Overview

The Biological Physics minor is for non-Physics majors or minors and requires 11 to 12 credits within the Department of Physics (depending on the University Physics sequence taken), and 6 credits from the Department of Biology. In addition to a calculus-based introductory sequence of physics courses, students will take the 300-level Biological Physics I course.

Biological physics covers a vast array of research topics, from the molecular scale to whole organisms and populations. It is an inherently interdisciplinary subject, where the fields involved (physics, biology, neuroscience, etc.) strengthen each other. The methods of physics have influenced how biology research is conducted, and basic questions in biology and neuroscience have attracted the attention of both experimental and theoretical physicists. A biological physics minor is designed to strengthen the quantitative and problem-solving skills for non-physics majors with interest in biological questions. 

Curriculum Requirements

A minor in biological physics consists of a University Physics Sequence (3 options), BIL 150 and BIL 160, and Biological Physics (PHY 325) All courses at the 300-level or higher must be taken at UM. 

University Physics (Complete one of the following sequences)8-9
University Physics I for the Sciences
and University Physics II for the Sciences
University Physics I for PRISM
and University Physics II for PRISM
University Physics I
and University Physics II
and University Physics III
University Physics I
and Honors University Physics II-III
General Biology & Evolution and Biodiversity (Complete both of the following)8
General Biology
Evolution and Biodiversity
Biological Physics (Complete the following)3
Biological Physics I
Total Credit Hours19-20