Biophysics Major

Requirements for the Major

Learning Outcomes of the Program In Biophysics

Students who have completed a major in Biophysics, when confronted with a natural phenomenon, should be able to examine, model and analyze the system and effectively communicate the findings.

Specifically, students should be able to:

1. Develop a conceptual framework for understanding the system by identifying the key physical principles, relationships, and constraints underlying the system.
2. If required, develop a physical experiment to analyze the system within the framework. This includes:
   • Designing the experiment;
   • Making basic order-of-magnitude estimates;
   • Working with standard data-measuring devices such as oscilloscopes, digital multi-meters, signal generators, etc.;
   • Identifying and appropriately addressing the sources of systematic error and statistical error in their experiment.
3. Translate that conceptual framework into an appropriate mathematical format/model.
   
   • If the mathematical model/equations are analytically tractable, carry out the analysis of the problem to completion (by demonstrating knowledge of and proficiency with the standard mathematical tools of physics and engineering).
   • If the model/equations are not tractable, develop a computer code and/or use software/programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Maple, Python) to numerically simulate the model system.
4. Use with proficiency standard methods of data analysis (e.g., graphing, curvefitting, statistical analysis, Fourier analysis, etc.).
5. Intelligently analyze, interpret, and assess the reasonableness of the answers obtained and/or the model’s predictions.
6. Effectively communicate their findings (either verbally and/or via written expression) to diverse audiences.

Courses required for the Biophysics major:

1. Foundation Courses:

• Introductory Biology (two semesters: BIOL 043L KS -BIOL 044L KS , or BIOL 040L KS  and BIOL 044L KS ,or both semesters of the AISS course, or equivalent);
• Introductory Chemistry (two semesters: CHEM 014L KS -CHEM 015L KS , or CHEM 029L KS , or CHEM 040L KS  and CHEM 015L KS , or both semesters of the AISS course or equivalent);
• Introductory Physics (two semesters: PHYS 030L KS -PHYS 031L KS , or PHYS 033L KS -PHYS 034L KS , or both semesters of the AISS course or equivalent);
• PHYS 035 KS -Modern Physics ;
• PHYS 178 KS -Biophysics  (or equivalent);
• MATH 032 PZ -Calculus III ; MATH 111 CM  or equivalent);
• One computer programming course (CSCI 005 HM  , CSCI 051 CM  , or PHYS 108 KS );

2. Five Additional Advanced Courses:

• Three (3) upper-division courses from Biology, at least one of which must include a laboratory component. Organic Chemistry (CHEM 116L KS ) may be substituted for one of the three upper-division Biology courses, but one of the remaining two upper-division Biology courses must still include a laboratory component.
• Two (2) upper-division physics course.

3. Senior thesis (one- or two-semester).

• A study-abroad experience is strongly recommended but not required.

NOTE: For Biophysics majors, PHYS 030L KS -PHYS 031L KS  may substitute as a prerequisite for PHYS 033L KS -PHYS 034L KS .