Biophysics is an interdisciplinary frontier of science in which the principles and techniques of physics are applied to study living things and how they work. To a great extent, biophysics became established as a bonafide field of science after the discovery of X-rays in 1895, which heralded the beginnings of nuclear medicine.

One of the major breakthroughs in biophysics came from work on radar, which evolved from much earlier developments in pure and applied physics. The electrical circuits which were developed were used to show that the flow of sodium and potassium across cell membranes triggers neurons to fire. More recently, biophysicists have brought expertise in laser physics to map cells in three dimensions, reveal bacteria in drinking water, and even cure bad breath.
Biophysicists are also involved in applying their knowledge of fundamental physics to develop and implement new techniques for analyzing organisms. Some of the most noteworthy are EM (Electron Microscopy), CAT (Computer-Aided Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance imaging), PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and X-ray crystallography. Biophysicists may even facilitate the application of biological knowledge to problems in physics. For example, the DNA of salmon has been found to improve the performance of light emitting diodes.

Why is biophysics exciting?
At a macroscopic level, biophysicists are exploring how organisms develop and how they see, hear, taste, feel, and think. Also, they are examining activities such as movement, breathing, muscle contractions, and the operation of bones. Research along these avenues can have significant technological spinoffs, such as the development of better robots. At a microscopic level, biophysicists are studying how cells move and divide, how they harness and process energy, and how they react to external stimuli. Particularly interesting subjects include how a muscle cell converts the chemical energy of ATP into movement, how DNA can exactly replicate itself during cell division, and whether the shapes of nucleotides define a “second genetic code”. Spinoffs include the development of nanotechnology founded upon the unique mechanical and electrical properties of DNA. To facilitate their explorations, biophysicists are at the cutting edge of research aimed at developing new or improved techniques of imaging, diagnosis, and analysis.

What are the career options for biophysicists?
Because of the breadth of their training, biophysicists have a wide range of career options. Job opportunities exist in both the private and public sectors, especially in the realms of medical science, forensic science, radiation science, biotechnology, environmental science, agricultural science, and computational biology. For example, there is demand for biophysicists in many large and small biomedical companies (a famous example is QLT, Inc., pioneers in photodynamic therapy) and in public institutions such as the National Research Council, Ontario Cancer Institute, research units in hospitals and public policy agencies. Biophysicists are expected to be in high demand in the environmental sector, too, because so many of the problems faced by life on Earth today have a physical root.

Many biophysics students may want to go on to more advanced programs of study before embarking on a career. For students whose ambition is to lead research, York’s B.Sc. program is a logical starting point for graduate studies leading to a doctoral degree in biophysics. Biophysics is a highly regarded path towards a career in medicine, provided that a course in organic chemistry is included in the curriculum. It is also a possible path to a career in optometry or in dentistry. The degree provides outstanding preparation for careers in radiation therapy and other applied health sciences, such as offered by the Michener Institute.
What are the pre-requisites for the Biophysics Program?
To be eligible to major in Biophysics at York starting in first year, it is necessary to have passed Grade 12 courses or their equivalents in English, physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Specifically, applicants from high schools in Ontario must have passed

• 12U English (a Faculty requirement)
• 12U Physics
• 12U Chemistry

What courses would I take?
In first year, students take survey courses in biology, chemistry, and physics, along with supporting courses in mathematics and computer science. Specialized courses in biology, physics and biophysics begin in second year, including Genetics, Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Optics and Spectra, and Current Topics in Biophysics. In third year, students are introduced to cell biology, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and laser physics, as well as applications of the principles of electricity and magnetism and nuclear physics to biology and medicine. Students have a variety of options for study in fourth year, ranging from photosynthesis to biomaterials chemistry on the biology side and solid state physics to fluid dynamics on the physics side. A biophysics course exposes students to applications of quantum physics to biology and medicine. Rich laboratory experiences accompany lecture-based courses in all four years.

What marks would I need to graduate?
Biophysics is an Honours Program, and as such students are required to achieve an average grade of C or higher (York Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher) over all courses required in order to graduate.

Where can I get more information about biophysics?
A guide to careers in biophysics, especially those focused upon studies at the molecular level, can be obtained from the Biophysical Society in the United States. A database of graduate programs in biophysics is maintained there as well.
York University, Dept. of Physics & Astronomy.
Tel: (416) 736-5249 | Fax: (416) 736-5516 |biophys@yorku.ca

Universities and Colleges offering Biophysics