Dec 04, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biophysics Minor


Introduction

Please click here  to see Physics department information.

The minor in biophysics enables students with primary interests in biology, chemistry, health sciences, mathematics, anthropology, psychology, or other disciplines to explore the deep connections between fundamental physical processes and the functions and development of life. Using mathematical and computational models as well as precise experimental measurements and advanced instrumentation, biophysics explores living processes within a framework that builds upon fundamental physics concepts of mechanics, electrodynamics, statistical physics, and quantum physics. Students taking a minor in biophysics will be able to synthesize some or all of these areas of physics at a mature level of understanding into their primary field(s) of study, bringing an enriched array of intellectual and experimental tools to the pursuit of their professional goals.

Students must consult with the physics advisor, meet physics faculty engaged in biophysics research, attend departmental biophysics-related seminars, and explore ways that biophysics relates to research undertaken by faculty in other disciplines - including both fundamental science and clinical medicine. Opportunities also arise to connect biophysics studies to outreach into regional high schools so that pre-college students can benefit from undergraduates sharing their experiences with connecting studies across disciplines.

For more information, contact:
Clyde Zaidins (Physics advisor)
Office: North Classroom 3123B

Program Delivery

  • This is an on-campus program.

Declaring This Minor

  • Please see your advisor.

General Requirements

To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements.

Program Requirements


  1. Students must complete a minimum of  16  PHYS credit hours.
  2. Students must complete a minimum of 6 upper-division (3000-level and above) PHYS credit hours.
  3. Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 for all courses applied to minor requirements.
  4. Students must complete all minor courses taken at CU Denver and all transfer courses applying to minor requirements with a minimum grade of C-(1.7).  Students cannot complete minor course requirements as pass/fail.
  5. Students must complete a minimum of 12 PHYS credit hours with CU Denver faculty.

Program Restrictions, Allowances and Recommendations


  1. Requirements for the minor in biophysics may be used to fulfill the requirements of the major in physics.
  2. A student majoring in physics who wants to minor in biophysics needs to take a minimum of 15 credit hours in astrophysics that do not overlap with the major, excluding college physics, general physics or the associated labs.
  3. Students must complete a minimum of 12 PHYS credit hours taken with CU Denver faculty with a minimum grade of C.