Program Overview

Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree with a Major in Physics and a Major Concentration in Biological Physics

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree with a Major in Physics and a Major Concentration in Biological Physics is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of fundamental concepts in physics and their application to biological systems.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the BS degree with a major in Physics, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts in Mechanics.
• Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts in Electromagnetism.
• Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts in Quantum Mechanics.

Additionally, upon completing the BS degree with a major in Physics and a major concentration in Biological Physics, students will be able to:

• Understand how the tools and concepts of physics are used to understand fundamental processes in the biosciences.
• Demonstrate proficiency in research techniques and methodology under the guidance of a faculty member.
• Communicate scientific results both in writing and oral presentations.

Requirements for the BS Degree with a Major in Physics and a Major Concentration in Biological Physics

For general university requirements, see Graduation Requirements. Students pursuing the BS degree with a major in Physics and a major concentration in Biological Physics must complete:

• A minimum of 75 credit hours to satisfy major requirements.
• A minimum of 120 credit hours to satisfy degree requirements.
• A minimum of 32 credit hours taken at the 300-level or above.
• Core courses common to all major concentrations.
• The requirements for the major concentration in Biological Physics.

Core Requirements

The following courses are required:

• MATH 101: SINGLE VARIABLE CALCULUS I
• MATH 102: SINGLE VARIABLE CALCULUS II
• MATH 211: ORDINARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS AND LINEAR ALGEBRA
• MATH 212: MULTIVARIABLE CALCULUS
• PHYS 101 & PHYS 103: MECHANICS (WITH LAB) and MECHANICS DISCUSSION
• PHYS 102 & PHYS 104: ELECTRICITY & MAGNETISM (WITH LAB) and ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM DISCUSSION
• PHYS 201: WAVES, LIGHT, AND HEAT
• PHYS 202: MODERN PHYSICS
• PHYS 231: ELEMENTARY PHYSICS LAB
• PHYS 301: INTERMEDIATE MECHANICS
• PHYS 311: INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM PHYSICS I
• PHYS 491 & PHYS 493: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH and UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SEMINAR
• PHYS 492 & PHYS 494: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH and UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SEMINAR

Major Concentration in Biological Physics

The following courses are required:

• PHYS 302: INTERMEDIATE ELECTRODYNAMICS
• PHYS 312: INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM PHYSICS II
• PHYS 355: INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL PHYSICS
• PHYS 425: STATISTICAL & THERMAL PHYSICS
• BIOS 201: INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY I
• BIOS 211: INTERMEDIATE EXPERIMENTAL CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
• BIOS 301: BIOCHEMISTRY I
• CHEM 121: GENERAL CHEMISTRY I
• CHEM 123: GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I
• CHEM 122: GENERAL CHEMISTRY II
• CHEM 124: GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II
• CHEM 211 & CHEM 213: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I and ORGANIC CHEMISTRY DISCUSSION I
• MATH 381: INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

Policies for the BS Degree with a Major in Physics and a Major Concentration in Biological Physics

Program Restrictions and Exclusions

• Students pursuing the BS Degree with a Major in Physics and a Major Concentration in Biological Physics should be aware of the following program restrictions:
  • Students may not obtain both a BA and a BS in the same major.
  • Students pursuing the major in Physics may pursue only one major concentration within the major.
  • Students may not major and minor in the same subject.

Transfer Credit

For Rice University's policy regarding transfer credit, see Transfer Credit. Some departments and programs have additional restrictions on transfer credit. Requests for transfer credit must be approved for Rice equivalency by the designated transfer credit advisor for the appropriate academic department offering the Rice equivalent course.

Opportunities for the BS Degree with a Major in Physics and a Major Concentration in Biological Physics

Academic Honors

The university recognizes academic excellence achieved over an undergraduate's academic history at Rice. For information on university honors, please see Latin Honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude) and Distinction in Research and Creative Work.

Research in the Department of Physics and Astronomy

The Physics and Astronomy Department encourages undergraduate participation in research, both within the department and through extramural programs.