What is Biological Physics?

Biological Physics is a science investigating the physical behavior of biological and biologically inspired systems, applying physical techniques to solve problems in physics, biology, and medicine. The Biological Physics program is multidisciplinary, drawing from coursework in physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and other related disciplines. The program combines a broad science curriculum with physical and mathematical rigor in preparation for careers in biological physics and biophysics, medical physics, medicine, and biomedical engineering.

What Can I Do with a B.S. in Biological Physics?

About 60 percent of our physics graduates attend graduate or professional school for careers in biological physics and biophysics, medical physics, medicine, and biomedical engineering. Students also continue with studies in business, law, education, or public health.

Those students not continuing their formal education find employment in a variety of scientific and technical fields. Teaching, military service, or technical sales and services are some of these options. A biological physics degree can also provide entry into other fields, such as marketing or business operations with technical companies.

What Courses Would I Take?

The Biological Physics program combines a broad science curriculum with physical and mathematical rigor. In addition to courses in physics (classical and contemporary physics, electronics and instrumentation, computational physics), core coursework includes biophysics, molecular and cellular biology, general and organic chemistry, calculus, and applied statistics.

Advanced electives draw from course offerings in physics, mathematics, biology, chemistry, engineering, and kinesiology, and are flexible enough to serve students pursuing a wide range of career options, including biological physics and biophysics, medical physics, medicine, and biomedical engineering.

Because the program supports a range of career paths, students are strongly encouraged to develop a curriculum in consultation with a department academic adviser.

Note: Mathematics and foreign language placement is usually done during Summer Orientation. Some students may start with Calculus II and/or need only one or two foreign language courses.