Why Study Biological Physics at K?
Explore the intersections of research across the natural sciences to solve today’s most pressing and complicated medical research questions.
Biological and medical sciences are rapidly changing and increasingly require a firm foundation in physics, mathematics, and computer science. The concentration is designed to supplement your studies, typically in biology, chemistry, or physics, to better prepare you for the interdisciplinary future of medicine. As a biological physics student at K, you will learn how to study biological problems—from the smallest cell to whole ecosystems—using a physics framework.
To gain this holistic view of scientific advancement, you will take courses in chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics—such as Evolution and Genetics; Physical Chemistry; Computational Neuroscience; and Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos. In your classes and research, you will use simple physics tools and strategies to address complicated systems and gain the numerical literacy needed to understand the time and size of living things. Our students will also benefit from our 3D printing machines that make the micro, macro.
By investigating phenomena from multiple scientific disciplines and putting them into perspective, you will be more adept and creative in your future research and applied work. Notably, alumni have utilized their biological physics concentration to enhance their careers in medicine and engineering.
What can you do with a biological physics concentration?
Below are some of the careers, employers, and graduate schools of our biological physics alumni.
Careers
- Medical Doctor
- Research Associate
- Veterinarian
- Chemical Engineer
Employers
- Merck
- UCLA Health
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- National Institute of Health
Graduate Schools
- University of Michigan
- University of California, Berkley
- Penn State University
- Ohio State University
Meet the Current Departmental Student Advisor
Jenny Nguyen (She/Her/Hers)
Major: Math and Computer Science
Concentration: Biological Physics
Best Adjective to Describe You: Curious
What is the best thing about being part of this department?
The best thing about being in the Biophysics department is knowing how intertwined all sciences are!
What has been your favorite class at K? Why?
Biophysics (PHYS-205) with Dr. Wilson is definitely my favorite class at K. Not just because I am the Biophysics DSA [Departmental Student Advisor], but also because the class has the right amount of challenge. The material was hard but also incredibly interesting at the same time. With Dr. Wilson’s patience and encouragement, I learned a lot from that class!!
What drew you to the department?
I’m interested in the ‘gray area’ between fields, and Biological Physics is exactly so!! It’s the perfect mix of chemistry, biology, physics, and also math!!
How have you taken advantage of the flexible curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
My flexible curriculum has allowed me to branch out of my field (slightly). I was able to satisfy my artistic side by participating in theater productions and also challenging myself with pure and abstract math.
What is your SIP?
I am planning to do a biochemistry SIP, researching both computationally and experimentally the interaction between proteins and nucleic acids!
What is your favorite thing about K?
My favorite thing about K is its people! I have found amazing friends here. And my professors here are truly my biggest supporters. They know exactly when to encourage me to keep pushing ahead, and when to slow down and take care of myself.
What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
My plan right now is to pursue a Ph.D in Biochemistry after K.