Biophysics Major

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

A major in Biophysics requires a minimum of 16 courses (15 courses* if CHEM029L taken), plus a senior thesis.

1. Foundation Courses

Introductory Biology (two semesters: BIOL043L KS and BIOL044L KS , or BIOL042L KS Integrated Biology and Chemistry and BIOL044L KS or equivalent);
Introductory Chemistry (two semesters: CHEM014L KS and CHEM015L KS , or *CHEM029L KS Accelerated General Chemistry with Lab , or CHEM042L KS , or equivalent);
General Physics for the Life Sciences (two semesters: PHYS030L KS and PHYS031L KS ), or Principles of Physics (two semesters: PHYS033L KS and PHYS034L KS ), or equivalent;
Modern Physics with Computational Applications PHYS035 KS ;
Biophysics PHYS178 KS , or equivalent;
Calculus III MATH032 SC ;
Differential Equations MATH111 SC , or equivalent;
One computer programming course ( CSCI051 CM , CSCI005 HM , or PHYS108 KS ).

2. 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.
At least two of the following four courses: PHYS101 KS , PHYS102 KS , PHYS114 KS , PHYS115 KS

3. Senior Thesis

One- or two-semester senior thesis

Note: A study abroad experience is strongly encouraged but not required.

Honors Requirements (All Tracks, where applicable)

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

Achieve a minimum grade point average of 3.67 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.