College of Science and Technology
Temple University

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Biophysics Interdisciplinary Program

Program Overview

Biophysics is the application of physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics to study how biological systems work. Biophysics seeks to answer a diverse array of questions such as: how three-dimensional molecular structure determines biological functions, how are genes turned on and off, how animals and plants respond to light, how animals respond to sound and smell, how cells move, and how the nervous system works.
The biophysics major provides the broad math and science skills necessary to succeed in this interdisciplinary environment.

Programs of Study

Biophysics BS: Program Goals, Advising Sheets & Flowcharts

Undergraduate Bulletin

Biology Course Descriptions

Physics Course Descriptions

Careers

Medical school: a biophysics degree fulfills ALL medical and pharmacy school requirements
Graduate school: students interested in a research career can pursue a graduate degree in Biophysics, Biology, Molecular Biology or Neuroscience
MD/PhD: Every year we have one or more biophysics majors enter a combined MD/PhD program in medical physics, health physics, or nuclear medicine
Straight to a Job: research associate position, government agencies, pharmaceutical research & development, financial analysis for technology industries, biotechnology industry, science writing

Curriculum

The BS in Biophysics as an interdisciplinary program requires coursework: in biology: Introduction to Biology, Cell Structure and Function, and Genetics; in physics: General Physics, Electricity and Magnetism, Mathematical Physics, Introduction to Modern Physics and Thermodynamics; in chemistry: General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry; and in mathematics: Calculus I, II and III. Students are also required to take 4 elective courses chosen in consultation with the physics advisor. All courses must be 2000-level or above. At least two electives must be Physics courses. Choose courses in the fields of physics (Computing for scientists, Classsical Mechanics, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Electronics or Optics), Chemistry (Physical Chemistry, Biochemistry or Biophysical Chemistry), Biology (Molecular Biology, Research Techniques in Molecular Biology, Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, Genetics, or Physiology).

Further Information

Department of Physics

Department of Biology

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Zbigniew Dziembowski
A225 Barton Hall
215-204-7639
zbig.dziembowski@temple.edu

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