Biophysics
Use the framework of physics to describe biological systems, from the smallest molecules to the largest populations
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.
Pitzer Biophysics Major Requirements
Pitzer College students can view specific major requirements and learning outcomes for the Biophysics major in the Pitzer course catalog.
Scripps Biophysics Major Requirements
Scripps College students can view specific major requirements for the Biophysics major in the Scripps course catalog.
Biophysics Faculty
Biophysics Resources
Explore
The Department of Natural Sciences offers several resources to help you dig deep at the intersection of biology and physics.
Research Opportunities
As a Biophysics major, you’ll be able to explore more than 26 research groups across various disciplines.
Faculty Advisors
As a Natural Sciences student, your dedicated faculty advisor will help you meet your goals — every step of the way.
The Nucleus
The Biophysics major incorporates work in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The Nucleus has labs for all of them.
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.