Biophysics Track

The Biophysics Track is organized into several focuses. These are designed to help students prepare for entry to specific fields of biophysics. Mixing and matching between focuses is not encouraged.

Students should complete the physics gateway and core requirements as described in the physics track.

Modified Lab Requirements:

At least one of the physics major lab requirements must be fulfilled by either PHYS 342 (Experimental Optics) and PHYS 345 (Electronics Lab). In addition to the other substitutions listed in the Physics Track, one of these labs may be substituted with PHYS 395 (Structural Biology).

Electives:

Up to 2 elective credits can come from outside Physics.  Suggested electives are listed below in each focus section.  Due to yearly changes in course availability, there may be courses not listed below that are appropriate as an elective. Consult with your Physics advisor if you wish to consider other non-physics courses as an elective. Note also that students on the Biophysics Track must complete at least one course that is computational in nature (as indicated below) or engage in advisor-approved computational thesis research.

Suggested Physics Electives:

Molecular Biophysics Focus

Molecular biophysics looks for principles and physical models that make quantitative predictions about the molecular underpinnings of biological systems. The focus is defined for students interested in a professional or graduate career in Molecular Biophysics. The specific electives selected will depend upon your specialized interests, and should be discussed with your faculty advisor. You are encouraged to consult with Professor Starr for specific advice about which courses in this track best suit your interests.

Students should complete the physics gateway and core requirements as described in the physics track.

Suggested Non-Physics Electives:

Neural and Behavioral Focus

Neural and behavioral biophysics looks for principles and physical models that make quantitative predictions about the emergent properties of neural systems and the dynamical evolution of behavior. The track is defined for students interested in a professional or graduate career in Neural and Behavioral Biophysics. The specific electives selected will depend upon your specialized interests, and should be discussed with your faculty advisor. You are encouraged to consult with Professor McKenzie-Smith for specific advice about which courses in this track best suit your interests.

Suggested Non-Physics Electives

Systems Biophysics Focus

Systems biophysics looks for principles and physical models that make quantitative predictions about complex biological systems such as ecosystems, genetic regulation, and immune systems. The track is defined for students interested in a professional or graduate career in Systems Biophysics. The specific electives selected will depend upon your specialized interests, and should be discussed with your faculty advisor. You are encouraged to consult with Professor McKenzie-Smith for specific advice about which courses in this track best suit your interests.

Suggested Non-Physics Electives