BSc Physics with Biophysics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BSc Biophysics at the University of Exeter is a cutting-edge program that blends physics, biology, and mathematics to explore the physical principles behind living systems. It’s ideal for students who are curious about how physics explains biological processes—from molecular interactions to neural networks—and want to apply quantitative skills to real-world challenges in health, energy, and the environment.

Curriculum structure

Year One
You’ll build a strong foundation in physics and biology through modules like Introduction to Biophysics, Mathematics for Physicists, and Fundamentals of Physiology. You’ll also study Electromagnetism and Quantum Mechanics, giving you the theoretical tools to understand biological systems at the molecular level.

Year Two
This year deepens your interdisciplinary knowledge with modules such as Statistical Physics, Cell Biology, and Biophysics of Cells and Tissues. You’ll also take Employability and Professional Skills Development II, which helps you prepare for internships and research placements.

Final Year
You’ll explore advanced topics like Neural Networks and Biological Computation, Molecular and Cellular Biophysics, and Advanced Quantum Mechanics. Your final-year research project will be aligned with Exeter’s biophysics research groups, allowing you to investigate real-world biological systems using physical models and computational tools.

Focus areas

Biophysics, molecular biology, neural networks, quantum mechanics, statistical physics, biological computation.

Learning outcomes

Quantitative modelling, interdisciplinary research, coding and simulation, data analysis, lab skills, and scientific communication.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

Accredited by the Institute of Physics, meeting the academic requirements for Chartered Physicist status.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Exeter ranks 12th in the Guardian University Guide 2026 and 11th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 for Physics and Astronomy. 94% of graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2020/21).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This program is designed to give you hands-on experience at the intersection of physics and biology, using real-world tools and research-led teaching. From your first year, you’ll work in specialist labs, engage with interdisciplinary projects, and apply physical models to biological systems. You’ll also gain experience with coding, simulation, and data analysis—skills that are essential in both research and industry.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Specialist teaching laboratories for quantum mechanics, optics, and biological physics.
Modules like Biophysics of Cells and Tissues and Neural Networks and Biological Computation, which include simulation, coding, and data-driven modelling.
Final-year research project, aligned with Exeter’s biophysics research groups, focusing on areas like molecular dynamics, neural modelling, or tissue mechanics.
Employability and Professional Skills Development modules in Years Two and Three, helping you build a professional portfolio and prepare for internships.
Group tutorials and collaborative problem-solving sessions, especially in Years One and Two.
Access to digital tools and simulation software used in biophysical modelling and biological computation.
University Library and digital databases, supporting your research with access to journals, datasets, and technical resources.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this interdisciplinary program are uniquely positioned for careers at the intersection of physics, biology, and data science. You’ll be well-prepared for roles such as biophysicist, data analyst, biomedical researcher, or computational modeller in sectors like healthcare, biotechnology, and environmental science.

Here’s how Exeter supports your career journey:

Career Zone provides tailored support including one-to-one guidance, employer events, and access to internships through MyCareer and Handshake platforms.
94% of graduates from Exeter’s physics programs are in employment or further study within 15 months (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2020/21).
Industry links include collaborations with the Met Office, the Centre for Biomedical Modelling and Analysis, and the Living Systems Institute.
Accredited by the Institute of Physics, meeting the academic requirements for Chartered Physicist status.
Strong graduate outcomes, with alumni progressing into postgraduate research, scientific consultancy, and data-driven roles across life sciences and technology.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc, students often continue to postgraduate study—either at Exeter or other leading institutions—pursuing MSc or PhD programs in biophysics, biomedical engineering, computational biology, or neuroscience.