2025-26 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Jul 07, 2025  
2025-26 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Biophysics Major


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Biophysics (also known as Biological Physics, Statistical Physics of Biological Matter, Quantitative Biology or Computational Biology) is an interdisciplinary field that investigates science on the boundaries between physics, biology, and mathematics. Biophysics utilizes analytical problem solving skills cultivated through study of physics and mathematics to describe theoretically the mechanisms of biological processes. A biophysics degree will prepare students for a graduate program in biophysics or related areas. Further, there are many opportunities within the medical field for a student with a background in biophysics, with or without a graduate degree (medical technology, radiology, etc.).

Program Learning Goals.  Upon completion:

1: Students will connect key biophysical principles to their knowledge of biological and physical systems.

2: Students will demonstrate quantitative reasoning skills.

3: Students will effectively participate in scientific communication. 

4: Students will apply principles of biophysics to theoretical and practical models of biological systems.

5: Students will articulate a Christian worldview on how the study of biophysics is impacted by the philosophical premise of being created in the image of God.

Total credits required: 48


Notes:


  • The  biophysics major requires the completion of a minor in mathematics.
  • Students can choose whether to complete the program with or without Organic Chemistry depending on the student’s goals.
    • BIO326 has pre-requisites CHE321 and CHE322
    • BIO327WI can be taken without CHE321 and CHE322 if BIO115SN and BIO202WI have been completed.
    • Students wishing to use the biophysics degree to apply for an MD program should take CHE321 and/or take BIO326 over BIO327
  • Students interested in graduate school should take an additional course (CHE, BIO or PHY) in an area that most pertains to the direction they wish to pursue upon degree completion.
  • Students wishing to pursue either a PhD in biophysics or an MD should also complete a statistics course. This will count toward the math minor.

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