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.
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Required Lower Division Courses | Units | |
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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 |
Undergraduate Program / USC Physics and Astronomy / University of Southern California