BS in Biophysics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Emory University

Program Overview

The B.S. in Biophysics at Emory University gives students a rigorous foundation in physics, mathematics and biological science, with a strong emphasis on understanding living systems through quantitative and physical approaches. It is well suited to students interested in biophysics research, biotechnology, medicine, engineering or further graduate study, with opportunities to combine advanced physics, computational modeling and hands-on research.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1: Students establish their scientific foundation through MATH 111 Calculus I, MATH 112 Calculus II, and introductory biology or chemistry such as BIOL 141 (+ lab) or CHEM 150 (+ lab). They also begin the physics sequence with PHYS 151 Physics I, developing the mathematical and scientific preparation needed for more advanced biophysics study.

Year 2: The curriculum moves into more advanced quantitative physics and mathematics through PHYS 152 Physics II, MATH 211 Multivariable Calculus and MATH 212 Differential Equations. Students also take PHYS 220 Math for Science & Engineering, building the mathematical toolkit required to describe and model physical and biological systems.

Year 3: Students develop deeper physics and computational skills through PHYS 253 Modern Physics, PHYS 212 Computational Modeling and PHYS 365 Electricity & Magnetism, while beginning a specialized biophysics elective. This stage connects theoretical physics and computational approaches with the study of complex biological systems.

Year 4: The final year brings together advanced physics and research through PHYS 361 Classical Mechanics, PHYS 421 Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics, PHYS 444 Advanced Undergraduate Lab and PHYS 461 Quantum Mechanics. Students also complete a biophysics elective and a four-credit research course such as PHYS 397R, PHYS 499R or PHYS 495R, giving the degree a strong research-oriented finish.

Focus areas: Biophysics, classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, computational modeling, mathematical physics, molecular biophysics and experimental laboratory techniques.

Learning outcomes: Students develop quantitative, computational, experimental and analytical skills for investigating physical processes in biological systems, supported by advanced laboratory and research experience. The curriculum also develops an interdisciplinary foundation connecting physics with biological and molecular sciences.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Emory University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate and other degrees. The official Emory sources reviewed do not identify a separate professional accreditation specifically for the B.S. in Biophysics.

Reputation (employability outcomes): Emory College reports that 97% of Class of 2025 graduates were employed or pursuing graduate school within six months, while 41% were pursuing master's, doctoral or certificate programs within six months. Emory also reports that 100% of the Class of 2024 had engaged in an internship, research, study abroad or arts experience during their undergraduate education. These are Emory College-wide outcomes rather than Biophysics-specific statistics.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biophysics B.S. has a particularly strong research component because students are required to complete a four-credit research course, with options including PHYS 397R, PHYS 499R and PHYS 495R. Emory Physics also maintains active biophysics research groups working with experimental, computational and theoretical approaches, while undergraduate students can work directly with faculty through research programs.

Students can build practical experience through several program-related opportunities:

Advanced Undergraduate Laboratory – PHYS 444: Students develop advanced experimental and laboratory skills as part of the Biophysics B.S. curriculum.
Computational Modeling – PHYS 212: Students gain experience using computational approaches to investigate physical systems, providing an important quantitative component of the biophysics curriculum.
Required undergraduate research: Students complete one four-credit research course through PHYS 397R, PHYS 499R or PHYS 495R, with the department encouraging students to begin research earlier when their schedules permit.
Single Molecule Biophysics: Emory's advanced biophysics coursework covers techniques including atomic force microscopy, electron microscopy, magnetic and optical tweezers, fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence resonance energy transfer and super-resolution microscopy. Some demonstrations include visits to laboratories and facilities on campus.
Biophysics research facilities: Emory Physics has a biophotonic imaging system, 3D confocal microscopy system, atomic force microscopes, scanning electron microscopy, magnetic tweezers and tethered-particle microscopy, among other characterization and measurement facilities.
Single-molecule research: Faculty research includes techniques such as tethered-particle motion, magnetic tweezers, atomic force microscopy, confocal microscopy, single-molecule fluorescence and microfluidics.
Undergraduate research programs: Emory's SIRE program introduces students to faculty-mentored research, while SURE provides a 10-week full-time summer research experience with a faculty mentor.
Faculty collaboration: Emory reports that more than 60% of students participate in faculty-guided research, giving undergraduates opportunities to work collaboratively on complex research projects.
Small-group learning: Upper-level physics courses generally have fewer than 20 students, supporting direct interaction with faculty and opportunities for research or directed study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biophysics provides a strong platform for students planning careers or further study at the intersection of physics and the life sciences. Emory Physics reports that graduates pursue Ph.D. programs, medical school, engineering graduate programs, law school and industrial positions, while the Biophysics B.S. develops the quantitative, computational, laboratory and research skills relevant to these pathways.

Typical job roles include: Biophysicist, Biophysics Researcher, Research Scientist, Biomedical Researcher

Career advising: Emory College's Pathways Center provides career advising throughout the undergraduate experience, including support for career exploration, internships, research, graduate school and professional development.
Research preparation: Undergraduate Research Programs help students identify research opportunities, build their academic and professional résumé, prepare for graduate or professional school and pursue competitive fellowships.
Employment and graduate-school outcomes: Emory College reports 97% of Class of 2025 graduates were employed or pursuing graduate school within six months, and 41% pursued master's, doctoral or certificate programs within six months.
Salary information: Emory's First Destination Survey collects employment status, salary details and graduate-school enrollment for College of Arts and Sciences graduates; the public university page does not provide a Biophysics-specific salary figure.
Research connections: Emory Physics has internationally recognized research groups in biophysics, and faculty research includes molecular and cellular biophysics, single-molecule techniques, computational modeling and experimental biophysics.
Industry and research exposure: Emory's biophysics research uses advanced instrumentation and methods relevant to biomedical and life-science research, including fluorescence imaging, optical trapping, atomic force microscopy and microfluidics.
Graduation outcomes: Emory College reports that its six-year undergraduate graduation rate has remained around 90% for recent cohorts, while the university's current Class of 2025 outcome data reports 97% employed or pursuing graduate school within six months.
Long-term accreditation value: Emory's SACSCOC accreditation covers the institution's authority to award bachelor's, master's, doctoral and professional degrees. No separate professional accreditation is identified for this specific Biophysics B.S.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S., students can continue into graduate or professional education in areas such as biophysics, physics, biological sciences, biomedical research, engineering or medicine. Emory itself offers graduate-level physics research in biophysics and related areas, while the department notes that undergraduate graduates also progress to Ph.D. programs, medical schools and engineering graduate programs.