BS in Biophysics

Structure

The BS in Biophysics requires 26 credit hours of physics and 17 credit hours of biology and 3 credit hours biophysics elective to be chosen in consultation with an academic advisor in physics or biology departments. The program also requires a capstone experience that would be a 1-credit hour course designed to provide a survey of various branches of biophysics, their interconnection and applications.

In addition, students also take ancillary courses in chemistry, mathematics and 36 credit hours of core courses, all within the total of 128 credit hours.

A suggested curriculum for this major has been attached which has strong support from both the Biology and Physics Departments. Please note that students who choose this option would have an academic advisor in the Physics department and/or in the Biology department, and would be monitored closely.

Major Requirements

All students must complete courses in biology, physics, and ancillary areas. Because these courses provide a rich introduction to mathematics and science, biophysics majors automatically fulfill Loyola’s Core Curriculum requirements in scientific literacy and quantitative analysis requirements with the completion of the program.

Biology (BIOL)

BIOL 101 General Biology I
BIOL 102 General Biology II
BIOL 111 General Biology Lab I
BIOL 112 General Biology Lab II
BIOL 251 Cell Biology
BIOL 282 Genetics
BIOL 366 Biochemistry
Total: 17 credit hours

Biophysics Elective

Total: Three credit hours

Chemistry (CHEM)

CHEM 101 General Chemistry A
CHEM 111 General Chemistry Lab A
CHEM 102 General Chemistry B
CHEM 112 General Chemistry Lab B
CHEM 221 Organic Chemistry I+Lab
CHEM 222 Organic Chemistry II+Lab
Total: 16 credit hours

Mathematics (MATH)

MATH 161 Calculus I
MATH 162 Calculus II
MATH 263 Multivariable Calculus
MATH 264 Ordinary Differential Equations
Total: 16 credit hours

Physics (PHYS)

PHYS 125 General Physics I
PHYS 126 General Physics II
PHYS 135 General Physics Lab I
PHYS 136 General Physics Lab II
PHYS 235 Modern Physics
PHYS 237 Modern Physics Lab
PHYS 301 Math Methods
PHYS 328 Thermodynamics
PHYS 314 Theoretical Mechanics I
PHYS 351 Electricity Magnetism
Total: 26 credit hours

Capstone Experience

One credit hour

Electives

To be taken in consultation with an advisor For a suggested four-year curriculum, please visit the Sequence of Courses page.

Core Curriculum

Loyola’s Core Curriculum focuses on desired outcomes in addition to academic disciplines. This varied curriculum instills important skills, which prepare students for success regardless of desired career paths. These skills include: communications, critical thinking, ethical awareness, information literacy, quantitative and qualitative analysis, research methods, and technological literacy. Students develop these skills by completing Loyola’s 10 required areas of knowledge through coursework, which includes: college writing seminar(s), artistic knowledge and experience, historical knowledge, literary knowledge, quantitative analysis, scientific literacy, societal and cultural knowledge, philosophical knowledge, theological and religious studies, and ethics.

Loyola’s Core integrates values across the curriculum through 12 credit hours completed in the Core, major, or electives. These values focus on: understanding and promoting justice, understanding diversity in the US and the world, understanding spirituality or faith in action in the world, and promoting civic engagement or leadership. This 45-credit hour curriculum: makes up about one-third of a student’s coursework; is complemented by a major and electives; and may be completed at any time during the Loyola academic experience. For more information, please visit www.luc.edu/core.