Dec 08, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physics: Biophysics Concentration, BS


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Program Description


Physics, the most fundamental of the natural sciences, forms the basis of study upon which the other branches of science are founded. Physics is concerned with the fundamental behavior of matter and energy. Classical physics encompasses the fields of mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, acoustics and optics. Modern physics is concerned with the study of atoms and molecules, atomic nuclei, elementary particles and the properties of liquids, crystalline solids, and other materials, as well as the areas of relativity, cosmology, and the large-scale structure of the universe. The undergraduate Physics curricula provide students with a strong background in the classical areas of physics, as well as an introduction to the more important aspects of modern physics.

The BS curriculum is directed toward preparing students for graduate study ultimately leading to the PhD degree or toward research and development work in industrial or governmental laboratories. It also provides a good background for graduate study or industrial work in many areas or engineering physics and applied science.

Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Plan

Under this plan, students may reduce the time necessary to earn both degrees by applying graduate credits to both undergraduate and graduate program requirements. Both BS/MS (Master of Science) and BS/MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching) plans are available. Students are encouraged to obtain the specific requirements for pursuing the combined degree from the Department of Physics and Astronomy (https://www.clemson.edu/science/departments/physics-astro/) as early as possible in their undergraduate program. Enrollment guidelines and procedures can be found under Academic Regulations  in this catalog.

Program Requirements


The Biophysics Concentration offers an excellent preparation for medical school or graduate work in biological sciences. It includes the flexibility of selecting courses in chemistry, biological sciences, physics, and mathematics. This concentration also provides the necessary background for employment in industry, manufacturing, and instrumentation for clinical or molecular biology applications.

Freshman Year


First Semester


Credit Hours: 15

Credit Hours: 15

Sophomore Year


Junior Year


First Semester


Credit Hours: 16

Second Semester


Credit Hours: 16

Senior Year


First Semester


Credit Hours: 15

Second Semester


Credit Hours: 15

Total Credits: 122


Footnotes


1 See General Education Requirements . Three of these credits must also satisfy the Science and Technology in Society Requirement.

2 Select from AVS 4140 , AVS 4800 , ENR 4130 , ENT 4000 , ENT 4150 , ENT 4360 , ENT 4690 , ETOX 4300 , GEN 4050 , MICR 4140 , PES 3400 , WFB 3130 , WFB 4690 , or any 2000-4000-level course in ASTR, BCHM, BIOL, CH, GEOL, PHYS (except PHYS 2000 , PHYS 2070 , PHYS 2080 , PHYS 2090  or PHYS 2100 )

3 Select six credits from any 2000-4000-level BIOL course (except BIOL 2000  or BIOL 2030 ); and ten additional credits from AVS 4140 , AVS 4800 BCHM 3010 , BCHM 4230 , BCHM 4310 , BCHM 4320 , BCHM 4400 , BCHM 4430 , BIOE 2010 , BIOE 3020 , BIOE 3200 , BIOE 3700 , BIOL 1040 , BIOL 1110 , BIOL 2050 , BIOL 2060 , BIOL 2100 , BIOL 2220 , BIOL 2230 , any 3000- or 4000-level BIOL course, CH 2230 , CH 2240 , CH 3310 , CH 3320 , CH 4040 , CH 4110 , CH 4120 , CH 4250 , CH 4270 , CH 4350 , EES 4010 , EES 4100 , EES 4110 , EES 4850 , ENR 4130 , ENT 3010 , ENT 4000 , ENT 4150 , ENT 4360 , ENT 4690 , ETOX 4300 , GEN 3020 , GEN 4050 , GEN 4100 , GEN 4110 , GEN 4500 , GEN 4700 , HORT 4650 , MATH 3020 , MATH 4020 , MATH 4340 , MATH 4350 , MATH 4530 , MATH 4540 , MICR 3050 , MICR 4110 MICR 4140 , MICR 4150 , MICR 4160 , MICR 4170 , MICR 4190 , PES 3400 , PHYS 3260 , PHYS 4010 , PHYS 4170 , PHYS 4320 , STAT 3300 , WFB 3130 , WFB 4690  

4 Students must complete through 2020 in a modern language. See Modern Languages Requirement at Clemson University statement in Academic Regulations .

5 ENGL 3040 , ENGL 3120 , ENGL 3140 , ENGL 3150 , ENGL 3450 , ENGL 3460 , ENGL 3480 , ML 4020  or THEA 3470  

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