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 | |
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.
- 3
Study Abroad Credit Policy for Biology Concentrations:
For Health and Human Biology, Biology, and Biophysics, up to four study abroad credits per term may count toward the concentration if deemed relevant and approved by concentration advisors. All credits are subject to University transfer and equivalency review through The College.