J asked 2 years ago
I was reading through the majors and found biophysics interesting. It looks like one of the advisors (Lindsay) majored in biophysics. I was wondering if I could get some insight into the major, and if it would be possible to graduate in three years? (I have taken CHEM 210 and 215, and I have AP credit for the intro bio sequence, gen chem, and calc 1 & 2. I have not taken physics yet.)
Thank you!
Lindsay answered 2 years ago
Hi J,
Glad to hear you have some interest in Biophysics! A little about the major:
- It’s relatively small (my graduating class was ~9 students), but it’s undergraduate degree is growing rapidly. This means class sizes for 300 and 400 level classes are small, typically < 20 students. I loved this, but it’s not everyone’s style
- It may seem obvious, but biophysics is comprised of physics folks looking at biology through physics “lenses.” Fun fact: Regardless of the major’s name not having chemistry in it, chemistry is still a noticeable part of what you would study as a biophysics major
- I think it would be quite challenging to complete the major in 3 years, with many upper level classes only being offered in the Fall or Winter. However, I think I remember one friend saying she was going to graduate in 3 years, but she didn’t want to rush her college experience and therefore decided to stay for the full 4 years. This is just a faint memory of mine though, so please take this comment with a grain of salt
If you would like to know more about the major, talk to current students in biophysics, and/or see what a mock 4-year (or 3-year) plan would look like in biophysics, I highly recommend you speak with Sara Grosky (the super awesome advisor for the Department of Biophysics).
I hope this helps!
Sincerely,
Lindsay Ma (PMH Alumni)