Central Washington University | Physics, Bachelor of Science (BS), Biophysics Specialization

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Physics, Bachelor of Science (BS), Biophysics Specialization

Physics, Bachelor of Science (BS), Biophysics Specialization

Program Description

Biophysicists study the fundamental physical principles of life – from how molecules move within our cells to how complex systems like the nervous system function. The Biophysics Specialization within the Physics BS has specialized courses and undergraduate research opportunities to prepare students for interdisciplinary STEM careers at the boundaries of Physics and other disciplines.

There are several distinct Physics B.S. degree tracks :
•   Physics B.S. (standard track, view Physics B.S. Transfer MAP)
•   Physics B.S. with Biophysics Specialization
•   Physics/Engineering Dual Degree Program (see Physics B.S. Transfer MAP Advising Notes section for information)

Likely Career Paths

Medical Physics
Biomedical Engineering
Fundamental research in neuroscience, biomechanics, nanotechnology, and more.
Science Teaching
Computer programming / software design
Science writing / journalism

Key Considerations

Cost: University-wide costs (Visit the CWU Financial Aid site for more information). Physics lab classes cost $15-20 per course.

Location: Ellensburg

Primary contact: 509-963-2727| Physics@cwu.edu | CWU Physics

Course Planning

1st and 2nd Year Courses or Areas of Study

CWU Course #	Transfer Course #
*MATH 153	MATH& 141
*MATH 154	MATH& 142
MATH 172	MATH& 151
MATH 173	MATH& 152
CHEM 181 + CHEM 181 LAB	CHEM& 161
CHEM 182 + CHEM 182 LAB	CHEM& 162
CHEM 183 + CHEM 183 LAB	CHEM& 163
PHYS 181	PHYS& 221
PHYS 182	PHYS& 222
PHYS 183	PHYS& 223
**BIOL 181 Biology I	BIOL& 221 or TES
**BIOL 182 Biology II	BIOL& 222 or TES

* MATH 153 and MATH 154 are not required courses in the Physics program. Because they are prerequisites for MATH 172, they are listed as part of the typical 1st and 2nd year course of study, depending on initial math placement.

** BIOL 181 and BIOL 182 are recommended during the 1st or 2nd year if there is sufficient time in the student's schedule. If there is not room in the 1st and 2nd year schedule, these can be taken in after transferring to CWU.

The Transfer Equivalency Site (TES) provides CWU equivalencies for courses at other colleges and universities.

Advising Notes

It is recommended students pursue and earn an AA-DTA.
Any Washington state DTA (Direct Transfer Agreement) degree will satisfy all general education requirements.
Students transferring with an AS-T (Associate in Science-Transfer) will need to take additional coursework to fulfill CWU general education requirements.
A minimum of a 2.25 GPA is required in the program.
Major requirements may change over time; students will be expected to meet the catalog requirements in place at the time they are admitted to the major.

Current Catalog

Admissions: 509-963-1211 | admissions@cwu.edu

Financial Aid: 509-963-1611 | FinancialAid@cwu.edu

Scholarship Information: 509-963-1611 | Scholarships@cwu.edu

Transfer Center: 509-963-1390 | transfer@cwu.edu

Veterans: 509-963-3028 | VA@cwu.edu

International: +1-509-963-3612 | intladm@cwu.edu