysics and provides a solid background for students planning a career in the health fields.

Requirements for the Major

Foundation Courses:

Introductory Biology (two semesters): BIOL043L KS and BIOL044L KS , or BIOL040L KS Introduction to Biological Chemistry and BIOL044L KS
Introductory Chemistry (two semesters): CHEM014L KS and CHEM015L KS , or CHEM029L KS Accelerated General Chemistry with Lab , or CHEM040L KS Introduction to Biological Chemistry and CHEM015L KS
Introductory Physics (two semesters): PHYS030L KS and PHYS031L KS , or PHYS033L KS and PHYS034L KS
PHYS035 KS Modern Physics
Biophysics PHYS178L KS (or equivalent)
Calculus III MATH032 SC
Differential Equations MATH111 SC ( or equivalent)
One computer programming course (CSCI005 HM, CSCI051 CM, or PHYS108 KS )

NOTE: Introductory courses in biology, chemistry, and physics may be substituted with both semesters of the AISS course AISS001ALKS , AISS001BLKS , AISS002ALKS , AISS002BLKS )

Five Additional Advanced Courses:

Three (3) upper-division courses from Biology, CHEM 116L KS - Organic Chemistry may be substituted for one of the three upper-division Biology courses, but one of the remaining two upper-division Biology courses must still include a laboratory component.
Two (2) upper-division physics courses

Senior Thesis

One- or two-semester senior thesis

Note:

A study abroad experience is strongly encouraged but not required.

For biophysics majors, PHYS 030L –PHYS 031L may substitute for PHYS 033L –PHYS 034L as a prerequisite.

Honors Requirements (All Tracks)

To be considered for departmental honors in one of the science majors, a student must:

Achieve a minimum grade point average of 11.0 (A-) in courses in the major.
Achieve a minimum grade of A- on the thesis.
Complete a one- or two-semester thesis project in which the student has demonstrated excellence by making a significant contribution to the progress of the research and by producing a thesis document judged to be of honors quality by the department.
Present an oral progress report at the end of the first semester of a two-semester thesis and a poster at the conclusion of either a one- or two-semester thesis in which the student clearly explains the rationale for the project and the conclusions drawn, engages the listener, and knowledgeably answers questions.
Attend at least six scientific seminars during the semester (each semester for a two-semester thesis) and submit a brief and clear summary of each.