Program Overview

Biophysics, BA

Bridging the biological sciences and the physical sciences, Biophysics is concerned with physical and chemical explanations of living processes, especially at the cellular and molecular levels. Detailed molecular descriptions are emerging for genetic elements and the mechanisms that control their propagation and expression. Biophysical studies include the investigation of protein structure, nucleic acid structure, enzyme mechanisms, the phenomena underlying cellular behavior, excitable phenomena in nerve, muscle and visual cells, and integrative neural phenomena.

Program Requirements

The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 36. Double majors may entail more course units.

• Note: Though not a requirement of the major, participation in an independent research project is strongly encouraged.

Course List

• Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives: 16
  • Major Requirements:
    • Cell Biology and Biochemistry:
      • BIOL 2810: Biochemistry (1)
      • or CHEM 2510: Principles of Biological Chemistry
      • BIOL 2010: Cell Biology (1)
    • Biophysics:
      • PHYS 2280: Physical Models of Biological Systems (1)
      • or BCHE 2280: Physical Models of Biological Systems
      • Select 1 course unit or two .5 course units of electives (1)
    • Chemistry:
      • CHEM 1011: Introduction to General Chemistry I (1)
      • or CHEM 1012: General Chemistry I
      • or CHEM 1151: Honors Chemistry I
      • CHEM 1021: Introduction to General Chemistry II (1)
      • or CHEM 1022: General Chemistry II
      • or CHEM 1161: Honors Chemistry II
      • CHEM 2411: Principles of Organic Chemistry I with Laboratory (1.5)
      • CHEM 2421: Principles of Organic Chemistry II with Laboratory (1.5)
      • or CHEM 2425: Organic Chemistry II: Principles of Organic Chemistry with applications in Chemical Biology
      • Select one of the following: (2)
        • CHEM 2210 & CHEM 2220: Physical Chemistry I and Physical Chemistry II
        • OR
        • PHYS 1230 & PHYS 1240: Principles of Physics III: Vibrations and Waves, Special Relativity, and Thermal Physics and Principles of Physics IV: Modern Physics (without laboratory)
        • or PHYS 1250: Principles of Physics IV: Modern Physics
    • Math:
      • MATH 1400: Calculus, Part I (1)
      • Select one of the following: (1)
        • MATH 1410: Calculus, Part II
        • MATH 1510: Calculus, Part II with Probability and Matrices
        • MATH 1610: Honors Calculus
        • MATH 2400: Calculus, Part III (1)
        • or MATH 2600: Honors Calculus, Part II
        • MATH 2410: Calculus, Part IV (1)
    • Physics:
      • PHYS 0150: Principles of Physics I: Mechanics and Wave Motion (1.5)
      • or PHYS 0170: Honors Physics I: Mechanics and Wave Motion
      • PHYS 0151: Principles of Physics II: Electromagnetism and Radiation (1.5)
      • or PHYS 0171: Honors Physics II: Electromagnetism and Radiation
      • PHYS 3361: Electromagnetism I: Electricity and Potential Theory (1)
      • or PHYS 5561: Electromagnetism I
      • PHYS 3362: Electromagnetism II: Magnetism, Maxwell's Equations, and Electromagnetic Waves (1)
      • or PHYS 5562: Electromagnetism II: Magnetism, Maxwell's Equations, and Electromagnetic Waves
• Total Course Units: 36

Honors

Applicant must have a minimum GPA of 3.3 in the major. Thesis required.

General Information

• You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.
• The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.