Biology-Physics

Interdisciplinary major offered 

Note that Biology-Physics majors cannot double major in Biology, Physics, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, Environmental-Science-Biology, or Conservation Biology.

More information on this interdisciplinary major can be found at https://www.stlawu.edu/offices/physics/biology-physics. 

Required Courses 

Physics (4): PHYS 151 or 103, PHYS 152 or 104, PHYS 221, and either PHYS 222 or PHYS /BIOL 314 (normally offered in the spring of odd numbered years)

Biology (4): BIOL 101, 102, and two courses at the 200 level or above, one of which should include a lab or be at the 300 level.

Biology or Physics (2): Two additional units chosen from appropriate courses at the 300 level or above in biology and/or physics.

Chemistry (2): CHEM 103 and 104

Math (3): Math 135, 136, and 205

A senior research project in some area of biophysics, with advisors from both biology and physics.

Recommended Courses 

CHEM 342. Thermodynamics and Kinetics. 

Math 230. Differential Equations 

Advising is provided through both the biology and physics departments. Since this major is expected to serve students with a wide range of interests, anyone interested is encouraged to consult with these departments about appropriate scheduling of courses, including interdepartmental offerings. 

Students contemplating this major should also be aware of possibilities for advanced placement in chemistry, mathematics and physics courses that could provide added flexibility to their program. PHYS 151/152 is better preparation for PHYS 221/222 than PHYS 103/104, but any combination of the introductory sequence is acceptable.