Program Overview

This concentration may interest students majoring in physics, biology, kinesiology, chemistry, biochemistry (BCMB), psychology, neuroscience, pharmacy, health sciences, and  any student interested in the application of physics to biological systems. It provides a good background for further studies in biophysics, biomechanics, and biomedical fields and provides background for additional graduate or professional level work.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Core Courses
PHY 001	INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS I (with lab and discussion)	4
or PHY 011	GENERAL PHYSICS I
PHY 002	INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS II (with lab and discussion)	4
or PHY 012	GENERAL PHYSICS II
BIO 129 & 129L	MAMMALIAN PHYSIOLOGY and MAMMALIAN PHYSIOLOGY LAB	5
BIO 165	CELL BIOLOGY	4
PHY/BIO 132	MEDICAL BIOPHYSICS	3
Electives
Select one of the following:		3-4
BIO/CS 116	BIOINFORMATICS
BIO 137 & 137L	MEDICAL AND SPORTS BIOMECHANICS and MEDICAL AND SPORTS BIOMECHANICS LAB
BIO 186	MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
BIO 188	STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
Research Component
BIO 197	UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH (or Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates) 1	2
Total Hours		25-26

¹

Research Participation:  At least 2 credits of research at Drake and/or at least one REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates).  A paper and an oral presentation are required.  The topic must be related to biophysics and be approved by the student’s advisor in advance.

Grade Requirements for Graduation

3.0 minimum (B) average is required in all biophysics-credit courses.