Bachelor of Science - Biological Physics
A Biological Physics major explores the physical behavior of biological and biologically-inspired systems, applying physical techniques to solve problems in physics, biology, and medicine. The program is multi-disciplinary, drawing from coursework in physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and related disciplines. It combines a broad science curriculum with physical and mathematical rigor in preparation for careers in biological physics, biophysics, medical physics, medicine, and biomedical engineering.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (77-83 semester hours) Sample Curriculum
Core Courses (65-66 semester hours)
BMZ 116 - Biological Concepts: Structure, Function, Cellular, and Molecular Biology (4)
or ZOO 114 - Principles of Biology (4)
BOT/ZOO 203 - Introduction to Cell Biology (3)
CHM 141, 142 - College Chemistry (3, 3) or equivalents
CHM 144, 145 - College Chemistry Laboratory (2, 2) or equivalents
CHM 241 - Organic Chemistry (3) and CHM 244 Organic Chemistry Laboratory (2), or
CHM 231 - Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry (4)
MTH 151, 251, 252 - Calculus I, II, III (5, 4, 4) or equivalents
PHY 181, 182 - The Physical World I, II (4, 4)
PHY 183, 184 - Physics Laboratory (1, 1)
PHY 286 - Introduction to Computational Physics (3)
PHY 291 - Contemporary Physics (4)
PHY 292 - Electronic Instrumentation (3)
PHY 293 - Contemporary Physics Laboratory (2)
PHY 294 - Laboratory in Electronic Instrumentation (2)
PHY 421 - Introduction to Biophysics (4) or
PHY 422 - Physical Methods in Biology and Medicine (4)
STA 301 - Applied Statistics (3)
Elective Courses (12-17 semester hours)
Select four (4) with at least one (1) from each category.
Category 1: PHYSICS
PHY 341 - Mathematical Methods in Physics (4)
Any course numbered 400 and above, excluding seminar, research, and independent
study courses (PHY400, 410, 440, 477, 480, 488) (3-4)
Category 2: NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCE
(some courses may have pre- or co-requisites)
BOT 425 - Environmental Plant Physiology (4)
CHM 242 - Organic Chemistry (3) and CHM 245 Organic Chemistry Laboratory (2)
CHM 332 - Outlines of Biochemistry or CHM 432 Fundamentals of Biochemistry or
CHM 433 - Biochemistry (3-4)
CHM 471 - Physical Chemistry (3)
CHM 472 - Biophysical Chemistry (3)
KNH 468/468L - Physiology and Biophysics of Human Activity (3) and
KNH 486L - Physiology and Biophysics of Human Activity Laboratory (1)
MBI 201 - General Microbiology I (4)
PCE 418 - Biological Transport Phenomena (3)
ZOO 305 - Animal Physiology (4)
A course from Category 1: PHYSICS (3-4)
Category 3: MATHEMATICS
PHY 341 - Mathematical Methods in Physics (4)
MTH 222 - Linear Algebra (3)
MTH 347 - Differential Equations (3)
ADVISING TRACKS (Suggested sequences for degree emphasis, not required)
Advising Track 1: PRE-MEDICAL
CORE select these options: PHY421; CHM241/244.
ELECTIVES include these: CHM242/245; ZOO305.
A biochemistry course is also recommended.
Advising Track 2: MEDICAL PHYSICS
CORE select these options: PHY422.
ELECTIVES include these: PHY341; PHY437, 461, 471.
Students interested in this career option may also elect to pursue the B.S. Physics degree.
Advising Track 3: BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
CORE select these options: PHY422; CHM241/244.
ELECTIVES include these: MTH347; PCE 418; PHY341.
A biochemistry course is also recommended.
Advising Track 4: BIOPHYSICS
CORE select these options: PHY421, CHM241/244.
ELECTIVES include these: PHY341; CHM471,472; PHY422.
THEMATIC SEQUENCE OPTIONS
CHM1 satisfied by selecting elective CHM332 or CHM432 or CHM433.
MTH3 satisfied by selecting electives MTH222 and MTH347.
ZOO1 satisfied by selecting elective ZOO305.