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Department of

Physics

Biophysics Major

The bachelor’s degree in biophysics is an interdisciplinary major administered by the Physics Department designed to prepare students for a wide variety of career paths including graduate study in: biophysics, medical physics, biochemistry and chemistry. It is also superb preparation for any of the health professions (medical, dental, veterinary), or direct employment in the fields of biotechnology and biomedical industries following USD.

The following high school preparation is recommended for students planning a major in biophysics at USD: High school physics, chemistry and biology; intermediate algebra; geometry; and trigonometry. High school calculus is strongly recommended, but not required.

Biophysics Major Requirements

Preparation for the Major (38 units)

Preparation for the biophysics major is designed to give the student a broad background in biology, chemistry and physics. In order to successfully navigate these diverse fields, a strong background in math is also required.

MATH 150, 151, 250
PHYS 270, 271 OR 136, 137
PHYS 272, 272L
CHEM 151, 151L 152, 152l
BIO 190, 225

Upper-division requirements (29 units)

Courses required for the Biophysics Major also reflect the integration of the sciences, with upper division courses from each of biology, chemistry and physics required. Students are urged to work with their biophysics academic advisor to work out a schedule of courses and electives that best fits their career goals and aspirations.

PHYS 340, 495, 496
PHYS 330 or CHEM 311
CHEM 301, 301L, 302, 302L and 331
BIOL 300

Two upper-division electives from Biology, Biochemistry, MARS or Physics

Suggested upper-division electives include:
BIOL 312, 318, 342, 374, 432, 480, 482
CHEM 314, 335, 380, 427W
MARS 452, 468, 473, 478
PHYS 301, 319, 324, 480W

Recommended Program of Study

(units listed in parentheses)

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Freshman Year

MATH 150 (4)
CHEM 151, 151L (4)
BIOL 190 (3)
Core and electives (4)

Freshman Year

PHYS 270 or 136 (4)
MATH 151 (4)
CHEM 152, 152L (4)
Core and electives (3)

Sophomore Year

PHYS 271 or 137 (4)
MATH 250 (4)
Core and electives (7)

Sophomore Year

PHYS 272, 272L (4)
BIOL 225 (3)
Core and electives (8)

Junior Year

PHYS 340 (3)
CHEM 301, 301L (4)
Core and electives (8)

Junior Year

CHEM 302, 302L (4)
BIOL 300 (3)
Core and electives (8)

Senior Year

PHYS 330 or CHEM 311 (3)
PHYS 495 (1)
CHEM 331 (3)
Core and electives (8)

Senior Year

PHYS 496 (2)
Core and electives (13)