Mar 19, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024 
    
Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024

Biophysics, BS


The Biophysics major is designed to prepare a student to apply the physical and mathematical sciences to problems arising in the life sciences and medicine. By choosing proper electives, the student can prepare to enter graduate study of biophysics, medical physics, biomedical engineering, medicine, optometry, or dentistry.


For more information about the Physics and Engineering department, visit its website


Biophysics Curriculum


   Department and Number - Descriptive Title of Course Fall Cr. Spr. Cr.

First Year

             

             
 MAJOR  PHYS 140/PHYS 140L - (E) Elements of Physics I  — PHYS 141/PHYS 141L - (E) Elements of Physics II   4 4
 MAJOR  BIOL 141/BIOL 141L (E) (FYOC, FYDT Lab only) General Biology  — BIOL 142/BIOL142L (E) (FYOC, FYDT Lab only) General Biology 1    4.5 4.5
 COGNATE  MATH 109 - (Q) Pre-Calculus Mathematics  – MATH 114 - (Q) Calculus I  or MATH 114 - (Q) Calculus I  – MATH 221 - Calculus II 2 4 4
 GE EP - GE WRTG  PHYS 150 - (FYOC, FYDT) Foundations of Physics and Engineering  or ENGR 150 - (FYOC, FYDT) Foundations of Physics and Engineering  — WRTG 107 - (FYW) Composition   3 3
 GE FSEM  First Year Seminar 3    
    15.5 15.5

Second Year

   
 MAJOR  PHYS 270/PHYS 270L - (EPW: Lab only) Elements of Modern Physics  —  PHYS 352 - Statistical and Engineering Thermodynamics   4 3
 MAJOR  CHEM 112-113 - (E) General and Analytical Chemistry /CHEM 112L-113L   4.5 4.5
 COGNATE  EE 241/EE 241L - (EPW) Circuit Analysis     4
 COGNATE  EE 250/EE250L - Computational Tools for Physics and Engineering   4  
 COGNATE  MATH 221 - Calculus II  – MATH 222 - Calculus III  or MATH 222 - Calculus III  – MATH 341 - Differential Equations   4 4
 GE PHIL  PHIL 120 - Introduction to Philosophy   3  
    19.5 15.5

Third Year

   
 MAJOR/COGNATE  PHYS/BIOL/CHEM ELECT – Physics, Biology or Chemistry Elective 3  
 MAJOR  CHEM 232/CHEM 232L (E) Organic Chemistry  — CHEM 233/CHEM 233L (E) Organic Chemistry 4 4.5 4.5
 GE T/RS  T/RS 121 - (P) Theology I: Introduction to the Bible  — T/RS 122 - (P) Theology II: Introduction to Christian Theology   3 3
 GE PHIL  PHIL 210 - Ethics   3  
 GE PHIL or T/RS  PHIL ELECT - Philosophy Elective or T/RS ELECT Theology Elective   3
 GE S/BH  S/BH ELECT – Social/Behavioral Electives 3 3
 GE HUMN  HUMN ELECT – Humanities Elective   3
    16.5 16.5

Fourth Year

                                   
 MAJOR  PHYS/BIOL/CHEM ELECT – Physics, Biology or Chemistry Electives5 6 6
 GE HUMN  HUMN ELECT – Humanities Electives 6 3
 GE ELECT  FREE ELECT – Free Electives 3 6
                                      15 15
 

Total: 129 Credits

1EP requirement is met through successful completion of BIOL 141L  and BIOL 142L .

2Math placement may affect the order in which these classes are taken.

3The selection of a First Year Seminar is likely to fulfill requirements both for the First Year Seminar and a General Education Requirement.  Thus, the First Year Seminar will not add to the total credits for the semester.  Talk with your advisor if you have any questions.

4May include elective in Engineering, Math or Computer Sciences.

5Recommended PHYS 493  - PHYS 494 .