Biophysics
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
Web: Biophysics
Harold C. Strauss, Chair
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 decide 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:
cells and intracellular organelles; biomolecules and their interactions;
membrane statics and 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)
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. LEC
405 Biophysics Basics: Processes (4) (Sp)
Fundamental physical and 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 permeation and potentials,
and mechanisms of cellular excitability. LEC/REC
458 Experimental Biophysics (3) (F; Sp)
Prerequisite: upper-level standing in biophysics
Laboratory research work: meets twice weekly. Some flexibility in the
selection of laboratory techniques generally is available, depending on
enrollment. Students 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 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
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in science courses
An adequate background to study biophysics. No specific course requirements
are set for admission to the major.
BIO201 Cell Biology
BIO205 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry
BPH303 Principles of Biophysics
BPH402 Biophysics Problems for Undergraduates
BPH405 Biophysics Basics: Processes
BPH458 Experimental Biophysics
CHE101 General Chemistry or CHE105 Chemistry: Principles and Applications
CHE102 General Chemistry or CHE106 Chemistry: Principles and Applications
CHE203 Organic Chemistry
CHE204 Organic Chemistry
CHE319 Physical Chemistry or CHE349 Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences
CHE320 Physical Chemistry (recommended but not required)
MTH141 College Calculus I
MTH142 College Calculus II
MTH241 College Calculus III
MTH306 Introduction to Differential Equations or MTH309 Introductory
Linear Algebra or MTH145 Introduction to Mathematical Computing
and Programming or MTH337 Introduction to Scientific Computing
PHY107 General Physics I
PHY108/158 General Physics II/Lab
PHY207 General Physics III
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (page 254) for general education
and remaining university requirements.
First Year
Fall-CHE101 or CHE105; MTH141, PHY107
Spring-CHE102 or CHE106; MTH142, PHY108/158
Second Year
Fall-CHE203, PHY207
Spring-BIO201, CHE204
Fall or Spring-MTH241, MTH306 or MTH309 or MTH145 or MTH337
Third Year
Fall-BPH303, CHE319 or CHE349
Spring-BIO205, BPH402, BPH405
Fourth Year
Fall-CHE320 (recommended but not required), PHY208 (recommended but not
required)
Fall or Spring-BPH458
Total required credit hours in biophysics - 12
Total required credit hours outside biophysics - 54
Electives - 34-40
At least 15 credit hours of electives must be in upper-level (300
or above) math or science: MTH, PHY, CHE, BIO, BCH, BPH, or other by approval
of department
Questions and Comments about this site should be sent to:
- Academic Affairs
- Phone: (716) 645-6003
- Fax: (716) 645-2549
Last updated: Thursday, 09-Dec-2004 15:21:16 EST
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