Biochemistry and biophysics, closely-related fields, use tools from different sciences to study life.
Biochemistry and biophysics, closely-related fields, use tools from different sciences to study life. Specifically, biochemistry studies the chemical processes and transformations in living organisms, while biophysics applies the theories and methods of physics to questions of biology.
This major is run by the Department of Biological Sciences. Our graduates are exceptionally well prepared for graduate school and to become desirable employees in the biotechnology industry. The curriculum also provides an excellent background for students planning careers in medicine.
Program of Study
Rensselaer’s Biochemistry and Biophysics undergraduate curriculum includes thorough grounding in mathematics, chemistry, and physics, along with modern biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular-level biology. Courses train students in cutting-edge research approaches to biological problems.
As a result of completing this program students will:
- Scientific Process: Be able to properly describe and apply the process of science, use the scientific method to answer biological questions including the ability to find and comprehend scientific literature, develop testable hypotheses, design and conduct experiments, and collect, analyze, and present scientific data.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Be able to process, analyze, and visualize data to draw correct conclusions while using appropriate statistical methods.
- Models and Simulations: Be able to understand and apply scientific models or simulations including both statistical models and system-level models or simulations.
- Interdisciplinary: Be able to apply knowledge and skills from across the curriculum to current problems in biological sciences to generate integrative papers, proposals, or other types of projects.
- Communication and Collaboration: Be able to communicate effectively on scientific topics in written and oral formats. Be able to collaborate with peers and work together to achieve a common goal.
- Science and Society: Be able to recognize and discuss ethical issues in biology and develop an understanding of how science impacts our society.
While rigorous, the undergraduate curriculum (128-Credits) offers sufficient flexibility and course choices to allow you to tailor your education.
2026-2027 Academic Year Biochemistry & Biophysics, B.S. Curriculum Template
Most students pursue undergraduate research in faculty laboratories.
Minor requirements for undergraduate students differ depending on the major, since curricula vary in the extent to which they include essential relevant courses. Information on how to minor in Biochemistry and Biophysics can be found in the Course Catalog.
Faculty
The science and engineering faculty members of the Center for Biophysics provide a variety of research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the Biochemistry and Biophysics degree programs. Faculty members from the Biological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Chemistry and Chemical Biology Departments who are involved in the teaching of biochemistry and biophysics courses are listed below.
Academic Opportunities
Student researchers play a critical role in the world-changing discovery, innovation, and breakthroughs taking place across campus.
Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society is for undergraduate students dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study, and extending the boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research.
Alpha Epsilon Delta is the National Health Preprofessional Honor Society dedicated to the encouragement and recognition of excellence in preprofessional health scholarship.
