The program emphasizes the physics of biological systems. It provides an excellent background for careers in the expanding interdisciplinary research laboratories of Government and Industry. Completion of the program at an appropriate level will qualify a student to pursue post-graduate studies in biophysics and certain areas of physics.
Since some of the required courses are not offered every semester, students entering the Major in Biophysics should plan their program in consultation with the Department of Physics Departmental Advisor.
Students may enter this major in Semester 1 or any semester thereafter. A student wishing to declare the major must consult the Faculty Advisor. This major requires the completion of 21.25 credits as indicated below:
Semester 1
BIOL*1030
|
[0.50] |
Biology I |
CHEM*1040
|
[0.50] |
General Chemistry I |
CIS*1500
|
[0.50] |
Introduction to Programming |
One of (MATH*1200 recommended): |
|
One of (PHYS*1000 recommended): |
PHYS*1000
|
[0.50] |
An Introduction to Mechanics |
PHYS*1070
|
[0.50] |
Introductory Physics for Life Sciences |
PHYS*1080
|
[0.50] |
Physics for Life Sciences |
|
Students who are admitted deficient in one OAC/4U course in Biology, Chemistry or Physics must take the equivalent introductory course in first semester. The first-year science core in that subject should be completed by Semester 3. |
Semester 2
BIOL*1040
|
[0.50] |
Biology II |
CHEM*1050
|
[0.50] |
General Chemistry II |
0.50 Arts or Social Science elective |
1 physics course from the following list (PHYS*1010 recommended): |
PHYS*1010
|
[0.50] |
Introductory Electricity and Magnetism |
PHYS*1080
|
[0.50] |
Physics for Life Sciences |
PHYS*1130
|
[0.50] |
Physics with Applications |
|
One of (MATH*1210 recommended): |
|
Semester 7
BIOC*4570
|
[0.50] |
Applied Biochemistry |
PHYS*4240
|
[0.50] |
Statistical Physics II |
PHYS*4560
|
[0.50] |
Biophysical Methods |
One of: |
PHYS*4120
|
[0.50] |
Atomic and Molecular Physics |
0.50 elective |
|
One of: |
PHYS*4500
|
[0.50] |
Advanced Physics Laboratory |
0.50 elective |
|
Note: At least one of PHYS*4120 in semester 7 or PHYS*4150 in semester 8 must be taken. |
Semester 8
BIOC*4580
|
[0.50] |
Membrane Biochemistry |
PHYS*4510
|
[0.50] |
Advanced Physics Project |
0.50 Arts or Social Science elective |
0.50 elective |
One of: |
PHYS*4150
|
[0.50] |
Solid State Physics |
0.50 elective |
|
Note: At least one of PHYS*4120 in semester 7 or PHYS*4150 in semester 8 must be taken. |
Note: PHYS*4510 will be projects in biophysics, some of which may be in biological areas outside the Department of Physics. |