Bachelor of Science in Biophysics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Southern California

Program Overview

The Biophysics, B.S. at USC Dornsife combines biological sciences with classical and quantum physics, giving students a strong interdisciplinary foundation for understanding biological systems through experimentation, observation, data analysis and mathematical modeling. It is particularly suited to students interested in biomedical science, medicine, biotechnology, research or engineering, while the curriculum also fulfills medical-school entrance requirements.

Curriculum Structure:
Year 1: Students build the mathematical, chemical and physical foundations of the degree through courses such as MATH 125 Calculus I, MATH 126 Calculus II, CHEM 105aL/105bL Advanced General Chemistry and introductory physics courses. The PHYS 190 Freshman Colloquium also introduces students to the physics discipline early in their studies.

Year 2: The second year develops stronger mathematical and biological knowledge through MATH 225 Linear Algebra and Linear Differential Equations, MATH 226 Calculus III, BISC 220L General Biology: Cell Biology and Physiology and BISC 120L General Biology: Organismal Biology and Evolution. Students continue progressing through the physics sequence while connecting quantitative methods with biological systems.

Year 3: Students move into advanced scientific concepts through PHYS 304 Mechanics, PHYS 316 Introduction to Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics, BISC 320L and CHEM 322aL Organic Chemistry. The curriculum also introduces PHYS 438a Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and its Applications, strengthening the physics foundation needed for interdisciplinary biophysics.

Year 4: The final year emphasizes advanced physics, biology and laboratory work through courses such as PHYS 408a Electricity and Magnetism, PHYS 444, PHYS 316, BISC 330L and CHEM 322bL. Students also complete advanced laboratory and biophysics-related coursework, preparing them for graduate or professional study and science- and engineering-oriented careers.

Focus areas: Biophysics, biological sciences, classical physics, quantum physics, mathematical modeling, experimentation, data analysis, biochemistry, organic chemistry, thermodynamics, mechanics and biological physics.

Learning outcomes: Students develop the ability to understand biological systems using quantitative and physical approaches, conduct experiments, analyze scientific data, apply mathematical models and connect concepts from physics, biology and chemistry.

Professional alignment (accreditation): USC is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The official USC sources reviewed do not identify a separate program-specific professional accreditation for the Biophysics B.S.

Reputation (employability rankings): USC’s official career outcomes system tracks undergraduate employment, industries, employers, graduate education and starting salaries. USC Dornsife also reports that more than 5,000 organizations partner with the USC Career Center to recruit undergraduate talent; however, USC’s official sources do not provide a Biophysics-specific employability ranking.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical experience by combining physics and biological science with experimentation, laboratory work, quantitative analysis and mathematical modeling. USC Dornsife provides undergraduate research opportunities where students can work alongside faculty, while the Physics and Astronomy Department has research activity in biological physics, including experimental and theoretical approaches to biological systems.

The program's practical and research-oriented opportunities include:

PHYS 492 Senior Laboratory provides advanced laboratory experience as part of the upper-division physics curriculum.
PHYS 493 Advanced Experimental Techniques is available as an additional advanced experimental physics option.
Biological Physics research explores biological systems using quantitative physical approaches, including cell membranes, microbial communities, protein-mediated structures and subcellular processes.
USC Dornsife undergraduate research allows students to work with faculty in laboratory, archival and other research environments.
SOAR can provide up to $1,000 for eligible non-course undergraduate research activities during the fall or spring semester.
SURF can provide up to $3,000 to support a summer research project conducted under the supervision of a USC faculty member.
USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience provides access to major interdisciplinary bioscience research facilities, including advanced imaging and research infrastructure.
NanoBioPhysics Core Facility, Cell and Tissue Imaging Facility and Proteomics Core Facility are among USC research facilities available within the broader physics and biological research environment.
Gateway Internship Program provides eligible Dornsife students with paid internship opportunities, professional mentorship and career-preparation seminars.
Dornsife reports that students complete an average of two internships during their undergraduate careers, although individual participation varies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biophysics B.S. is designed to prepare students for further study in graduate and professional schools as well as careers as scientists and engineers. Its combination of physics, biology, experimentation, data analysis and mathematical modeling can support pathways across biomedical science, biotechnology, research and related scientific fields.

Typical job roles include: Biophysicist, Research Scientist, Biological Physics Researcher, Biomedical Researcher

Career support: Dornsife Career Pathways provides career advising covering jobs, internships, research, graduate school, networking, résumé/CV preparation, interviews and salary negotiation.
Career platform: Handshake gives students access to jobs, internships, employer connections, career events and career-development resources.
Internship support: The Gateway Internship Program combines paid internships with professional mentorship and career-preparation seminars, and can provide a pathway toward permanent positions.
Employment statistics and salary: USC's official First Destination system reports undergraduate outcomes by employers, industries, graduate programs and starting salaries; the current public page notes that there is insufficient data to display results for some selected combinations, so a Biophysics-specific salary or employment figure is not stated there.
University–industry connections: Dornsife Career Pathways works with employer partners through internships, recruiting activities and employer engagement, with Gateway employers offering structured 8–12-week paid internships and mentorship opportunities.
Research progression: Students can build research experience through faculty-supervised projects and funding opportunities such as SOAR and SURF, which can strengthen preparation for graduate or professional school.
Accreditation value: USC's institutional WSCUC accreditation provides recognized institutional quality assurance; USC does not identify a separate professional accreditation specifically for the Biophysics B.S.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the B.S., students can pursue graduate or professional education. USC's own academic environment includes a Ph.D. in Physics, a Ph.D. in Physical Biology, and an M.S. in Medical Biophysics, providing relevant examples of advanced study in physics, physical biology and biomedical research.