Discover the Biophysics Curriculum
Classes in molecular and cellular biophysics, thermodynamics, fluids and optics, as well as those from biology, chemistry and math, prepare students to start tackling the unsolved problems plaguing scientists at the intersection of life sciences and physical sciences.
Biophysics faculty do research on a range of cutting-edge topics including cellular transport, biomaterials, DNA dynamics, force spectroscopy, microscopy, active matter and cytoskeleton mechanics. Students gain first-hand experience with advanced biophysics instrumentation including optical tweezers, light-sheet microscopy, laser-scanning confocal microscopy, ultracentrifugation and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.
Our nationally-recognized advanced laboratory course prepares students to conduct independent research and write scientific papers.
Biophysics at USD explores the complexity of living systems with a quantitative physical approach.
Explore Biophysics Courses
Read descriptions of our current biophysics classes on our Courses page! Not all courses offered will be available every semester. Make sure to check course offerings on the registration portal for each upcoming semester.
Program Requirements
Each student declares their major(s) and minor(s) under a single catalog of record that is identified on the student's degree audit (available on Degree Works).
The program requirements below are based on the current course catalog and may not be applicable if a student is declared in an earlier catalog.
Find all previous course catalogs under on our Archived Catalogs of Record page.
67 units
Major, BS
68-69 units
Major, BA
Major unit estimates include preparation requirements for the major courses as well as major requirements.
- Biophysics Major (BS)
- Biophysics Major (BA)
- Learning Outcomes