Science - Physics or complex systems

Biophysics is an interdisciplinary field that combines the principles of physics and biology to understand biological systems and processes at the molecular and cellular level. In our increasingly interconnected world, biophysics has the potential to revolutionize approaches to medicine, agriculture, sustainability and more. It also provides a foundation for new therapies, diagnostics and treatments.

In this biophysics program, the first of its kind to be offered online, you’ll learn from the same renowned biophysicists who teach on campus. You’ll gain knowledge about the principles governing all scales of biological organization and the tools to drive innovative solutions.

The skills and subjects you’ll learn as a biophysics major

As you take a variety of courses in physics, mathematics, biology and chemistry, you’ll have opportunities to sharpen your independent and critical thinking. You’ll also learn how to design experiments, collect, analyze and interpret data and write scientific reports. Other skills you’ll build as a biophysics major include:

• Cross-audience communication.
• Data analysis and computation.
• Interdisciplinary thinking.
• Problem solving.
• Scientific methodology.

What can you do with a bachelor’s in biophysics?

Earning a biophysics degree can set you on a path for a variety of careers in the health care, education, research, renewable energy and biotechnology industries. You’ll be equipped for roles ranging from health care administrator and radiologist to research assistant or pharmaceutical sales representative.

For advanced roles, such as becoming a biophysicist or researcher, you may need to pursue further studies. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for graduate programs in the fields of neuroscience, chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics, data science and physics.

Additionally, while a biophysics major can be a stepping stone to medical school, you should expect to take additional coursework to meet the prerequisite requirements.

In this program, you’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of matter, energy and their interactions, which are foundational to most branches of science. ASU is the first university to offer an online bachelor’s in physics with advanced laboratory coursework, vital for honing your experimental skills.

Through upper-division laboratory courses, you’ll tackle the same challenges faced by in-person students. You’ll work with electronic kits at home and engage with simulated experiments online, mastering equipment alignment protocols and managing noisy data. Additionally, you’ll enhance your experimental analysis abilities, strengthen your mathematics proficiency and refine your problem-solving skills.

What you can do with an online physics degree

With an online physics degree, you’ll be well-prepared for graduate programs in physics. To enhance your competitiveness, you’ll need to seek additional extracurricular activities, such as internships, research or individualized instruction. Research opportunities for online students are available through our Online Undergraduate Research Scholars (OURS) program.

Additionally, this bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master’s degrees include:

• Master of Science in materials science and engineering.

The differences between a BA and BS in physics

Both bachelor’s in physics programs provide a solid foundation in physical science and mathematics, however, they differ in several key ways. The BS is necessary for students planning to pursue a PhD, offering additional upper-division courses in quantum mechanics, electromagnetism and statistical mechanics, along with four advanced math courses. For those interested in math but not in research, the BS is still a strong option.

Differently, the BA in physics focuses on lower-division math courses that are less rigorous. BA students are required to complete intermediate-level language courses, whereas BS students take extra science and society courses instead. Importantly, you can start in the BA program and switch to the BS, or vice versa, if your goals or interests change.

This degree program provides students with a solid grounding in the basics of physics with introductory courses in:

• Electromagnetism.
• Mechanics.
• Modern physics.
• Thermodynamics
• Wave optics.

Throughout these courses, you’ll develop transferable skills in experimental analysis, mathematical applications and analytical problem-solving, as well as critical-thinking skills essential for explaining the natural physical processes that occur around us. Additionally, you’ll explore special relativity and quantum mechanics in an elective course on modern physics and gain programming skills through a one-credit course in Python. Research opportunities are also available through our Online Undergraduate Research Scholars (OURS) program.

Ideal for those seeking a deep understanding of physics without attending graduate school, you’ll graduate equipped for careers in bionics, photonics, audio engineering, software engineering and pharmaceuticals.

The differences between a BA and BS in physics

Both bachelor’s in physics programs provide a solid foundation in physical science and mathematics, however, they differ in several key ways. The BS in physics is necessary for students planning to pursue a PhD, offering additional upper-division courses in quantum mechanics, electromagnetism and statistical mechanics, along with four advanced math courses. For those interested in math but not in research, the BS is still a strong option.

Differently, the BA focuses on lower-division math courses that are less rigorous. BA students are required to complete intermediate-level language courses, whereas BS students take extra science and society courses instead. Importantly, you can start in the BA program and switch to the BS, or vice versa, if your goals or interests change.