Biophysics

In the 21st century, new fields of scientific inquiry are emerging at a breathtaking pace. In the biological sciences, emphasis will be increasingly on quantitation and prediction of living systems—precisely the focus of biophysics. Biophysics is a discipline that sits at the interface between biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computation, and engineering. It is uniquely well suited for the study of biology in the post-genomic era. Besides its role in contributing fundamental understanding of the properties of molecules, cells, and complex biological systems, biophysics is also central to the development of novel medical technologies and to the bioengineering and biopharmaceutical industry.

Biophysics was first established as an independent discipline at Johns Hopkins. The Thomas C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics has a remarkable tradition of excellence in research and teaching and of developing leaders in the scientific community.

The undergraduate major in biophysics constitutes a rigorous program of study that will help students develop the broad set of skills in science, math, and computation necessary to compete in the interdisciplinary environment of modern science, medicine, and engineering. The biophysics major emphasizes independent thinking and critical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and it teaches students how to move with ease across disciplines.

The undergraduate major in biophysics is intended for the student interested in advanced study of biophysics or the related fields of biochemistry, quantitative or computational biology, quantitative or computational biology, molecular biology, physiology, pharmacology, and neurobiology. The biophysics major fulfills all typical science premedical requirements with the exception of Organic Chemistry Lab (AS.030.225 Introductory Organic Chemistry Lab or AS.030.227 Chemical Chirality: An Introduction in Organic Chem. Lab, Techniques. The student majoring in biophysics, with the advice of a member of the department, chooses a program of study that will include foundation courses in biology, chemistry, and physics followed by advanced studies in modern biophysics and research. The biophysics major requires that students earn a grade of “C” or greater for all courses required in the major. A student who earns a grade of “C-“ or below must repeat the course and earn a better grade.

Scheduling conflicts occasionally arise due to schedule changes in the departments of Physics, Biology, and Chemistry. Prospective biophysics majors should consult with the departmental undergraduate advisor to determine how the conflicts can be resolved.

• Application and Supplement
• $70 nonrefundable application fee or fee waiver
• Signed Early Decision Agreement
• Secondary School Report
• SAT Reasoning Test or ACT Test
• Mid-year Report*
• TOEFL or IELTS results (recommended)
• International Certification of Finances Form and Bank Statement

Scholarships

Both need- and merit-based financial assistance is available for international applicants, although both types of assistance are limited. The admissions process for international students is need-aware, meaning the offer of admission is directly linked to the student’s ability to meet expenses.