Biophysics
Biophysics
As a biophysics major, you’ll be entering a scientific field that is transforming our understanding of biology and the practice of medicine. You’ll learn how to apply the laws of physics to study and understand biological processes—from how molecules are made and cells function to how complex systems in the body work. Research is incorporated into every upper-level physics course, which means you’ll begin doing original science right away.
Why NWC?
Whatever your interests, Northwestern’s biophysics major allows you to tailor your course schedule to include additional biology, chemistry, math or computer science courses as your undergraduate electives.
Plus, if you plan to pursue a master's or even doctoral degree in biophysics, you can do so through Northwestern’s dual-degree partnership with Washington University in St. Louis.
Requirements for a biophysics major include biology, chemistry and genetics courses, as well as courses in physics, biochemistry, biophysics, physical chemistry and the fundamentals of optics. Related minors include biology, chemistry, data science and statistics, physics, and physics education.
Department Chair
Career Outlook
The biophysics field could see an increase in employment as high as 19% by 2024. The median salary for a lab technician with a bachelor’s degree is $46,000. Bioengineers with a bachelor’s degree have a median salary of $92,000. With a master’s or doctorate, biophysicists report a median salary of $94,000.
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Experience
Northwestern is developing a new engineering program that is set to launch in the fall of 2024. Engineering concentrations currently being considered include mechanical, civil, computer and electrical.
Northwestern’s physics department also offers a dual-degree program with Washington University of St. Louis, one of the nation’s top engineering schools. If you are accepted into the dual-degree program, you can choose from two tracks: a 3-3 program in which you’ll earn two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree in six years, or a 3-2 program if you elect not to pursue a graduate degree.
A number of the classes you’ll take as a biophysics major will involve original research. You’ll join an interdisciplinary group—including biology, chemistry and physics professors—that seeks original answers to scientific questions. Northwestern biophysics majors have also been involved in research projects at the University of Kansas and Stony Brook University Laser Teaching Center.
Northwestern is developing a new engineering program that is set to launch in the fall of 2024. Engineering concentrations currently being considered include mechanical, civil, computer and electrical.
Northwestern’s physics department also offers a dual-degree program with Washington University of St. Louis, one of the nation’s top engineering schools. If you are accepted into the dual-degree program, you can choose from two tracks: a 3-3 program in which you’ll earn two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree in six years, or a 3-2 program if you elect not to pursue a graduate degree.
A number of the classes you’ll take as a biophysics major will involve original research. You’ll join an interdisciplinary group—including biology, chemistry and physics professors—that seeks original answers to scientific questions. Northwestern biophysics majors have also been involved in research projects at the University of Kansas and Stony Brook University Laser Teaching Center.
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Faculty
Brilliant scholars. Committed Christians. Invested in you. That’s Northwestern’s faculty.
Dr. Young-Ji Byon
Founding Director of the Engineering Program
Dr. Timothy Huffman
Professor of Mathematics; Director of the Actuarial Science Program
Dr. Ashley Jairam
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Dr. Kim Jongerius
Professor of Mathematics; Department Chair
Dr. Hyunsung Jun
Associate Professor of Math and Physics
Dr. Jennifer Schon
Director of Institutional Research; Instructor of Statistics
