Program Overview

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Biophysics Program Overview

The Biophysics program at Xavier University is a minimum 120-hour degree program that studies the interdisciplinary fields of biology and physics. Biophysics looks for the laws and principles in physics that describe patterns seen in biological systems. Once laws and principles are properly identified, scientists can make detailed predictions that can be tested in other biological systems.

Program Description

Biophysics is a highly-interdisciplinary field that uses chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics to explain how molecules, cells, tissues, and whole organisms function. As a biophysics major at Xavier University, students explore everything from the molecular machinery within cells to the physics of physiological processes, preparing them for cutting-edge careers and advanced studies in biomedicine, research, and healthcare.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Biophysics program includes:

• First Year:
  • Fall:
    • ENGR 101: Introduction to Engineering
    • Physics 170: University Physics I
    • Physics 171: Exploration in Physics I
    • Mathematics 170: Calculus I
    • Biology 160: General I Biology
    • Biology 161: General I Biology Lab
    • CORE 100, First Year Seminar
    • Core 101: GOA
  • Spring:
    • Physics 172: University Physics II
    • Engineering 173: Exploration in Engineering or PHYS 173
    • Mathematics 171: Calculus II
    • Theology 111: Theology Foundations
    • Philosophy 100: Ethics as Intro to Philosophy
    • Core 102: GOA
• Sophomore:
  • Fall:
    • Physics 330: Modern Physics I
    • Physics 331: Modern Physics I Lab
    • Chemistry 160: General Chemistry I
    • Chemistry 161: General Chemistry I Lab
    • MATH 220: Calculus III
    • Second Language 103 Level
  • Spring:
    • PHYS 355: Advanced Lab
    • Chemistry 162: General Chemistry II
    • Chemistry 163: General Chemistry II Lab
    • ENGL 101: English Composition or ENGL 115: Rhetoric
    • Second Language 201 Level
    • Elective
• Junior:
  • Fall:
    • Chemistry 240: Organic Chemistry I
    • Chemistry 241: Organic Chemistry I Lab
    • Program Elective
    • Physics 382: Thermodynamics
    • Lit. & Moral Imagination 205
    • Diversity Flag* or Free Elective
  • Spring:
    • Chemistry 242: Organic Chemistry II
    • Chemistry 243: Organic Chemistry II Lab
    • Theological Perspectives
    • Program Elective
    • Historical Perspectives
    • Elective
• Senior:
  • Fall:
    • Physics 395: Physics Research
    • CHEM 440: Biochemistry
    • Program Elective
    • Humanities Elective
    • Social Science Elective
    • ER/S Flag* or Free Elective
  • Spring:
    • Physics 398: Biophysics
    • Physics Thesis
    • Program Elective
    • Philosophical Perspectives
    • Creative Perspectives

Outcomes

98% of Xavier students, including those in the biophysics major, are employed, attending grad school, or working in service or volunteer positions within six months of graduation (Class of 2023).

Career Opportunities

Biophysics graduates can pursue exciting career opportunities, including:

• Biotechnician
• Clinical Research Coordinator
• Drug Developer
• Food Scientist
• Genetecist
• Laboratory Technician
• Microbiologist
• Research Associate
• Research Biophysicist
• Science Teacher/Professor
• Technical Writer Many graduates of the program also go on to graduate, medical, dental, or law school.

Sample Courses

• Thermodynamics (PHYS 382)
• Biophysics (PHYS 387)
• Physics Research (PHYS 395)
• General Biology (BIOL 160)

Clubs

• Biology Club
• Physics Club
• Pre-Med Student Association

Related Programs

Related Majors

• BS in Applied Physics
• BS in Biology
• BS in Biochemistry
• BS in Biomedical Sciences
• BS in Engineering Physics
• BS in Physics
• BS in Mathematics

Related Minors

• Applied Mathematics
• Biochemistry
• Electronics Engineering
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Statistics

Program Features

• Develop essential research skills through guided research in laboratories
• Learn from expert faculty whose research spans cutting-edge fields like biophysics, genetics, neurology, cell physiology, and infectious disease
• Experience a curriculum that integrates faith, social justice, and academic rigor, emphasizing ethical decision-making and a commitment to serving marginalized communities
• Located in a city of opportunity, with longstanding relationships with community organizations providing students with multiple out-of-classroom opportunities to learn from professionals in the field

Institution Overview

Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."