Biology-Physics
Interdisciplinary major offered

Students may elect an interdisciplinary major in biology and physics as a basis for work or advanced study in such fields as biophysics, radiation biology, radiological health or environmental science. The major is also acceptable for pre-medical students.

Required Courses

• Four biology courses: 101, 102, 326, 386.
• Four units of physics, must include 221, 222.
• Two additional units chosen from appropriate courses in biology or physics at the 200 level or above.
• Two units of chemistry: 221, 222.
• A senior research project in some area of biophysics, with advisors from both biology and physics departments

Recommended Courses

Chemistry 342
Mathematics 205

Advising is provided through both the biology and physics departments. Since this major is expected to serve students with a wide range of interests, anyone interested is encouraged to consult with these departments about appropriate scheduling of courses, including interdepartmental offerings.

Students contemplating this major should also be aware of possibilities for advanced placement in chemistry, mathematics and physics courses that could provide added flexibility to their programs. For instance, students with good high school backgrounds in physics should register for Physics 151, 152 and not Physics 103, 104.