Biophysics

Use the framework of physics to describe biological systems, from the smallest molecules to the largest populations

Students work on laptops in a biology lab

Gain deeper insights

Our Biophysics Major

Our Biophysics program allows you to broaden your learning by combining studies in physics and biology. As a Biophysics student, you’ll have the chance to dive deep in an area of biology you choose, and develop deeper knowledge by analyzing biological problems with models from physics.

  • Describe biological systems
  • Craft physical experiments
  • Create mathematical models
  • Analyze data
  • Collaborate with peers

Biophysics Major Requirements

Program Overview

The Biophysics major allows students to explore an area of concentration in the life sciences using the language of physics.

several students walk down the pathway in front of an old craftsman house surrounded by Palm trees and california native landscaping

Pitzer Biophysics Major Requirements

Pitzer College students can view specific major requirements and learning outcomes for the Biophysics major in the Pitzer course catalog.

an areial view of scripps' Balch hall wiht students walking down the outdoor walkway

Scripps Biophysics Major Requirements

Scripps College students can view specific major requirements for the Biophysics major in the Scripps course catalog.

Biophysics Faculty

Woman with black hair wearing black glasses and white lab coat.

Jennifer Armstrong

Professor of Biology

the white DNS logo on a light grey background

Tiziana DiLuccio

Physics Education Specialist

Man in blue shirt wearing black glasses standing in front of desert.

Scot A.C. Gould

Professor of Physics

the white DNS logo on a light grey background

Adam Landsberg

Professor of Physics

Woman in wedding dress holding bouquet of flowers looing at man in white shirt and black pants.

Sarah Marzen

Assistant Professor of Physics

the white DNS logo on a light grey background

Kevin Setter

Visiting Assistant Professor of Physics

Woman with black short hair and glasses with black button up blouse.

Janet Sheung

Assistant Professor of Physics

Biophysics Resources

Explore

The Department of Natural Sciences offers several resources to help you dig deep at the intersection of biology and physics.

a student with long brown hair wears a lab coat and gloves while looking into a microscope in lab.

Research Opportunities

As a Biophysics major, you’ll be able to explore more than 26 research groups across various disciplines.

a student and professor work together at a machine in a lab

Faculty Advisors

As a Natural Sciences student, your dedicated faculty advisor will help you meet your goals — every step of the way.

The main entrance to the Nucleus

The Nucleus

The Biophysics major incorporates work in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The Nucleus has labs for all of them.

a student and professor sit opposite each other at a desk while looking over papers

Pre-Health Advising

Our pre-health advising office helps you bring your biophysics background to a career in health.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

View some of the most frequently asked questions about our Biophysics major.

The biophysics major offers a flexible course of study in physics and biology. As such, it offers strong preparation for graduate studies in physics or biophysics, as well as a solid background for work in health fields.

Biophysics aims to extend the precise language of physics to biological systems. As a biophysics major, you’ll complete a broad-based course of study in the foundations of physics, biology, and chemistry, before specializing in a particular area of biology.

Our Biology program offers coursework in a wide variety of biological fields and equips biology majors with the tools to understand the foundational principles of the whole field. The Biophysics major uses methods from physics to help you build an understanding of a specialized biological field of your choosing.