Biophysics

Biophysics

College of Arts and Science >> Division of Natural Science

Biophysics is an interdisciplinary combination of mathematics, physics, biology, and chemistry directed towards study of how living organisms function. Biophysicists work in industry, research, universities, medical centers, and in the government. The Biophysics degree includes the normal prerequisites for a post-baccalaureate biophysics program. This program prescribes a 65-hour major combination of physics (24 hours), biology (17 hours), and chemistry (24 hours). As with all programs at Bob Jones University, this major is founded on a Christian, non-evolutionary worldview. Note that traditional degree programs are available in math, physics, biology, and chemistry for students who are not committed to this cross-disciplinary field.

Curriculum Highlights

  • Freshman
  • General Biology I & II
  • Transcendental Functions
  • Calculus I
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  • Sophomore
  • General Chemistry I & II
  • General Physics I & II
  • Calculus II & III
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  • Junior
  • Organic Chemistry I & II
  • Elementary Statistics
  • Essentials of Cell Biology
  • Modern Physics
  • Calculus IV
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  • Senior
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry I & II
  • Research in Biophysics
  • Electricity & Magnetism I & II
  • Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I
  • Science: Impact on Society

For further details see complete major information: Biophysics Personal Opportunity Profile PDF

You may also contact Admissions (1.800.BJ.AND.ME) to receive a printed copy of this information.

Key Courses

General Biology Here you will study all the core disciplines of biology including introductory cell and molecular biology, genetics, developmental biology, ecology, taxonomy, and a Christian philosophy of science.

General Physics In this class you will explore the major topics of classical physics including mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, optics, electricity and magnetism. This course lays the foundation for later courses in modern physics and quantum mechanics.

General Chemistry This course is the foundation for all of the branches of chemistry, including organic chemistry and biochemistry which you will take later.

Research in Biophysics In your senior year you will conduct an interdisciplinary research project in cooperation with a member of the physics faculty and a member of the biology faculty. Current research interests include biological fuel cells and bioelectronics.

Career Opportunities

Most graduates of this program will pursue graduate school in the area of biophysics, since relatively few entry-level jobs are available for B.S. degree holders. The field of biophysics is a growth area, with job opportunities exceeding the available supply of graduates. Visit the Biophysical Society website for more career information. Note that this degree includes components of physics, biology, and chemistry but does not contain a full degree in any one of these fields. Students wanting a broader range of career options should consider one of these degrees. This major is for students committed to an interdisciplinary career in biophysics.

Medical school is a possibility, particularly for students interested in an M.D./Ph.D. program. Compare this major with the Premed degree and consult with our faculty for more detailed information.

Graduate study in bioengineering is also a possibility, although this program focuses more on the molecular biology level.