A B.S. degree in biophysics is offered in recognition of the growing interest and need for individuals who can apply the techniques of physics to the problems of biology. The program is built around a strong core of required courses but has sufficient flexibility to allow a student to achieve depth in physics or biology. Through a proper choice of electives an individual may prepare for immediate employment or graduate study in several fields: physics, biology or biophysics. It is also possible to pursue a career in medicine, dentistry and other health related fields.
Requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Biophysics
The following table summarizes all requirements for a Bachelor of Science in biophysics. For an overview of a particular course, click on its title. Our Course Descriptions page lists all physics and pre-engineering courses. For one possible breakdown of the major by semester, see the Plan of Study.
* The physics/biology electives must be selected from a list of recommended courses.
** The School of Arts and Sciences requires all majors to complete a foreign language course at the 202 level or higher. Students not prepared to begin at this level will need to take additional courses in the language, which count as general electives.
† The Clare College curriculum also includes a three-credit quantitative reasoning requirement. Biophysics majors satisfy this requirement by passing any of the courses listed in the above table under Mathematics.
The comprehensive requirement for physics majors is the passing of an oral examination (PHYS 490. Physics Senior Comprehensive) in the second semester of the senior year.