At a Glance
I鈥檓 interested in this field of study. Can you tell me more about it?
Biophysics is an exceptionally versatile major that helps you develop a broad range of scientific, computational, and mathematical modeling skills. The sought-after quantitative abilities you鈥檒l gain as a biophysics major open doors to many career paths, including medicine, health, bioengineering, research in industry or academia, finance, law, mathematics, software engineering, economics, and even art. If you鈥檙e curious about our biophysics program, please reach out to us. We鈥檇 love to have a conversation with you!
What are some courses appropriate for first-year students interested in exploring this field of study?
Start with PHYS 33 or 30 in fall of your first year, followed by PHYS 34 or 31 in the spring. You’ll also want to complete second-semester calculus by the end of your first year. Please talk to us first so we can give you firsthand guidance.
If I decide to major or minor in this field, are there certain courses that need to be taken in a specific sequence?
Reach out to us for a conversation and we’ll help you with course selection as you progress through our program!
Can students who major or minor in this field complete a second major or minor (as a double major or a major/minor combination)? If so, what are some common pairings?
Many biophysics students will do a double or dual major. We encourage you to work with us to let us know what you鈥檙e interested in.
What other useful information should I know about this field of study?
Many of our courses are offered in specific semesters and must be taken in a certain order. For example, our PHYS 178: Biophysics is currently only offered once every two years in the spring semester. If your assigned academic advisor is not a physicist, please chat with one of the physics faculty in the Department of Natural Sciences so we can guide you appropriately.
Scripps Catalog link to specific requirements for the major/minor:
The biophysics major integrates the physical principles that are part of the core material found in a traditional physics major with areas of interest in the life sciences. Offering many possible avenues
via molecular/cellular, biomechanical, organismal, and/or physiological sequences, the major is appropriate for students interested in attending graduate school in physics or biophysics and provides a solid background for students planning a career in the health fields.