Biophysics is a quantitative science at the intersection of the life and physical sciences. It requires a significant level of competence in physics, chemistry, biology and math as reflected in the concentration requirements. Students should work with their concentration advisor to develop a focused academic plan that complements the required research component of the concentration and allows students to develop analytical and quantitative skills.
Student Goals:
Students in this concentration will:
- Explore the relationship between biological and physical principles by successfully completing foundational courses in biology, physics, math and chemistry
- Gain an in-depth knowledge of the interdisciplinary nature of life and physical sciences by selecting and successfully completing advanced courses in biology, physics, math, chemistry or related fields
- Develop skills to identify and analyze critical questions central to biophysics
- Apply quantitative methods to problems at the interface of life and physical sciences
- Complete a research project with a faculty advisor that focuses on a particular theme or problem in the field of biophysics where students apply knowledge gained throughout the curriculum.
Additional detailed information about the field of Biophysics may be found at: https://www.brown.edu/academics/biology/undergraduate-education/undergraduate/biophysics
Standard program for the Sc.B. degree
| Physics | ||
| One of the following series: | 2 | |
| Basic Physics A and Basic Physics B 1 | ||
| Foundations of Mechanics and Foundations of Electromagnetism and Modern Physics | ||
| Analytical Mechanics and Introduction to Relativity, Waves and Quantum Physics | ||
| PHYS 0470 | Electricity and Magnetism | 1 |
| Chemisty | ||
| CHEM 0330 | Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure | 1 |
| CHEM 0350 | Organic Chemistry I | 1 |
| Select one other advanced Chemistry Course | 1 | |
| Math | ||
| MATH 0090 | Single Variable Calculus, Part I (or equivalent) | 1 |
| MATH 0100 | Single Variable Calculus, Part II (or equivalent) | 1 |
| MATH 0180 | Multivariable Calculus (or equivalent) | 1 |
| Biology | ||
| BIOL 0200 | The Foundation of Living Systems (or equivalent) | 1 |
| Select four additional biology or neuroscience courses chosen with approval of the advisor. | 4 | |
| Directed Research: Students must take two semesters of research which may be satisfied by any of the opportunities listed below: | 2 | |
COEX courses | ||
A summer research experience in equivalent scope and scale to an independent study, but this would not count as course credit toward the concentration | ||
| Electives: Four electives in biology, physics, math/applied math, chemistry, neuroscience, engineering or computer science; at least 2 courses must be above the introductory level 2 | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 20 | |
- 1
The PHYS 0050/0060 or 0070/0160 sequences are preferred to PHYS 0030/0040.
- 2
Sample electives can be found on the Biology Undergraduate Education page.