Physics Major: Biophysics & Medical Physics Track
Students should consult with an advisor before choosing a major track in physics. This track is intended as a bridge to an advanced degree in the health sciences for those interested in medical research, admission to medical school, preparation for work in a hospital or clinic situation, or industrial jobs in biomedical instrumentation.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR
Students must declare their intention to major in physics by the time they have completed 60 semester hours, and complete between 47 and 49 credit hours in physics (depending on the track chosen) to receive the degree of bachelor of science in physics. No grade below a C (2.0) can be used to meet the requirements for the major. At least 12 credit hours of the requirements for the major must be completed at CU-Denver.
A senior thesis is required for all students wishing to graduate with departmental honors. For all other students, the faculty encourages a senior thesis or project.
Required Physics Courses Common to All Tracks (26 credit hours)
- PHYS 2311. General Physics I: Calculus-Based, 4 credit hours
- PHYS 2331. General Physics II: Calculus-Based, 4 credit hours
- PHYS 2371. Topic-Driven Physics Lab, 3 credit hours
- PHYS 2711. Virbrations and Waves, 3 credit hours
- PHYS 2811. Modern Physics I, 4 credit hours
- PHYS 3120. Methods of Mathematical Physics, 3 credit hours
- PHYS 3711. Junior Lab I, 2 credit hours
- PHYS 3811. Quantum Mechanics, 3 credit hours
Note: the department will accept the following combination of independent study and introductory lab courses in lieu of PHYS 2371. However, PHYS 2371 is strongly recommended because it provides explicit preparation for upper division lab courses.
PHYS 1840. Independent Study, 1 credit hour
PHYS 2321. General Physics Lab I, 1 credit hour
PHYS 2341. General Physics Lab II, 1 credit hour
Required ancillary courses (16 credit hours)
- MATH 1401. Calculus I, 4 credit hours
- MATH 2411. Calculus II, 4 credit hours
- MATH 2421. Calculus III, 4 credit hours
- MATH 3195. Linear Algebra and Differential Equations, 4 credit hours
Note: the department will accept the following combination of math courses in place of Math 3195.
MATH 3191. Applied Linear Algebra, 3 credit hours
MATH 3200. Elementary Differential Equations, 3 credit hours
Required courses specific to biophysics and medical physics track track 2
(25 credit hours):
PHYS 3251. Biophysics of the Body, 4 credit hours
PHYS 3451. Biophysics of the Cell, 4 credit hours
PHYS 4331. Principles of Electricity and Magnetism, 4 credit hours
–or–
PHYS 4351. Bioelectromagnetism, 4 credit hours
(recommended option for this track)
Biophyiscs-related electives at 3000 level or above approved by advisor 8 credits
(this may include up to 3 credits of independent study and/or the two courses PHYS 3151 and 3161 listed below) or the four courses (this option is primarily for pre-med phyics majors)
- BIOL 2051*. General Biology I, 3 credit hours
- PHYS 3151. Biophysics outlook I, 1 credit hour
- BIOL 2061*. General Biology II, 3 credit hours
- PHYS 3161. Biophysics outlook II, 1 credit hour
- PHYS 3721. Junior Lab II, 2 credits or the two courses (this option is primarily for pre-med physics majors)
- BIOL 2071*. General Biology Laboratory I, 1 credit hour
- BIOL 2081*. General Biology Laboratory II, 1 credit hour
Numerical modeling course approved by advisor, 3 credits
–or–
Probability & statistics course approved by advisor, 3 credits
NOTE: courses marked with * are generally required for medical school admission. In addition, the following are also generally required for medical school but not for the Biophpysics & Medical Physics Track (19 credit hours):
- CHEM 2031*. General Chemistry I, 3 credit hours
- CHEM 2038*. General Chemistry Laboratory I, 1 credit hour
- CHEM 2061*. General Chemistry II, 3 credit hours
- CHEM 2068*. General Chemistry Laboratory II, 2 credit hours
- CHEM 3411*. Organic Chemistry I, 4 credit hours
- CHEM 3418*. Organic Chemistry Laboratory I, 1 credit hour
- CHEM 3421*. Organic Chemistry II, 4 credit hours
- CHEM 3428*. Organic Chemistry Laboratory II, 1 credit hour
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS FOR TRACK 2
Required physics/biology courses 51
Required ancillary courses 16
*Additional courses required for medical school but not for the biophysics/medical physics track —19
