Department of Physiology and Biophysics
School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
124 Sherman Hall
South Campus
Buffalo, NY 14214-3078
(716) 829-2738
Fax: (716) 829-2344
Harold C. Strauss, Chair of Department
Shinpei Ohki, Director of Biophysics 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 desire to major in biophysics. To obtain the maximum benefit from the program, it is important to begin as early as possible.
If prospective majors have taken courses that may be equivalent to required courses of this department, they should request transfer credit forms from the department office. Students must provide course descriptions and petition for acceptance of transfer courses as substitutes for required courses.
303 Principles of Biophysics (3) (F)
Principles and concepts used in biophysical analysis
of life processes: membrane statistics; dynamics; mechanisms of information storage,
processing, retrieval in biological systems; response of biological systems to physical
forces. LEC
402 Biophysics Problems for Undergraduates (1-3) (F; Sp)
Individual research projects in biophysics of mutual
interest to student and instructor; experimental or theoretical project. LAB
403 Molecular Biophysics (3) (F)
An introduction to 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 thermodynamics systems. LEC
405 Biophysics Basics: Processes (3) (Sp)
Fundamental physical and physico-chemical treatment of various kinetic processes underlying the normal function of biological systems. Includes non-equilibrium processes, thermodynamics
and statistical mechanics expressing various physico-chemical forces, membrane permeation and potentials, and mechanisms of cellular excitability. LEC
458 Experimental Biophysics (3) (F; Sp)
Consists of laboratory rotations meeting for one afternoon session weekly plus
a general lecture session of one hour weekly. Some flexibility in the selection of
laboratory techniques will generally be available, depending on enrollment.
Students will work in the
laboratories of faculty carrying out research in various areas of experimental (or
theoretical) biophysics. Techniques to which students are exposed may include the
following: 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
also available to receive training in some clinical biophysical procedures in radiological
image analysis and the measurement and monitoring of ionizing radiation. LAB
490 Research (1-4)
LAB
499 Independent Study (1-4)
TUT
Acceptance Criteria
A GPA of 2.5
Note: Student may not select S/U grading in courses that meet requirements for the major in biophysics.
Required Courses in Biophysics - 12 cr
BPH303 Principles of Biophysics
BPH402 Biophysics Problems for Undergraduates (3 cr)
BPH405 Biophysics Basics: Processes
BPH458 Experimental Biophysics
Required Courses Outside Biophysics - 54 cr
BIO201 Cell Biology
BIO205 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry
CHE101 General Chemistry I
CHE102 General Chemistry II
CHE203 Organic Chemistry I
CHE204 Organic Chemistry II
CHE319 Physical Chemistry I or CHE349 Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences
MTH141 College Calculus I
MTH142 College Calculus II
MTH241 College Calculus III
MTH242 Differential Equations
PHY107 General Physics I
PHY108 General Physics II
PHY158 General Physics Lab II
PHY207 General Physics III
Recommended but not required:
CHE320 Physical Chemistry II
PHY208 General Physics IV
Electives - 34-40 cr
At least 15 hours of electives must be in upper-level (300 or above) math or science courses: MTH,
PHY, CHE, BIO, BCH, BPH, or other by approval of department.
See "Baccalaureate Degree Requirements" for remaining university requirements.
See "General Education Requirements" for general education requirements.