Program Overview
Introduction to Biophysics Program
The Biophysics program at Marquette University combines core knowledge from physics, chemistry, and biology to understand the systems in living organisms. This program must be declared by the end of the first year.
Overview of the Program
Biophysics students learn about the structures and mechanisms of living systems at the chemical, molecular, atomic, and electronic levels and become familiar with the techniques and instrumentation used to study these systems. The Biophysics major is a rigorous preparation for a career in medicine or in the rapidly growing biomedical industry, or for further study and research in biophysical and biomedical sciences.
Degree Requirements
The College of Arts and Sciences curricular requirements are organized around the development of fundamental skills of critical inquiry, analysis, and expression, as well as the development of appreciation for the spiritual and creative dimensions of human life and culture. The college challenges students to embrace, seek to understand, and engage actively in the complexities of the world in which we live.
First-Year Seminar
Students are required to complete ARSC 1953 Exploring Arts and Sciences during the fall term of their first year at Marquette. Students in the Honors Program are exempt from this requirement.
Bulletin Year and Degree Audit
Undergraduate students must meet the graduation requirements outlined in the Undergraduate Bulletin in effect the year they enter Marquette. Substitutions or waivers for specific courses required for degree completion may occur, as determined by the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences.
Marquette Core Curriculum (MCC)
The MCC is a 30-credit program that includes:
- Foundation Tier (15 credits)
- Discovery Tier (12 credits)
- Culminating Course (3 credits)
- Engaging Social Systems and Values 2 (ESSV2) - one course or experience required
- Writing Intensive Courses (WRIT) - one course required
Biophysics, BS
The major in biophysics consists of 48-52 credit hours, including:
- Common physics core (8 credit hours)
- Required physics core courses (13 credit hours)
- Required physics seminar courses (3 credit hours)
- Required biology core sequence (6 credit hours)
- Required biology courses (6 credit hours)
- Approved physics electives (12 credit hours)
- Background mathematics and chemistry courses (25-28 credit hours)
Typical Program for Biophysics Majors
The typical program for biophysics majors includes a combination of physics, biology, mathematics, and chemistry courses, as well as electives and seminars.
Research Option
The research option is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in research.
Pre-med Option
The pre-med option is designed for students interested in attending medical school after graduation.
University Policies
The university has various policies in place, including academic advising, academic integrity, and graduation requirements.
College of Arts and Sciences Policies
The College of Arts and Sciences has its own set of policies, including academic dismissal, academic integrity, and transfer credit policy.
Disciplinary Honors in Physics
The disciplinary honors program in physics is designed for students who excel in physics and want to pursue a career in research.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the disciplinary honors program, students must have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.200 or higher and submit a written statement outlining their reasons for applying to the program.
Application
Students can apply to the disciplinary honors program during the spring term of their sophomore year or the fall term of their junior year.
Academic Standards
Students in the disciplinary honors program must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.200 or higher and earn a grade of C or better in all courses counted towards the program.
Location
Marquette University is located at 1250 W. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233.