Biophysics (BPHY)

Professor Rodriguez, Advisor

Biophysics is an approach to biology from the perspective of the physical sciences. This major offers Centenary students the opportunity to obtain an interdisciplinary degree in a growing field that is fueling fundamental discoveries in biology and medicine. Biophysicists study how mechanics, electricity, light, heat, and quantum effects drive the structure and function of biological systems.. Their tools include laser spectroscopy, magnetic resonance, x-ray crystallography, tunneling microscopy, and many other novel investigative tools. Their discoveries have resulted in many applications to medicine such as laser surgery, CT-scanners, positron emission tomography (PET), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Centenary has the distinction of being one of the first liberal arts institutions in the nation to offer an undergraduate B.S. degree in biophysics. The curriculum for the biophysics major was designed in consultation with major research universities and medical institutions from around the nation as well as our own Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Departments.

Major Course Requirements

  • Biology 101, 204, 321, 322
  • Physics 001, 002, 104, 114, 105, 115, 204, 214, 305, 317
  • Chemistry 121, 123, 122, 124, 201, 202, 211, 212, 324
  • Biophysics 304, 314, 453W, 463S, 473

Supportive Courses

  • MATH 115, 201, 303

304. Biophysics and Bio-Imaging (3)
Prerequisite: PHYS 105 and 115 or consent of instructor. The trend toward reductionism is bringing biology closer to physics along many frontiers. This course introduces the science student to those areas where these fields have merged. Topics of discussion include the structure and function of proteins and DNA, biological energy conversion, molecular and ionic transport, and sensory systems. The course also addresses the application of physical methods to biological imaging such as crystallography, NMR, PET, MRI, and microscopy. (Same as PHYS 304)

314. Biophysics Instrumentation and Imaging Laboratory (1)
Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent registration in BPHY 301. The laboratory course is designed to provide hands-on experience with instrumentation and imaging techniques that are commonly used by biophysicists. They include many forms of spectroscopy (such as absorption, emission, raman, nuclear, and magnetic resonance), x-ray crystallography, electrophoresis, and imaging tools (such as MRI, PET, emission microscopy, and ultrasound imaging). Offered in conjunction with BPHY 304. (Same as PHYS 314)

453W-463S. Physics Research (1-6)
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. Nine hours of laboratory research weekly under direct supervision of a faculty member in the Department. Students are also expected to research the topic in the literature and to be fully engaged in the design and implementation of their experiments.

473. Biophysics Seminar (3)
Topics in biophysics. Students will research current areas of interest in biophysics and make three one-hour oral presentations to the class.

Last updated April 29, 2008.