Biophysics (Honours) (BSc)

This program is offered through the Department of Physics

Co-ordinator
Thad A. Harroun

Advisor
Edward Sternin, Department of Physics

General Information

Administrative Assistant, Academic
Courtney Lee

905-688-5550, extension 3412
Mackenzie Chown B210
physics@brocku.ca

Biophysics is the physics of life, of all living systems and their interaction with the surroundings, natural and artificial. It is a relatively new, but rapidly advancing field encompassing a wide variety of areas in natural and life sciences and uses all methods of scientific inquiry: theory, experiment and large scale computer simulation to understand living systems at the molecular level. Biophysics also forms the basis of many aspects of Medical Physics, another rapidly developing field in much demand at the current time. Brock’s biophysics program will provide the students with a superb learning environment and exciting research opportunities. Extended research opportunities are available through Brock’s participation in the Interdepartmental Biophysics Group (BIG) based at the University of Guelph.

The interdisciplinary nature of the Biophysics program offers an opportunity to modify the sequence of courses to be taken, to reflect better the interests of the individual students. However, this places a greater onus on the students to make sure that the prerequisites are satisfied, and that a sufficient number of credits at each level is included. Biophysics students are strongly encouraged to contact the Co-ordinator no later than year 2 of their studies, to ensure that their chosen sequence of courses satisfies all academic constraints.

In view of the vastness of the field of Biophysics and the enormous diversity among its various subfields, the program offers a high degree of flexibility to its students at the 4th year level in terms of choice of BIOL, BTEC, CHEM, KINE, PHYS and PSYC/NEUR courses.

Eligibility to continue in the program is based on the student’s major average. All courses required for the program, excluding the electives, will be considered for the major average.

Biophysics is an Honours only program. If a student’s major average falls below the required 70 percent average by year three, they are advised to seek a three-year BSc Degree in General Studies. Students should note that such a degree requires a minimum of five credits in one subject.

Program Notes

1. Students are encouraged to include CHEM 3P40 , CHEM 4P17 , PHYS 2P51  and PHYS 3P91  among their electives. 
2. BPHY 4F90  and BPHY 4F91  projects should be approved by the Co-ordinator. Projects under the supervision of faculty members outside the Faculty of Mathematics and Science are possible, but may require co-supervision by a member from the Faculty of Mathematics and Science, in addition to being approved by the Co-ordinator. BPHY 4F90 /BPHY 4F91  may, under special circumstances, be started in the summer months following year 3. 
3. It is strongly recommended students take a laboratory course in their first year, either PHYS 1P91  or PHYS 1P95  , and PHYS 1P92  or PHYS 1P96  . PHYS 1P95   and PHYS 1P96  are designed for students in the physical sciences and are recommended for those who have completed two grade 12 mathematics credits including MCV4U
4. In 20 credit degree programs a maximum of eight credits may be numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99; at least three credits must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above; at least three credits must be numbered 3(alpha)90 or above; and the remaining credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above.
   
   In some circumstances, in order to meet university degree and program requirements, more than 20 credits may be taken.