Bachelor of Science in Biophysics

Temple's Biophysics BS gives students opportunities to move beyond classroom theory through research, independent study and interdisciplinary scientific work. Students can participate in research through the Center for Biophysics and Computational Biology (CB2), where researchers use computational approaches and molecular simulations to investigate protein folding, molecular recognition, ligand binding, drug design, protein evolution and bioinformatics.

The curriculum also includes BIOL 2297 Research Techniques in Genetics, while Temple's 2026–2027 Bulletin lists additional opportunities such as Independent Research, Cooperative Research in Biochemistry, Externship Studies, Extradepartmental Research, Accelerated Research in Biology and Research in Biochemistry. Students can also gain international research and laboratory experience through Temple's study-away opportunities.

Practical and research opportunities include:

• Center for Biophysics and Computational Biology (CB2) — research at the intersection of biology, chemistry and biophysics, including molecular simulations, protein folding, molecular recognition, drug design and bioinformatics.

• BIOL 2297 Research Techniques in Genetics — research-focused coursework that also satisfies a writing-intensive requirement.

• BIOL 2082/3082 Independent Research I & II — opportunities to undertake supervised independent research.

• BIOL 3181 Cooperative Research in Biochemistry and BIOL 4491 Research in Biochemistry — options for developing hands-on research experience in biochemistry.

• BIOL 3685 Externship Studies — an opportunity for experiential learning outside the standard classroom environment.

• BIOL 4291 Extradepartmental Research — research experience extending beyond the student's home department.

• International research in Pune, India through opportunities for Temple biology, chemistry and physics students to work with research groups at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research during the summer.

• Siena Biomedical Research Program — students can spend a summer working full time in a biotechnology and pathology laboratory in Tuscany, Italy.

• Sicily Applied Biotechnology Program — combines biological science with laboratory and field applications related to art conservation technology.

• Study Away — College of Science and Technology students can spend a summer or semester studying in countries including Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain.

• Students seeking distinction in Biophysics must complete an independent study or undergraduate thesis project in addition to achieving a minimum 3.5 major GPA.

Temple's Biophysics BS prepares graduates for careers that combine biological science, quantitative analysis and physical science, while also providing a foundation for professional and graduate education. Temple specifically identifies career paths including bioinformatics, biological engineering, biotechnology, environmental science, food science, genetics, pharmacology and physics, while the program also supports progression into medicine, pharmacy and advanced scientific degrees.

Typical job roles: Bioinformaticist, Biological Engineer, Biotechnician, Geneticist.

Career development opportunities include:

• Office of Student Professional Development: Provides information about internships and research opportunities and organizes workshops, preparation sessions, networking events and job fairs for College of Science and Technology students.

• Owl to Owl Mentor Program: Connects students with Temple alumni for one-to-one mentoring, professional networking, career exploration and academic planning.

• CST Job Fairs: Temple reports that its fall and spring science and technology job fairs typically attract more than 60 employers, including Apex Life Science, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Elsevier, Lockheed Martin and the Wistar Institute.

• University Career Center: Offers career-direction assessment, résumé and LinkedIn support, interview guidance, job postings and job-search strategy assistance.

• Employment and salary information: Temple's current Biophysics career page provides O*NET-based career and salary information, but the current page does not publish a usable median-salary figure for the listed Biophysics occupations.

• Research and industry exposure: CB2's research covers areas including protein folding, molecular recognition, drug design, protein evolution, bioinformatics and biophysics, giving students exposure to research areas relevant to biotechnology and biomedical science.

• Accreditation value: The College of Science and Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Temple does not list a separate specialized accreditation for the Biophysics BS.

• Graduation pathways: Temple states that graduates can progress into professional degrees in medicine and pharmacy or advanced degrees in biology, biophysics, molecular biology, neuroscience and other sciences.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into Temple's related programs such as the Bioinformatics PSM, Bioinnovation PSM, Biology MS/PhD, Biomedical Sciences MS/PhD, Biotechnology PSM, Chemistry MS/PhD and Mathematics MS/PhD. Temple also offers related professional pathways including the Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences MS/PhD and Physician Assistant MMS, while the College of Science and Technology's +1 Bachelor-Master pathway can allow eligible students to complete a bachelor's and master's degree in five years rather than the usual six.