Future Students

Biophysics

Students combine the skills and approaches of physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology to study how living organisms work. Biophysical scientists investigate how the brain processes and stores information, how the heart pumps blood, how muscles contract, how plants use light in photosynthesis, how genes are switched on and off, and many other living processes. Biophysicists are especially interested in the physics and physical chemistry of biological processes and make great use of quantitative measurements and analysis.

Recent years have seen great discoveries in biology. These discoveries reflect in part the progress of biology towards the atomic and molecular level, where physics becomes essential. The development of high-precision imaging and crystallographic structure determination, coupled with recent advances in high-power computers have made biophysics an important and fertile area of both pure and applied research.

Biophysics can be studied as a major in the Bachelor of Science or in the Bachelor of Science (Biophysical Science). The Bachelor of Science allows you flexibility in the choice of your second major and elective units, while the Bachelor of Science (Biophysical Science) provides a structured focus on biophysics and complementary topics.

Level 1

Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Statistics, Human Biology/Biology/Molecular Biology

Level 2

At least one of: Biophysics and/or Chemistry

And units chosen from: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science and Mathematics

Level 3

Units to compelte at least one of these majors: Biophysics and/or Chemistry (with a biophysical emphasis)

Optional second major, or further units from: Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, Pharmacology and Physiology

Career opportunities

The discoveries of biophysical scientists have a broad influence on biotechnology and medicine. Graduates work in universities, industry, medical centres, research institutes and government. Job prospects for graduates are very positive, especially considering the enormous interest and investment shown by medical and pharmaceutical companies in the areas of membrane biophysics and biomolecular design and synthesis. Expanding opportunities also exist in medical physics, biomedical imaging and related areas of research and development.