Biophysics, Bachelor of Science

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree

See the "Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree" in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

Elective Requirements

Completion of elective courses (beyond the requirements listed below) to reach a total of a minimum of 120 units.

General Education Requirements (43 units)

See the "General Education" requirements in the University Catalog or the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education requirements and course offerings.

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (3 Units)

See the "Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement" section in the University Catalog.

Statutory Requirements: United States History, Constitution and American Ideals (6 Units)

See the "University Graduation Requirements" section in the University Catalog. 

Minor Requirements

Single field major, no minor required.

Major Requirements (Options 1 & 2: 78 units each)

Students must select one of the options listed below. The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this degree.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
A. Common Core Requirements (51 units)
1. Lower Division Courses (43 units)
BIO 120	Principles of Biology I	3
BIO 121	Principles of Biology Laboratory I	1
BIO 122	Principles of Biology II	3
BPH 202	SeminarII: The Art of Scientific Presentation and The Frontiers of Physics	1
BPH 201	Seminar I: Introduction to Biophysics	1
BIO 123	Principles of Biology Laboratory II	1
CHE 110	General Chemistry I	5
CHE 112	General Chemistry II	5
MAT 191	Calculus I	5
MAT 193	Calculus II	5
MAT 211	Calculus III	5
PHY 120	Elements Of Physics I	4
PHY 122	Elements Of Physics II	4
2. Upper-Division Courses (8 units)
BIO 340	Genetics	3
CHE 310	Organic Chemistry I	4
CHE 311	Organic Chemistry Lab I	1
B. Major Requirements
Option 1: Research Focus
1. Upper-Division Courses (19-21 units)
BPH 330	Biological Physics	3
BPH 340	Experimental Biophysics	3
BPH 402	Biophysics Research	1-3
PHY 306	Math Methods In Physics	3
PHY 310	Theoretical Mechanics I	3
PHY 320	Physical Optics	3
PHY 346	Thermal Physics	3
2. Electives (6 units)
Students within this option must take BPH 406 and/or BPH 460 or any elective from Biophysics, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry or Biology		6
Option 2: Professional Focus
1. Lower Division Course (3 units)
BIO 220	Molecular Biology	3
2. Upper-Division Courss (19-21 units)
BPH 330	Biological Physics	3
BPH 340	Experimental Biophysics	3
BPH 410	Medical Biophysical Education and Medical Industry Impact on Society	3
PHY 306	Math Methods In Physics	3
PHY 320	Physical Optics	3
PHY 346	Thermal Physics	3
3. Electives (6 units)
Students in this option must take two electives from Biophysics, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry or Biology		6

• Outcome 1: Students will demonstrate the acquisition of discipline-specific knowledge in physics.
  • Objective 1: Students will be able to memorize and cite central physics concepts.
  • Objective 2: Students will be able to explain central physics concepts and show an understanding of the context in which they are relevant.

• Outcome 2: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect physics concepts with concepts from other disciplines.
  • Objective 1: Students will identify and apply central concepts in their chosen track of Biophysics 
  • Objective 2: Students will apply mathematics, biology and/or chemistry, and computer skills to theoretical  or experimental problems in a cross-disciplinary environment.

• Outcome 3: Students will become skilled in biophysics experimental methods and use various scientific technologies
  • Objective 1: Students will solve problems using their knowledge and skills in physics
  • Objective 2: Students will explain how science relates to problems of societal concern

• Outcome 4: Students will become skilled in biophysics experimental methods and use various scientific technologies
  • Objective 1: Students will learn to collect, analyze, and explain data from biophysics experiments
  • Objective 2: Students will design and carry out simple experiments
  • Objective 3: Students will be able to connect science and technology to real-world problems 
  • Objective 4: Students will understand the interrelations between theory and observation; the role of systematic and random experimental errors and methods used to analyze experimental   uncertainty and compare experiments with theory.

• Outcome 5: Students will communicate biophysics concepts effectively both orally and in writing
  • Objective 1: Students will write technical reports on projects
  • Objective 2: Students will explain their research work according to academic and industry standards

• Outcome 6: Students will demonstrate the ability to read and comprehend scientific literature
  • Objective 1: Students will demonstrate an ability to read and comprehend primary literature in at least one field of physics through successful discussion/debate and presentation of concepts in the chosen field according to academic and industry standards
  • Objective 2: Students will learn how to conduct literature reviews and use the library database to find relevant information
  • Objective 3: Students will demonstrate the ability to critically read and analyze their own work and the scientific literature and understand its impact on healthcare and society

• Outcome 7: Students will use offered resources to pursue higher education or training (biophysics, professional studies, workforce) and engage as good citizens in a diverse community
  • Objective 1: Students will be securing enrollment in graduate studies in physics/professional studies
  • Objective 2: Students will develop well-rounded, competitive applicants’ packets for application in the medical and health science fields
  • Objective 3: Students will demonstrate workforce readiness (job applications and work performance and skills). For example, biophysicist has a career in instrumentation and devices, biomedical engineering, academic and clinical research, healthcare, etc.
  • Objective 4: Students will identify issues of diversity and equity in scholarly circles and the workforce - and will understand tools and actions which can mediate these challenges in their professional careers and environments

• Outcome 8: Students will apply physical techniques to biological systems in diverse professional subdisciplines.
  • Objective 1: Students will identify the biological, chemical, and physical properties of organisms on a molecular and cellular level
  • Objective 2: Students will solve problems involving the physics of biological materials
  • Objective 3: Students will demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the connections between physics and biology
  • Objective 4: Students will successfully complete a research project in the field of biophysics
  • Objective 5: Students will study diverse STEM fields and know the basic application of their major biological systems tools Objective 6: Students will demonstrate basic knowledge and skill set compatible with success in health professional programs.

4-YEAR ROADMAP

Option 1: Research Focus 

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Hours
CHE 110	General Chemistry I	5
MAT 191	Calculus I Satisfies GE Area 2	5
PHY 120	Elements Of Physics I Satisfies GE Areas 5A and 5C	4
	Hours	14
Spring
MAT 193	Calculus II	5
CHE 112	General Chemistry II	5
PHY 122	Elements Of Physics II	4
	Hours	14
Second Year
Fall
BIO 120	Principles of Biology I Satisfies GE Area 5B	3
BIO 121	Principles of Biology Lab I	1
BPH 201	Seminar I: Introduction to Biophysics	1
MAT 211	Calculus III	5
GE Area 1A: English Composition		3
GE Area 1B: Critical Thinking		3
	Hours	16
Spring
BIO 122	Principles of Biology II	3
BIO 123	Principles of Biology Laboratory II	1
BPH 202	SeminarII: The Art of Scientific Presentation and The Frontiers of Physics	1
GE Area 1C: Oral Communication		3
HIS 101	History Of United States	3
POL 101	American Institutions	3
	Hours	14
Third Year
Fall
BPH 330	Biological Physics	3
CHE 310	Organic Chemistry I	4
CHE 311	Organic Chemistry Lab I	1
PHY 306	Math Methods In Physics	3
PHY 346	Thermal Physics	3
GE Area 3A: Arts		3
	Hours	17
Spring
BPH 340	Experimental Biophysics Satisfies GWAR	3
PHY 320	Physical Optics	3
GE Area 3B: Humanities		3
GE Area 4A: Social and Behavioral Sciences		3
GE Area 4B: Social and Behavioral Sciences		3
	Hours	15
Fourth Year
Fall
BIO 340	Genetics Satisfies GE Area 5UD	3
BPH 402	Biophysics Research	3
PHY 310	Theoretical Mechanics I	3
Upper division BPH elective		3
GE Area 6: Ethnic Studies		3
	Hours	15
Spring
BPH 406 or BPH 460	Computational Biophysics or Advanced Microscopy	3
Upper division BPH elective		3
Upper division elective in BPH/BIO/CHE/MAT/PHY		3
GE Area 3UD: Integrative Studies in the Arts and Humanities		3
GE Area 4UD: Integrative Studies in the Social and Behavioral Sciences		3
	Hours	15
	Total Hours	120

Option 2: Professional Focus 

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Hours
CHE 110	General Chemistry I	5
MAT 191	Calculus I (Satisfies GE Area 2)	5
PHY 120	Elements Of Physics I (Satisfies GE Area 5A and 5C)	4
	Hours	14
Spring
CHE 112	General Chemistry II	5
MAT 193	Calculus II	5
PHY 122	Elements Of Physics II	4
	Hours	14
Second Year
Fall
BIO 120	Principles of Biology I (Satisfies GE Area 5B)	3
BIO 121	Principles of Biology Lab I	1
BPH 201	Seminar I: Introduction to Biophysics	1
MAT 211	Calculus III	5
GE Area 1A: English Composition		3
GE Area 1B: Critical Thinking		3
	Hours	16
Spring
BIO 122	Principles of Biology II	3
BIO 123	Principles of Biology Laboratory II	1
BIO 220	Molecular Biology	3
BPH 202	SeminarII: The Art of Scientific Presentation and The Frontiers of Physics	1
GE Area 1C: Oral Communication		3
HIS 101	History Of United States	3
	Hours	14
Third Year
Fall
BPH 330	Biological Physics	3
CHE 310	Organic Chemistry I	4
CHE 311	Organic Chemistry Lab I	1
PHY 306	Math Methods In Physics	3
PHY 346	Thermal Physics	3
POL 101	American Institutions	3
	Hours	17
Spring
BPH 340	Experimental Biophysics (Satisfies GWAR)	3
PHY 320	Physical Optics	3
GE Area 3A: Arts		3
GE Area 3B: Humanities		3
GE Area 4A: Social and Behavioral Sciences		3
	Hours	15
Fourth Year
Fall
BIO 340	Genetics (Satisfies GE Area 5UD)	3
BPH 410	Medical Biophysical Education and Medical Industry Impact on Society	3
Upper division elective in BPH/BIO/CHE/MAT/PHY		3
GE Area 4B: Social and Behavioral Sciences		3
GE Area 6: Ethnic Studies		3
	Hours	15
Spring
Upper division BPH elective		3
Upper division BPH elective		3
Upper division elective in BPH/BIO/CHE/MAT/PHY		3
GE Area 3UD: Integrative Studies in the Arts and Humanities		3
GE Area 4UD: Integrative Studies in the Social and Behavioral Sciences		3
	Hours	15
	Total Hours	120

 2-YEAR ROADMAP

Option 1: Research Focus

Plan of Study Grid

Third Year
Fall		Hours
CHE 310	Organic Chemistry I	4
CHE 311	Organic Chemistry Lab I	1
BPH 201	Seminar I: Introduction to Biophysics	1
BPH 330	Biological Physics	3
PHY 306	Math Methods In Physics	3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
	Hours	15
Spring
BPH 202	SeminarII: The Art of Scientific Presentation and The Frontiers of Physics	1
BPH 340	Experimental Biophysics (Satisfies GWAR)	3
PHY 320	Physical Optics	3
GE Area 3UD: Integrative Studies in the Arts and Humanities		3
GE Area 4UD: Integrative Studies in the Social and Behavioral Sciences		3
Elective to meet 120 units		2
	Hours	15
Fourth Year
Fall
PHY 310	Theoretical Mechanics I	3
PHY 346	Thermal Physics	3
Upper division BPH elective		3
Upper division BPH elective		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
	Hours	15
Spring
BIO 340	Genetics (Satisfies GE Area 5UD)	3
BPH 402	Biophysics Research	3
BPH 406 or BPH 460	Computational Biophysics or Advanced Microscopy	3
Upper division elective in BPH/BIO/CHE/MAT/PHY		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
	Hours	15
	Total Hours	60

Option 2: Professional Focus 

Plan of Study Grid

Third Year
Fall		Hours
BIO 220	Molecular Biology	3
CHE 310	Organic Chemistry I	4
CHE 311	Organic Chemistry Lab I	1
BPH 201	Seminar I: Introduction to Biophysics	1
BPH 330	Biological Physics	3
PHY 306	Math Methods In Physics	3
	Hours	15
Spring
BPH 202	SeminarII: The Art of Scientific Presentation and The Frontiers of Physics	1
BPH 340	Experimental Biophysics (Satisfies GWAR)	3
PHY 320	Physical Optics	3
GE Area 3UD: Integrative Studies in the Arts and Humanities		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
Elective to meet 120 units		2
	Hours	15
Fourth Year
Fall
BPH 410	Medical Biophysical Education and Medical Industry Impact on Society	3
PHY 346	Thermal Physics	3
BIO 340	Genetics (Satisfies GE Area 5UD)	3
Upper division elective in BPH/BIO/CHE/MAT/PHY		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
	Hours	15
Spring
Upper division elective in BPH/BIO/CHE/MAT/PHY		3
Upper division BPH elective		3
Upper division BPH elective		3
GE Area 4UD: Integrative Studies in the Social and Behavioral Sciences		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
	Hours	15
	Total Hours	60