Biophysics Undergraduate Major

Course Requirements


Complete Course List Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics CoursesChemistry Courses

Math Courses Physics Courses


Course Requirements:

New course numbering appears in square brackets.

BIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY (2 c.u.)
Biology 2010 Cell Biology
and either Biology 2810 Biological Chemistry
or Chemistry 2510 Principles of Biological Chemistry

PHYSICS (5 c.u.)
Physics 0150 or 0170 Principles of Physics I. Mechanics and Wave Motion
Physics 0151 or 0171 Principles of Physics II. Electromagnetism and Radiation
Physics 3361 Electromagnetism I. Electricity and Potential Theory
Physics 3362 Electromagnetism II. Magnetism, Maxwell's Equations, and Electromagnetic Waves

CHEMISTRY (7 c.u.)
Chemistry 1011, 1012, or or 1151 General Chemistry I
Chemistry 1021, 1022, or 1161 General Chemistry II
Chemistry 1101 General Chemistry Laboratory I
Chemistry 1102 General Chemistry Laboratory II (1CU of Organic lab 2441/2442/2451/2452 may be substituted, for students with departmental waiver or advanced placement credit in Chemistry.) (CHEM2411 and 2421 combine lab with lecture.)

Chemistry 2210 and 2220
or
Physics 1230 and (1240 or 1250)

Physical Chemistry or Heat/waves/quantum

Chemistry 2410 or 2411 Principles of Organic Chemistry
Chemistry 2420 or 2421 or 2425 Principles of Organic Chemistry

MATHEMATICS (4 c.u.)
Mathematics 1400 Calculus for the Natural Sciences, Part I
Mathematics 1410, 1510, or 1610 Calculus, Part II
Mathematics 2400 or 2600 Calculus, Part III
Mathematics 2410 Calculus, Part IV

BIOPHYSICS (2 c.u.)
 Physics 2280 Physical Models of Biological Systems
PLUS ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
One credit unit of electives. Just a few examples:
Physics 4421 Modern Optics
BE 4800 Introduction to Medical Imaging
Many other suitable options exist in SEAS and in the BMB and CAMB departments.


Independent Research Project:

  Though not a requirement of the major, participation in independent research project is strongly encouraged. Independent Study offers direct exposure to the discipline as well as laboratory experience. The Biophysics Program Director will help interested students find suitable laboratories in which to work. Alternately, students may contact directly any of the faculty in biophysics, including those listed at this website and the members of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group, whose names can be found in the University of Pennsylvania Graduate Catalog.

Students with a GPA of 3.3 or more in major courses may use an independent research project to apply for honors. Please consult with the Program Director if you are interested in this program.

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