Physics grad school with bio/premed major - possible?

[thecatnip]

Hi everyone,

I am a biology major (doing premed) as undergraduate right now. I was doing premed, however I volunteered at hospitals and such, and I am strongly starting to believe it is not for me at all. I loved physics in high school, took AP Physics and actively participated in Physics and Astrophysics clubs. Now, I know it is not the same thing as majoring in physics in college. I am thinking to add another semester to have a minor in physics. However, I am wondering if that would be enough to go to masters and PHD in physics??

I am interested in biology research too, but I have a strong passion towards physics and would really like to see if I can have any opportunity in it. My GPA right now is 3.45. I know, not that great but I messed up in freshman year but each semester my gpa kept going up and it keeps going up, so I expect it to be better by the time I graduate.

And I am participating in one of my professor's research lab. (biology)
Thanks guys, I really appreciate any advice you might be able to give me.

 

[Vanadium 50]

To start a graduate program in physics, one is expected to have an undergrad degree in physics. A minor isn't enough. If physics is what you want to do, I'd recommend changing your major to physics.

 

[Choppy]

I agree with Vanadium here.

Sometimes you will see listed as a requirement for admisssion "a degree in physics or equivalent or permission from the department" or somesuch phrasing. What this translates into in practical terms is that students with a similar courseload to those who major in physics are also considered. Examples might be majors in engineering physics, physical chemistry, or mathematics with a considerable courseload in physics.

Unfortunately, a degree in biology with a physics minor won't usually cut it. And even if it did and you were by admitted, you would find yourself starting out graduate school playing catch-up amidst a field of others who were quite successful in a series of challenging senior undergraduate physics courses.

 

[Stengah]

Have you read this thread? https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=64966

Also, have you considered biophysics grad school? There are pure biophysics programs which might be more interested in you than pure physics programs.