Teaching Biophysics in an Undergraduate Curriculum

Abstract

Simply put, the field of biophysics is the intersection of biology and physics. In this field, the concepts and principles of physics are used to explain biological processes. Also, physical principles and tools are used to solve biological and medical problems. Additionally, biophysics involves the development of instrumentation and methodologies to study biomedical and environmental phenomena. It is known that many institutions in the United States and around the world, do not offer biophysics courses at the undergraduate level. This is due, in part, to the need for a good exposure and mastery of both introductory and upper level physics courses before application to biological systems. The computational and mathematical skills needed for such applications are developed in these physics classes. While most physics programs do not require students to take biology courses, most biology programs do not require students to take calculus-based physics courses. This weakens the preparation of both the physics students and the biology students towards careers in biophysics. In most institutions, physics for life sciences is taught from the algebra-based approach, denying students exposure to advanced mathematical skills needed in biophysics. We propose that students interested in biophysics should take calculus-based physics at the introductory level, and that physics students should have some exposure to biology courses. This will ensure adequate preparation of students for upper level and graduate level biophysics classes.