Biophysics
Overview
Biophysics programs teach people about mechanisms that influence biological processes.Biophysics programs include topics such as:
- Bioengenetics
- Membrane biology
- Electrophysics
- Muscle function
- Protein shaping and folding
- Research methodology and equipment operation
Concentrations
In biophysics programs, students may be able to specialize in molecular biophysics.
Schools
Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in biophysics. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in biophysics. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Many universities offer graduate degrees in biophysics. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Nanotechnology
- Physics
- Physiology
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Advanced Biology courses
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Computer Science and Programming
- Physics
- Probability and Statistics
- Trigonometry
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree in biophysics, physics, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, or computer science. You also need good grades and good test scores. If your undergraduate program was not in biophysics, you may need to complete some prerequisite courses in physics, biochemistry, or biology.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Biology, Biochemistry
- Statement of research interest and personal goals
- Letters of recommendation
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biophysical Chemistry
- Calculus
- Cell Biology
- Classical Physics
- Elementary Differential Equations
- Foundations of Biophysics and Structural Biology
- General Chemistry
- Genetics
- Methods in Biophysics
- Modern Physics
- Molecular Biology
- Molecular Biophysics
- Molecular Modeling
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Quantitative Analysis
- Statistics
- Structural Biology
No matter where you go to school, you're likely to take a set of "core" courses similar to the list above. Once you've completed those courses, you can take advanced courses in biophysics.
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate programs may include:
- Advanced Physiology
- Biophysics of Macromolecular Assemblies
- Function of Neural Systems
- Membrane Function
- Molecular Mechanisms in Gene Control
- Spectroscopy in Biology and Biochemistry
- Structure and Function of Proteins
Graduate students usually focus on one particular application. Typical courses vary by specialty. All require original research. A list of common graduate requirements is below:
- Required courses
- Required lab rotations
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
A bachelor's degree prepares you for graduate studies or for an entry-level position as a research assistant or lab technician. It can be a good preparation for medical, dental, and veterinary school.
A postdoctoral research assignment can help you gain experience before finding a permanent research position.
Schools
East Side Area
Central Washington University
- Physics--Biophysics Specialization
Walla Walla University
- Biophysics
Washington State University - Pullman
- Biochemistry--Molecular Biophysics Option
Whitman College
- Biochemistry, Biophysics, & Molecular Biology (BBMB)
King-Snohomish Area
University of Washington - Seattle
- Biomolecular Structure & Design
- Physics
- Physics--Biophysics Option
- Physiology & Biophysics
Spokane Area
Whitworth University
- Biophysics