X. Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

Biophysics (BIOP)

Department of Physics, College of Physical and Engineering Science

Major (Honours Program)

The program emphasizes the physics of biological systems. It provides an excellent background for careers in the expanding interdisciplinary research laboratories of Government and Industry. Completion of the program at an appropriate level will qualify a student to pursue post-graduate studies in biophysics and certain areas of physics.

Since some of the required courses are not offered every semester, students entering the Major in Biophysics should plan their program in consultation with the Department of Physics Departmental Advisor.

Students may enter this major in Semester 1 or any semester thereafter. A student wishing to declare the major must consult the Faculty Advisor. This major requires the completion of 21.25 credits as indicated below. At least 1.00 credits must be from Arts and/or Social Science courses.

Semester 1
BIOL*1030 [0.50] Biology I
CHEM*1040 [0.50] General Chemistry I
CIS*1500 [0.50] Introduction to Programming
One of (MATH*1200 recommended):
MATH*1080 [0.50] Elements of Calculus I
MATH*1200 [0.50] Calculus I
One of (PHYS*1000 recommended):
PHYS*1000 [0.50] An Introduction to Mechanics
PHYS*1070 [0.50] Introductory Physics for Life Sciences
PHYS*1080 [0.50] Physics for Life Sciences
Students who are admitted deficient in one OAC/4U course in Biology, Chemistry or Physics must take the equivalent introductory course in first semester. The first-year science core in that subject should be completed by Semester 3.
Semester 2
BIOL*1040 [0.50] Biology II
CHEM*1050 [0.50] General Chemistry II
1 physics course from the following list (PHYS*1010 recommended):
PHYS*1010 [0.50] Introductory Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS*1080 [0.50] Physics for Life Sciences
PHYS*1130 [0.50] Physics with Applications
One of (MATH*1210 recommended):
MATH*1210 [0.50] Calculus II
MATH*2080 [0.50] Elements of Calculus II
0.50 Arts or Social Science electives
Semester 3
MATH*2160 [0.50] Linear Algebra I
MATH*2200 [0.50] Advanced Calculus I
PHYS*2440 [0.75] Mechanics I
PHYS*2460 [0.75] Electricity and Magnetism I
One of:
BIOL*2210 [0.50] Introductory Cell Biology
MBG*2000 [0.50] Introductory Genetics
Semester 4
MATH*2170 [0.50] Differential Equations I
PHYS*2030 [0.50] Biophysics of Excitable Cells
PHYS*2260 [0.50] Quantum Physics
PHYS*2450 [0.75] Mechanics II
PHYS*2470 [0.75] Electricity and Magnetism II
Semester 5
BIOC*2580 [0.50] Introductory Biochemistry
MATH*3100 [0.50] Differential Equations II
PHYS*3100 [0.75] Electronics
PHYS*3230 [0.50] Quantum Mechanics I
PHYS*3240 [0.50] Statistical Physics I
Semester 6
BIOC*3560 [0.50] Structure and Function in Biochemistry
PHYS*3220 [0.50] Waves and Optics
PHYS*3510 [0.50] Intermediate Laboratory
PHYS*4040 [0.50] Quantum Mechanics II
PHYS*4540 [0.50] Molecular Biophysics
Semester 7
MCB*4050 [0.50] Protein and Nucleic Acid Structure
PHYS*4240 [0.50] Statistical Physics II
PHYS*4560 [0.50] Biophysical Methods
One of:
PHYS*4120 [0.50] Atomic and Molecular Physics
0.50 electives
One of:
PHYS*4500 [0.50] Advanced Physics Laboratory
0.50 electives
Note: At least one of PHYS*4120 in semester 7 or PHYS*4150 in semester 8 must be taken.
Semester 8
BIOC*4580 [0.50] Membrane Biochemistry
PHYS*4510 [0.50] Advanced Physics Project
One of:
PHYS*4150 [0.50] Solid State Physics
0.50 electives
0.50 Arts or Social Science electives
0.50 electives
Note: At least one of PHYS*4120 in semester 7 or PHYS*4150 in semester 8 must be taken.
Note: PHYS*4510 will be projects in biophysics, some of which may be in biological areas outside the Department of Physics.
University of Guelph
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1

Canada
519-824-4120