Biophysics, BS

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Arizona State University Tempe

Program Overview

The Biophysics, BS at Arizona State University combines physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology to explore how physical principles govern biological systems, from molecules and cells to organisms and ecosystems. Students develop a strong quantitative and laboratory foundation while gaining opportunities for independent research and faculty interaction, preparing them for careers and further study across biotechnology, medicine, research and related scientific fields.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish the mathematical and scientific foundation of the degree through courses such as MAT 265 Calculus for Engineers I, MAT 266 Calculus for Engineers II, BIO 181 General Biology I, BIO 182 General Biology II, and introductory chemistry. These courses build the quantitative, biological and chemical knowledge needed for advanced biophysics study.

Year 2: Students progress into more advanced physics and chemistry, including MAT 267 Calculus for Engineers III, PHY 150 Physics I, PHY 151 Physics II, PHY 201 Mathematical Methods in Physics I, and CHM 233 General Organic Chemistry I. The curriculum begins connecting mathematical and physical principles with biological systems.

Year 3: Students move into upper-division interdisciplinary subjects such as PHY 312 Mechanics and Electromagnetism, PHY 371 Driving Forces in Biology, BIO 360 Animal Physiology or BIO 353 Cell Biology, and CHM 345 Physical Chemistry I or PHY 314 Quantum Physics I. These courses deepen students' understanding of the physical mechanisms underlying biological processes.

Year 4: Advanced study focuses directly on biophysics through PHY 472 Advanced Biophysics Lab and PHY 473 From Molecules to Cells, alongside advanced physical chemistry or quantum physics options. Students also complete the program's upper-level science-and-society requirements while applying their interdisciplinary knowledge to biological systems.

Focus areas

Biological physics, molecular and cellular biophysics, physical chemistry, quantitative biology, mathematical physics, mechanics and electromagnetism, biological systems, cell biology and advanced biophysics laboratory methods.

Learning outcomes

Students develop quantitative problem-solving, mathematical modeling, laboratory, scientific reasoning and interdisciplinary skills for examining biological systems using physical principles. The program also develops a foundation for research, medicine, biotechnology and advanced study in areas such as biochemistry, biophysics, neurobiology, pharmacology, physics and radiology.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

ASU states that its undergraduate academic programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The Biophysics BS is also identified by ASU as STEM-OPT extension eligible for qualifying F-1 international students studying through the applicable non-online pathway.

Reputation (research)

The program benefits from ASU's interdisciplinary research environment, including the Center for Biological Physics, where researchers investigate biomolecules, systems biology and cellular dynamics using experimental, theoretical and computational approaches. ASU's Biodesign Institute also brings together physicists, biologists, chemists, engineers and mathematicians across multiple research centers, including the Center for Single Molecule Biophysics.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biophysics BS gives students opportunities to move beyond classroom theory through laboratory-based learning, independent research and direct interaction with faculty. The curriculum includes PHY 472 Advanced Biophysics Lab, while ASU's Department of Physics provides undergraduate research opportunities in biological and soft-matter physics, including opportunities to earn academic credit through research projects.

Students can build practical experience through:

Advanced Biophysics Laboratory: PHY 472 provides upper-division laboratory experience directly related to biophysics.
Independent undergraduate research: Students can work with ASU physics faculty on real research problems and potentially receive academic credit through PHY 495 Project Research.
Center for Biological Physics: Students are connected to an interdisciplinary research environment covering biomolecules, systems biology and cellular dynamics, using experimental, theoretical and computational methods.
Biodesign Institute: ASU's interdisciplinary research environment includes scientists working across biology, physics, chemistry, engineering and mathematics.
Center for Single Molecule Biophysics: Research uses technologies including atomic-force microscopy, optical microscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, bioimaging systems and cell-culture facilities.
Research presentation: Undergraduate researchers can present their work through the Department of Physics Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium or at physics conferences.
Study abroad: ASU provides international study opportunities connected to physics, chemistry and biology.
Online research: ASU Online students can explore the Online Undergraduate Research Scholars program.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biophysics BS provides a flexible scientific foundation for careers in biotechnology, chemical and medical industries, as well as preparation for medical school and graduate study. ASU specifically identifies further-study pathways in biochemistry, biophysics, neurobiology, pharmacology, physics and radiology.

Typical career directions include: Biological Technician, Clinical Trial Manager, Medical Laboratory Technician, Medical Scientist, Physicist, Scientist/Biochemist, Research Scientist, Biophysics Researcher, Biotechnology Scientist, Laboratory Scientist, Biomedical Researcher, Clinical Researcher

Career preparation: ASU provides career information for biophysics graduates, including occupational data on example job titles, projected growth and median salaries. ASU notes that these salary figures are not necessarily entry-level and that some careers require advanced degrees, certifications or licensure.
Research opportunities: Students can gain experience through Department of Physics research projects, faculty research groups, REU opportunities and research-for-credit options.
Industry and research environment: The Biodesign Institute brings together interdisciplinary research teams working on health, sustainability and security, with multiple specialized research centers.
Scientific research ecosystem: The Center for Biological Physics connects researchers across physics, chemistry and engineering and works on both fundamental and translational biomedical questions.
International career option: ASU identifies the Biophysics BS as STEM-OPT eligible for qualifying F-1 students, potentially allowing an additional 24 months of U.S. work authorization after the standard OPT period; the extension does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can progress to medical school or advanced graduate study in biochemistry, biophysics, neurobiology, pharmacology, physics and radiology. The quantitative and interdisciplinary structure also provides preparation for other graduate-level biomedical, biological and physical-science programs.