Biophysics
Biophysics (also known as biological physics, statistical physics of biological matter, quantitative biology, or computational biology) is an interdisciplinary field that investigates science on the boundaries between physics, biology and mathematics. Biophysics utilizes analytical problem-solving skills cultivated through the study of physics and mathematics to describe theoretically the mechanisms of biological processes. A biophysics degree will prepare students for a graduate program in biophysics or related areas. Further, there are many opportunities within the medical field for a student with a background in biophysics, with or without a graduate degree (medical technology, radiology, etc.).
Requirements:
PHY 211SN - Classical Physics I
(4 credits) (NWCore option under Science and the Natural World) This is the first in a two-course calculus-based sequence. Topics include kinematics, Newtonian mechanics, energy, momentum, gravity, atomic physics, thermodynamics, and simple harmonic oscillations. Prerequisite: C- or higher in MAT112QR or consent of the department chair.
Note: There is a laboratory component to this course.
PHY 212 - Classical Physics II
(4 credits) This is the second in a two-course calculus-based sequence. Topics include electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, electromagnetism, and optics. Prerequisite: successful completion of PHY211SN with a grade of C- or better.
Note: There is a laboratory component to this course.
PHY 350 - Fundamentals of Optics
(4 credits; alternate years, consult department) This course will cover an introduction to classical and modern theories in
optics and their applications. Students will learn topics in geometric optics including lens, ray tracing, reflection, and refraction and in physical optics including interference, diffraction, polarization, and lasers. Prerequisites: C- or higher in PHY212 and MAT211, or permission of instructor.
PHY 370 - Modern Physics
(4 credits, alternate years, consult department). An introduction to the physics of the 20th century. Topics include special
relativity, introduction to quantum theory, Schrodinger equation, the hydrogen atom, and many-electron atoms. Prerequisites: successful completion of PHY212 & MAT211 with grades of C- or higher, or permission of department
chair.
Note: There is a laboratory component to this course.
PHY 433WI - Introductory Physical Chemistry
(4 credits; alternate years, consult department) (Writing intensive) An introductory course in chemical thermodynamics, quantum chemistry and chemical kinetics. Prerequisites: MAT112QR; and CHE112 or PHY212.
Note: Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. A fee is associated with this course.
Cross-Referenced: Cross-referenced in chemistry.
PHY 436 - Intermediate Physical Chemistry
(4 credits, alternate years, consult department) An intermediate course in chemical thermodynamics, quantum chemistry and chemical kinetics. Prerequisite: PHY433WIx.
Note: Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. A fee is associated with this course.
Cross-Referenced: Cross-referenced in chemistry.
PHY 450 - Biophysics
(4 credits; alternate years, consult department) Biophysics utilizes analytical problem solving skills cultivated through the
study of physics and mathematics to describe theoretically the mechanisms of biological processes. Students will learn to analyze biological data using MatLab. This course is intended to be taken by Biophysics majors towards the end of their program of study. Prerequisites: C- or higher in PHY370, MAT317, and BIO326 or BIO327, or permission of instructor.
Choose one course:
BIO 326 - Biochemistry: Proteins and Metabolism
(4 credits) A fundamental course surveying biomolecules, catabolism, bioenergetics and biosynthesis. Prerequisites: CHE321 and 322. Cross-Referenced: Cross-referenced in chemistry.
Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week. A fee is associated with this course.
BIO 327WI - Biochemistry: Molecular Genetics
(4 credits) (Writing intensive) This course focuses on the structure and function of nucleic acids and examines the biochemical techniques involved in gaining knowledge regarding replication, transcription and translation of genetic information, and control of gene expression. Prerequisites: BIO115SN and CHE321 and CHE322, or BIO202WI.
Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week. A fee is associated with this course.
Cognate requirements:
BIO 115SN - General Biology: Molecular and Cellular Biology
(4 credits) (NWCore option under Science and the Natural World) An introduction to molecular and cellular biology, with an examination of the processes common to living organisms and an introduction to the diversity of life, emphasizing unicellular organisms. This introduction will provide students with a basic understanding of macromolecules, cell structure and function, respiration and photosynthesis, the cell cycle, meiosis, genetics, mechanisms of evolutionary change, and Christian perspectives on evolutionary biology. Prerequisite: Combined Math + Science ACT of at least 44, sophomore standing, or permission of instructor.
Note: Three lectures and 3 hours of laboratory work per week. A fee is associated with this course.
BIO 202WI - Genetics and Genomics
(4 credits) (Writing intensive) An introduction to the principles of heredity and their practical applications. Prerequisites: BIO115 or 116.
Note: Includes 3 credits of lab per week. A fee is associated with this course.
CHE 111 - General Chemistry
(4 credits) An introductory course in chemistry that emphasizes physical and inorganic concepts, problems and calculations. Topics include chemical reactions, stoichiometry, properties of gases, thermochemistry, theories of atomic structure, and chemical bonding. The general chemistry sequence (Chemistry 111 and Chemistry 112) is recommended for students with good math / science preparations who intend to proceed to advanced courses in chemistry, the biological sciences or engineering. Prerequisites: high school chemistry and ACT math score of at least 24 (SAT 570 or above).
Note: Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. A fee is associated with this course.
CHE 112 - General Chemistry
(4 credits) A continuation of Chemistry 111. Topics covered include kinetics, thermodynamics, chemical equilibria, acid-base chemistry and nuclear chemistry. Prerequisite: CHE111 or consent of the instructor.
Note: Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. A fee is associated with this course.
Total credits required: 48
Notes:
The biophysics major requires the completion of a minor in mathematics.
Students can choose whether to complete the program with or without Organic Chemistry, depending on the student's goals.
BIO 326, Biochemistry: Proteins and Metabolism, has prerequisites CHE 321, Organic Chemistry, and CHE 322, Organic Chemistry.
BIO 327WI, Biochemistry: Molecular Genetics, can be taken without CHE 321 and CHE 322 if BIO 115SN, General Biology: Molecular and Cellular Biology, and BIO 202WI, Genetics and Genomics, have been completed.
Students wishing to use the biophysics degree to apply for an M.D. program should take CHE 321 and/or take BIO 326 rather than BIO 327.
Students interested in graduate school should take an additional course (CHE, BIO or PHY) in an area that most pertains to the direction that they wish to pursue upon degree completion.
Students wishing to pursue either a Ph.D. in biophysics or an M.D. should also complete a statistics course. This will count toward the math minor.
