Bachelor of Science in Biophysics

This program is intended for students with an interest in the interdisciplinary field of biophysics. The degree program provides the physics and biology background necessary for the field while simultaneously fulfilling medical school entrance requirements. Students interested in this program should begin taking math, chemistry and physics during their freshman year (see sample schedule below). Also notice that the Phys-151,152,153 sequence is an acceptable substitute for Phys-161,162,163.

For a good overview of Biophysics (history and future), look at a speech given by Dr. Harold Varmus, M.D. NIH Director entitled "The Impact of Physics on Biology and Medicine".

Degree requirements listed here reflect Fall 1997 catalog year requirements and include changes from previous years. Students following catalog requirements for years prior to Fall 1997 should consult with their faculty advisor regarding course requirements.

Look at Sample Program
Look at Requirement List

Sample Program

This is a sample program only. Your actual program should be developed in consultation with your faculty advisor.

Bachelor of Science - Biophysics
Year 1
Fall Units
Math 125 4
Chem 115aL 4
GE - Social Issues 4
WRIT 140 4
Phys 190 1

Total 17
Spring Units
Math 126 4
Chem 115bL 4
Phys 161L 4
GE Requirement 4
 

Total 16
Year 2
Fall Units
Math 226 4
Phys 162L 4
BISC 110L 4
GE Requirement 4

Total 16
Spring Units
Math 245 4
Phys 163L 4
BISC 112L 4
Chem 322aL 4

Total 16
Year 3
Fall Units
Math 445 4
Phys 304 4
BISC 311 4
Chem 322bL 4

Total 16
Spring Units
Phys 316 4
Phys 438a 4
BISC 316L 4
Foreign Language 4

Total 16
Year 4
Fall Units
Phys 408a 4
BISC 421 4
WRIT 340 4
Foreign Language 4

Total 16
Spring Units
GE Requirement 4
GE Requirement 4
Elective 4
Foreign Language 4

Total 16


Required Lower Division Courses Units
PHYS 161L* Advanced Principles of Physics I 4
PHYS 162L* Advanced Principles of Physics II 4
PHYS 163L* Advanced Principles of Physics III 4
PHYS 190 Freshman Colloquium (recommended) (1)
BISC 110L Introduction to Biology I 4
BISC 112L Introduction to Biology II 4
CHEM 115abL** Advanced General Chemistry 4 + 4
MATH 125 Calculus I 4
MATH 126 Calculus II 4
MATH 226 Calculus III 4
MATH 245 Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I 4
Required Upper Division Courses
PHYS 304 Mechanics 4
PHYS 316 Introduction to Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics 4
PHYS 408a Electricity and Magnetism 4
PHYS 438a Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and its Applications 4
BISC 311 Molecular Biology 4
BISC 316L Biochemistry and Cell Biology 4
BISC 421 Neurobiology 4
CHEM 322abL Organic Chemistry 4 + 4
MATH 445 Mathematics of Physics and Engineering II 4
Total Units 84
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*     PHYS 151L, 152L and 153L may be substituted for the sequence PHYS 161L, 162L and 163L
**  Chem 105abL may be substituted for the sequence CHEM 115abL

Undergraduate Program / USC Physics and Astronomy / University of Southern California