Can I Learn Biophysics Without Biology Courses?

[cscott]

First year physics majors here are required to take one year of another science. I chose chemistry, but now I wish I had chosen biology. Say, if I got to grad school and had an interest in biophysics would I be sunk because I haven't taken a single bio course since senior year, high school? Would I just end up taking some bio courses from that department before? Can you learn biophysics without taking any formal courses (perhaps assuming you're willing to put in some time to learn basics on your own)? Would computational biophysics make a difference?

 

[J77]

I'd say it depends on what biophysics you want to specialise in at grad school, eg. theoretical, dynamical systems, experimental, laser, medical applications...

This seems more important than doing a generic biology course.

 

[Mororvia]

What year are you now? Would you be able to take a bio course before graduation? Look at the requirements for the grad schools you are considering. Also, chances are that you'd be able to take some undergrad classes in graduate school to make up some topics that you may need.

 

[cscott]

I'm still first year, so I really haven't been exposed to enough physics to make my choice yet but I have already made the mistake of taking chem instead of bio. I guess if I really have the interest in it I will take the bio courses and maybe spend an extra year (this isn't what I wanted though since I'm already 5 years with co-op at UW)!

 

[J77]

I'm still first year, so I really haven't been exposed to enough physics to make my choice yet but I have already made the mistake of taking chem instead of bio. I guess if I really have the interest in it I will take the bio courses and maybe spend an extra year (this isn't what I wanted though since I'm already 5 years with co-op at UW)!

From what I see as I walk around my building - learning techniques such as spectroscopy, in Chemistry, could be used in the context of biophysics at a later stage.

(Of course, lasers would be the common spectroscopy tool for the latter - but learning the basics won't do you any harm.)