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 listings here reflect current requirements. Since actual graduation requirements depend on the specific year which a student enters USC, students should always consult with their faculty advisor to determine course selection. As part of a curriculum revision, Biology courses listed here will be phased in over the next few years. To determine what combination of new and old courses to take, consult your faculty advisor. Students entering Fall 2002 or later will always take the "new" BISC courses.
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 | |
---|---|---|
PHYS 151L | Fundamentals of Physics I | 4 |
PHYS 152L | Fundamentals of Physics II | 4 |
PHYS 153L | Fundamentals of Physics III | 4 |
PHYS 190 | Freshman Colloquium (recommended) | (1) |
BISC 120L | General Biology: Organismal Biology and Evolution | 4 |
BISC 220L | General Biology: Cell Biology and Physiology | 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 320L | Molecular Biology | 4 |
BISC 330L | Biochemistry | 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