Biophysics
The Department of Physics offers a Bachelor of Science in Physics (with concentrations in Fundamental Physics, Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Applied Physics, and Materials Physics), a Bachelor of Arts in Physics, a Bachelor of Science in Biophysics, and a Bachelor of Science in Experimental Data Analysis.
The Bachelor of Science in Biophysics is designed for students who are interested in the dynamic, interdisciplinary field of biophysics, which spans topics from the molecular to the organismal from a perspective informed by physics. This degree combines the study of physics, biology, chemistry, and biochemistry to provide the broad and deep training associated with this field. Students pursuing this degree choose between two concentrations: Foundational Biophysics--which incorporates additional study of mechanics, electricity, and magnetism—and Molecular Biophysics—which incorporates additional study of genetics and molecular biology.
While much of the early course work is shared by all the degrees housed in the Department of Physics, students pursuing this degree will follow a robust, interdisciplinary course of study that is designed to prepare students for further study in biophysics or for many of the health professions. Students with a particular interest in working as a medical physicist are encouraged to earn a Bachelor of Science in Physics with a concentration in Medical Physics.
In contrast, the Bachelor of Science in Physics—with a concentration in Fundamental Physics, Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Applied Physics, or Materials Physics—is designed to prepare students for graduate study and careers in physics or closely related fields in STEM; and the Bachelor of Arts in Physics is designed for students who do not intend to pursue further study in physics or closely related fields, although they may plan to pursue graduate studies in education, law, business, social sciences, the arts, or the humanities. The Department of Physics offers a second highly interdisciplinary degree, the Bachelor of Science in Experimental Data Analysis—which is designed for students to obtain the broad interdisciplinary training in physics, mathematics, statistics, and data science necessary to prepare them for
Students are encouraged to closely align their course of study with their interests and career aspirations, whether that includes graduate or professional school or entering the workforce directly after their time at Gonzaga. Students who declare late, switch between concentrations or degrees within the department, or plan to study abroad may be accommodated by arrangement with the department.
Lower and upper division courses in physics are designed for students to gain proficiency in hands-on, experimental physics and theoretical physics. Students pursuing degrees in the physics department will also acquire a familiarity with scientific computation and the use of computers to model and solve physical problems. Summer research opportunities within the department, with GU faculty in other departments, as well as outside programs, such as Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs, are encouraged.
More information is available on the Physics website and the department's MyGU website.
Biophysics (BS) Major
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Division | ||
| BIOL 105 & 105L | Information Flow in Biological Systems and Information Flow in Biological Systems Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 106 | Energy Flow in Biological Systems | 3 |
| CHEM 101 & 101L | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 102 & 102L | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 230 & 230L | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Lab I | 4 |
| CPSC 121 | Computer Science I | 3 |
| MATH 157 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry I | 4 |
| MATH 258 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry II | 4 |
| PHYS 121 & 121L | Physics I and Physics I Lab | 5 |
| PHYS 122 & 122L | Physics II and Physics II Lab | 5 |
| PHYS 180 | Physics Skills Seminar | 1 |
| PHYS 201 | Mathematical Methods | 3 |
| PHYS 224 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 280 | Physics Pathways Seminar | 1 |
| Upper Division | ||
| CHEM 307 & 307L | Biochemistry I and Biochemistry I Lab | 4 |
| PHYS 323 | Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 324 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 325 | Computational Physics | 2 |
| PHYS 441 | Advanced Laboratory I | 2 |
| PHYS 442 | Advanced Laboratory II | 2 |
| PHYS 456 | Biophysical Systems and Modeling | 3 |
| Emphases | ||
| Select one of the following two emphases | 6-8 | |
Foundational Biophysics | ||
| Classical Mechanics | ||
| Electricity and Magnetism | ||
Molecular Biophysics | ||
| Genetics and Genetics Lab | ||
| Molecular Biology and Molecular Biology Lab | ||
| Total Hours | 73-75 | |
PHYS 104. Scientific Inquiry. (3 Credits)
This course is an integrated course and lab experience satisfying the Core Scientific Inquiry requirements. The course is designed and intended for non-science majors. The topics will be developed conceptually, with the required mathematics not exceeding high school algebra and trigonometry. The specific content will vary with instructor. The course title in Zagweb will identify the focus of the lecture course material. The integrated, open lab experience focuses on developing an understanding of the scientific method and the processes of science, including measurement, modeling, and analysis. The lab experience includes hands-on activities and experiments highlighting the covered processes and delivered in an open lab time format. The lab will be open and staffed on Tuesdays and Thursdays for students to come in and complete that week's lab on their own schedule. Fall and Spring.
Equivalent: PHYS 105
Course Fee: 80,30
PHYS 105. Astronomy. (2 Credits)
Introductory astronomy. An overview of the celestial objects found within the universe, such as stars, planets, and galaxies. For physics majors only and PHYS 105 does NOT fulfill the Core Scientific Inquiry requirement. Annually, upon sufficient demand.
Equivalent: PHYS 104
Course Fee: 80
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Physics.
PHYS 106. Conceptual Physics. (3 Credits)
The basic principles of physics are covered in a descriptive (non-mathematical) manner. Designed for students not majoring in the natural sciences or those needing a very basic background in physics. Offered upon sufficient demand.
PHYS 106L. Conceptual Physics Lab. (1 Credit)
Taken concurrently with PHYS 106. Two hours of laboratory. Offered upon sufficient demand.
Corequisites: PHYS 106
Course Fee: 70
PHYS 107. Conceptual Physics II. (3 Credits)
The basic principles of physics are covered in a descriptive (non-mathematical) manner. Designed for students not majoring in the natural sciences or those needing a very basic background in physics. Offered upon sufficient demand.
PHYS 107L. Conceptual Physics Lab II. (1 Credit)
Taken concurrently with PHYS 107. Two hours of laboratory. Offered upon sufficient demand.
Corequisites: PHYS 107
Course Fee: 70
PHYS 111. General Physics I. (4 Credits)
Algebra-based introductory physics. Mechanics, including Newton's laws, conservation laws, fluids, oscillations, and waves. Five hours of lecture with experimental demonstrations and problems. Not accepted as a pre-requisite for any advanced work. Fall.
Course Fee: 80
PHYS 111L. General Physics I Lab. (1 Credit)
Taken concurrently with or after the lecture course PHYS 111. Three hours of laboratory. Fall.
Prerequisites: PHYS 111 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D
Course Fee: 70
PHYS 112. General Physics II. (4 Credits)
Algebra-based introductory physics. Thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and optics. Five hours of lecture with experimental demonstrations and problems. Not accepted as pre-requisite for any advanced work. Spring.
Prerequisites: PHYS 111 with a minimum grade of D or PHYS 121 with a minimum grade of D or PHYS 101 with a minimum grade of D
Course Fee: 80
PHYS 112L. General Physics II Lab. (1 Credit)
Taken concurrently with or after the lecture course PHYS 112. Three hours of laboratory. Spring.
Prerequisites: (PHYS 111L with a minimum grade of D or PHYS 121L with a minimum grade of D) and PHYS 112 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D
Course Fee: 70
PHYS 121. Physics I. (4 Credits)
Calculus-based introductory physics. Mechanics, including Newton's laws, conservation laws, fluids, oscillations, and waves. Five hours of lecture with experimental demonstrations and problems. Fall and Spring.
Prerequisite: Math 157 (can be taken concurrently).
Prerequisites: Prerequisites exist. Refer to Zagweb.
Course Fee: 80
PHYS 121L. Physics I Lab. (1 Credit)
Taken concurrently with or after the lecture course PHYS 121. Three hours of laboratory. Fall and Spring.
Prerequisites: PHYS 121 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D
Course Fee: 70
PHYS 122. Physics II. (4 Credits)
Prerequisites: Prerequisites exist. Refer to Zagweb.
Course Fee: 80
PHYS 122L. Physics II Lab. (1 Credit)
Taken concurrently with or after the lecture course PHYS 122. Three hours of laboratory. Fall and Spring.
Prerequisites: PHYS 121L with a minimum grade of D and PHYS 122 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D
Course Fee: 70
PHYS 180. Physics Skills Seminar. (1 Credit)
Development of tools useful for success in the study of physics, as well as an understanding of the discipline and the resources available to students at Gonzaga. Fall, odd years.
PHYS 185. Introductory Special Topics. (1-4 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Topics to be determined by instructor.
PHYS 190. Introductory Directed Study. (1-4 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Directed study in approved topics. Requires completed form and departmental approval. Cannot be registered for via ZagWeb.
PHYS 193. Magis:. (3 Credits)
The Magis Seminar (Magis) introduces new Gonzaga students to the University, the Core Curriculum, and Gonzaga’s Jesuit mission and heritage. While the seminars will be taught by faculty with expertise in particular disciplines, topics will be addressed in a way that illustrates approaches and methods of different academic disciplines. The seminar format of the course highlights the participatory character of university life, emphasizing that learning is an active, collegial process.
PHYS 201. Mathematical Methods. (3 Credits)
Survey of mathematical techniques used in upper-division physics courses. Fall.
PHYS 222. Electronics. (2 Credits)
This course is primarily a laboratory in which students learn basic concepts of linear electronics and laboratory techniques through passive components, DC and AC applications, use of test equipment, operational amplifiers, basic transistor circuits, and more. Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory exercise per week. Fall, even years.
Prerequisites: PHYS 122L with a minimum grade of D
Course Fee: 70
PHYS 224. Modern Physics. (3 Credits)
Special relativity, development, and an introduction to quantum mechanics and other selected topics. Spring.
Prerequisites: PHYS 122 with a minimum grade of D
PHYS 280. Physics Pathways Seminar. (1 Credit)
Development of tools useful for success in the practice of physics, as well as an understanding of the discipline and the opportunities available to students during and after their time at Gonzaga. Fall, even years.
PHYS 285. Intermediate Special Topics. (1-4 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Topics to be determined by instructor.
PHYS 290. Intermediate Directed Study. (1-4 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Directed study in approved topics. Requires completed form and departmental approval. Cannot be registered for via ZagWeb.
PHYS 321. Classical Mechanics. (3 Credits)
Particle and rigid body statics and dynamics in a rigorous vectorial calculus treatment. A fundamental introduction to theoretical physics. Spring, even years.
PHYS 322. Electricity and Magnetism. (3 Credits)
Electrical and magnetic phenomena leading to a development of Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic field theory. Fall, even years.
PHYS 323. Statistical Mechanics. (3 Credits)
Study of thermal properties from microscopic and statistical viewpoints. Topics include: probability distributions, entropy, density of states, black body radiation. Spring, odd years.
Prerequisites: PHYS 122 with a minimum grade of D
PHYS 324. Quantum Mechanics. (3 Credits)
Development of techniques to represent and solve the Schrödinger equation for various potential energy functions and measurements in quantum mechanical systems. Fall, odd years.
PHYS 325. Computational Physics. (2 Credits)
Prerequisites: Prerequisites exist. Refer to Zagweb.
PHYS 385. Special Topics. (1-4 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Topics to be determined by instructor.
PHYS 390. Directed Study. (1-4 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Directed study in approved topics. Requires completed form and departmental approval. Cannot be registered for via ZagWeb.
PHYS 395. Research Assistantship. (0 Credits)
Undergraduate research assistantships are opportunities for student to earn a stipend while performing independent research in the laboratory of a Physics faculty member.
PHYS 424. Advanced Quantum Mechanics. (3 Credits)
Extension of techniques and concepts of Quantum Mechanics to systems with greater complexity, such as the inclusion of relativistic effects and the behavior of identical particles. Spring, even years.
Prerequisites: PHYS 324 with a minimum grade of D
PHYS 432. CIS:. (3 Credits)
The Core Integration Seminar (CIS) engages the Year Four Question: “Imagining the possible: What is our role in the world?” by offering students a culminating seminar experience in which students integrate the principles of Jesuit education, prior components of the Core, and their disciplinary expertise. Each section of the course will focus on a problem or issue raised by the contemporary world that encourages integration, collaboration, and problem solving. The topic for each section of the course will be proposed and developed by each faculty member in a way that clearly connects to the Jesuit Mission, to multiple disciplinary perspectives, and to our students’ future role in the world.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites exist. Refer to Zagweb.
PHYS 441. Advanced Laboratory I. (2 Credits)
Development of experimental and analytical techniques. Introduction to scientific writing and communication. Fall, odd years.
Prerequisites: PHYS 122L with a minimum grade of D
Equivalent: PHYS 217
Course Fee: 70
PHYS 442. Advanced Laboratory II. (2 Credits)
Further development of experimental and analytical techniques. Refinement of scientific writing and communication. Spring, even years.
Prerequisites: PHYS 441 with a minimum grade of D
Equivalent: PHYS 310
Course Fee: 70
PHYS 451. Fields, Oscs, and Relativity. (3 Credits)
Study of advanced classical and relativistic systems, including orbital mechanics, coupled oscillations, electromagnetic waves, and relativistic transformations. Spring, odd years.
PHYS 452. Optics. (3 Credits)
Treatment of optical phenomena using the three major models for light: rays, waves, and photons. Spring, even years.
PHYS 453. Solid State Physics. (3 Credits)
Study of solid materials using both macroscopic and microscopic quantum models from physics. Topics may include early models of solids, mechanical and thermal properties of materials, elasticity, chemical bonding, metals, crystal structure, phonons and vibrational modes, electric conductivity, band gap theory and semiconductors, transistors, magnetic properties of materials, and other selected solid state topics. Fall, odd years.
PHYS 454. Nuclear and Particle Physics. (3 Credits)
Study of experimental and theoretical aspects of nuclear interactions as they apply to nuclear structures and elementary particle characteristics. Fall, odd years.
Prerequisites: PHYS 224 with a minimum grade of D
PHYS 455. Cosmology and Astrophysics. (3 Credits)
Study of the global evolution of the universe, including the expansion rate of the universe, big bang nucleosynthesis, the cosmic microwave background radiation, inflation, relativity, and other selected astrophysics topics. Spring, odd years.
PHYS 456. Biophysical Systems and Modeling. (3 Credits)
Study of biological systems using first principles, tools, and models from physics. Topics may include diffusion, membrane potentials, models of neural dynamics, information processing in biological systems, and other selected biophysics topics. Fall, even years.
PHYS 485. Advanced Special Topics. (1-4 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Topics to be determined by instructor.
PHYS 490. Advanced Directed Study. (1-4 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Directed study in approved topics. Requires completed form and departmental approval. Cannot be registered for via ZAGWEB.
PHYS 497. Internship. (0-6 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Credit recognition of an internship or research experience, arranged by the student, directly related to the student's Physics Major and/or career plans, where said experience helps the student increase and develop practical physics knowledge and skills. Prior to registration, the student must secure participation in an internship or research experience, identify a faculty supervisor, complete and submit the Physics Department Internship Application form, and receive permission from the Physics Department.
PHYS 499. Senior Project. (0-3 Credits)
May be undertaken by B.S. Physics Majors in their senior year. Permission from Physics Department required.