Physics Programs

A female physics student with a plasma globe

The La Sierra Advantage

When you study biophysics at La Sierra, you will:

Have work opportunities as a physics professor’s assistant (looks great on a résumé!)
Be part of a program that emphasizes faculty guidance and mentorship.
Study unique research topics and travel to meet well-known scientists in the Southern California area.
Develop a strong sense of community with a very active biophysics club, participating in BBQs, retreats, museum visits, and beach vespers!

Why Study Biophysics?

The biophysics major looks at biological problems from a physics point of view. It is a broad science that uses principles of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology to study everything from muscles and blood flow to living cells and organisms and their electrical and mechanical energy. Biophysicists may study anything from amino acids and DNA strands to sound waves or muscle cells. Biophysicists are often part of a research team with members from various fields. They may work in hospitals, graduate schools, government research laboratories, or in research and development for private companies. People who take biophysics are curious, like to solve problems, and enjoy science and math.

Programs Offered

"In physics, you don’t have to go around making trouble for yourself—nature does it for you."

- Frank Wilczek
American theoretical physicist, mathematician and Nobel laureate

Get Involved in Physics

Student employment - get valuable job experience working as a lab assistant or grader for introductory courses. Ask the physics faculty about position openings.

Society of Physics Students - join other physics students in the La Sierra chapter of the society of physics students for movie nights, sporting events and tours.

Physics community - hang out with other physics students in the department's lounge and computer lab, and join faculty and students for fun social events throughout the year. There are some events that students get to ask a professor about his or her life's story, hobbies, experiences and just about anything else.

Physics/Biophysics Club - participate in social events and outreach opportunities.

What People Are Saying

Changing my major to biophysics was initially one of the most challenging decisions I’ve ever made, although I would do it all over again. I was exposed to research, national conferences, upper level classes in the areas of biology, math, chemistry, and physics, and many other experiences that cannot be traded for gold. Thank you La Sierra. Thank you Physics Department!

Sarai Manzano

Contact Us

physics@lasierra.edu
(951) 785-2136

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Physics Undergraduate Programs

Biophysics Major Bachelor of Science

A male biophysics student with some lightbulbs

Students studying biophysics will take courses in areas such as general chemistry, calculus, biology, physics, systems physiology, and biomedical imaging. They will have opportunities for research, both in and out of the classroom.

Program Details

Physics Major Bachelor of Science

A group of physics students at a workstation with a microscope

Students studying physics will take courses in areas such as general chemistry, calculus, biology, physics, mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical and thermal physics, and quantum mechanics. They will have opportunities for research, both in and out of the classroom.

Program Details

Student Outcomes Physics and Biophysics Majors

Problem-solving ability
Students will learn to formulate, deconstruct, and solve complex physics/biophysics problems using mathematics.
Experience with experimental and/or theoretical research projects
Students will have the opportunity to do experiments and/or theoretical studies to understand physical phenomenon in the context of physics or biophysics.
Information literacy
Students will learn how and where to find relevant and reliable scientific information including the web, online databases, and libraries.
Computer tools and instrumentation
Students will learn how to use mathematical and experimental software packages and experimental equipment necessary for doing physics or biophysics.
Communication of Scientific Material to Colleagues
Students will learn to write well-organized, logical, and scientifically sound physics/biophysics research papers. They will be able to present clear, well-organized, logical, scientifically sound, and audience-appropriate oral reports on physics/biophysics topics.
Knowledge of Current Issues in the Chosen Major
Students will learn about major issues in their field and be able to critically evaluate topics in emerging theories of physics or biophysics.