Biophysics Major

Some universities offer undergraduate Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees in Biophysics, while others only offer a Biophysics degree at the graduate level (i.e., a master’s and/or doctorate degree). Biophysics degrees are heavily focused on physics and biophysics courses, and usually those who major in biophysics are required to take numerous math and chemistry classes as well. At the undergraduate level, one can expect to take courses in general and organic chemistry, calculus, mechanics, linear algebra, and biochemistry. Other possible courses include cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, statistics, and computational biology, among others. Another important component of many biophysics degrees is research; some programs require research in a laboratory to be done for a certain number of semesters, culminating in a senior research project. The specific courses offered in a biophysics major program can vary from university to university, but majoring in biophysics will adequately prepare a student to begin their career in biophysics research.

If a student is interested in biophysics but their school does not offer a biophysics degree, there are often comparable programs found in other majors that include much of the same courses. Majoring in physics is another good option, and one may consider adding another major or minor in biochemistry, chemistry, or biology depending on research interests and the programs offered.