Biophysics
Department of Physiology and Biophysics
School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
124 Sherman Hall
South Campus
Buffalo, NY 14214-3078
Phone: 716.829.2738
Fax: 716.829.2344
Email: pgy-bph@buffalo.edu
Web: www.smbs.buffalo.edu/phb/
Harold C. Strauss
Chair
Shinpei Ohki
Director of Undergraduate Studies
About the Program
Biophysical sciences are a group of subdisciplines in the biological sciences that apply the principles of physics and physical chemistry to the analysis of life processes at a quantitative and mechanistic level. The program in biophysics in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics encompasses instruction and research in experimental biophysics, theoretical biophysics, and application of biophysical methodology to clinical problems.
Students who wish to apply for acceptance into the program should bring a copy of their current UB DARS report directly to the department as soon as they decide to major in biophysics. To obtain the maximum benefit from the program, it is important to begin as early as possible.
Degree Options
The university offers a bachelor of science degree in bioinformatics and computational biology, with options for a concentration in biology, biophysics, computer science and engineering, or mathematics. Please refer to the bioinformatics and computational biology program in this catalog for further details.
Transfer Policy
If prospective majors have taken courses that may be equivalent to required courses of this department, they should contact the program director. Students must provide course descriptions and petition for acceptance of transfer courses as substitutes for required courses.
Opportunities for Undergraduate Research and Practical Experience
Upper division majors may participate in research projects available at UB and Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
Biophysics - B.S.
Acceptance Criteria
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in prerequisite courses.
An adequate background to study biophysics; no specific number of course requirements are set for admission to the major.
Prerequisite Courses
BIO 201 Cell Biology
BIO 205 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry or BCH 403 Principles of Biochemistry*
CHE 101 General Chemistry or CHE 105 Chemistry: Principles and Applications
CHE 102 General Chemistry or CHE 106 Chemistry: Principles and Applications
CHE 203 Organic Chemistry or CHE 201 Organic Chemistry
MTH 141 College Calculus I
MTH 142 College Calculus II
MTH 241 College Calculus III or MTH 306 Introduction to Differential Equations**
PHY 107 General Physics I
PHY 108 General Physics II
PHY 158 General Physics Lab
PHY 207 General Physics III
Required Courses
BPH 303 Principles of Biophysics
BPH 402 Biophysics Problems for Undergraduates
BPH 405 Biophysics Basics: Processes
BPH 458 Experimental Biophysics (Senior Project)
CHE 319 Physical Chemistry or CHE 349 Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences
Summary
Total required credit hours for the major......69-74
At least 10 credit hours of electives must be in upper-level (300 or above) math or science: BCH, BIO, BPH, CHE, MTH, PHY, or other by approval of the department.
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.
Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements
FIRST YEAR
Fall-CHE 101 or CHE 105; MTH 141, PHY 107
Spring-CHE 102 or CHE 106; MTH 142, PHY 108, PHY 158
SECOND YEAR
Fall-CHE 203 or CHE 201
Spring-BIO 201; PHY 207; CHE 204***; PHY 257***
Fall or Spring-MTH 241 or MTH 306**
THIRD YEAR
Fall-BPH 303; CHE 319 or CHE 349
Spring-BIO 205*, BPH 402, BPH 405
FOURTH YEAR
Fall-BCH 403*
Spring-CHE 320***; PHY 498***
Fall or Spring-BPH 458
* Either BCH 403 or BIO 205 is required.
**Either MTH 241 or MTH 306 is required for this program; however, the department recommends that students take both courses.
***Recommended but not required courses: CHE 204, CHE 320, MTH 309, PHY 208, PHY 257.
Course Descriptions
BPH 303 Principles of Biophysics
Credits: 3
Semester: F
Prerequisites: permission of instructor
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Principles and concepts used in biophysical analysis of life processes: cells and intracellular organelles; biomolecules and their interactions; membrane statics and dynamics; membrane transport, nerve and synaptic functions, various sensory transductions, cell motility systems, various spectroscopy methods, microscopic and medical imaging techniques.
BPH 402 Biophysics Problems for Undergraduates
Credits: 1 - 3
Semester: F Sp Su
Prerequisites: permission of instructor
Corequisites: None
Type: LAB
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The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
Individual research projects in biophysics of mutual interest to student and instructor; experimental or theoretical project.
BPH 403 Molecular Biophysics
Credits: 3
Semester: F
Prerequisites: permission of instructor
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
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Introduces the major areas of molecular biophysics and their foundations in chemistry and physics. Includes molecular interactions, structural analysis through diffraction techniques, macromolecular physical chemistry, the effects of physical forces, and thermodynamic systems.
BPH 405 Biophysical Basics: Processes
Credits: 4
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites: permission of instructor
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC/REC
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Basic physicochemical treatment of various kinetic processes underlying the normal function of biological systems. Includes nonequilibrium processes, thermodynamics and statistical mechanic expression of various physicochemical forces, membrane transport and mechanisms of ion permeation through various ion channels. Overviews of protein folding and bioinformatics also presented.
BPH 458 Experimental Biophysics
Credits: 3
Semester: F Sp
Prerequisites: Majors only
Corequisites: None
Type: LAB
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Senior laboratory project: students work in the laboratories of faculty carrying out research in various areas of experimental (or theoretical) biophysics. Exposes students to techniques including: ion-channel and membrane protein structure analysis, electrobiological procedures applicable to the investigation and analysis of neurological problems, biomaterials characterization, molecular structure determination, and biophysical techniques for the analysis and characterization of proteins. Opportunities are usually available to receive training in some clinical biophysical procedures and techniques in various hospital settings. A lab report describing student research accomplishments is required.
BPH 498 Research
Credits: 1
Semester: F Sp Su
Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor
Corequisites: None
Type: LAB
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The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
Under the direction of faculty, experimental and theoretical research in the areas of biophysics, physiology and neurosciences.
BPH 499 Independent Study
Credits: 1 - 4
Semester: F Sp Su
Prerequisites: permission of instructor
Corequisites: None
Type: TUT
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The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
For students having specific academic interests or objectives; requires department faculty sponsor before preregistration.
Updated: Apr 12, 2006 11:06:43 AM