Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Physics
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biomedical Physics is an interdisciplinary degree offered in concert with the School of Medicine. It combines classes in physics, biology, chemistry and the medical sciences. This exciting program is research-heavy, with ample opportunities to collaborate across colleges at Wayne State University.
To further promote a holistic education, students choose a biophysics, medical physics or pre-medical concentration. Biomedical physics classes are tight-knit, meaning you have the added advantage of getting to know fellow students and professors who are active in the field. Each component of the program works collectively to ensure you’re well-equipped for graduate study or immediate employment.
Why Wayne State’s biomedical physics major?
- Learn from professors actively in the field of biomedical physics.
- Gain a wide range of knowledge in medical equipment.
- Engage in hands-on experience with electronics and optics to pave the way for advanced, cutting-edge research.
- Understand the physical properties in the body from the cellular to the molecular level.
- Develop the skills to enter medical school, health careers, technological careers or graduate school in sciences and engineering.
What is biomedical physics?
Biomedical physics is a booming field of science at the junction between medical sciences, physics and biology. Beyond the development and applications of medical technologies, the field is concerned with the development of a foundational understanding of living systems through:
- Instance measurements
- Modeling of psychological processes
- Development and production of new pharmaceutical technology for the production and delivery of advanced medicines
Learning objectives
The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Physics program ensures that you:
- Learn to use quantitative, physical science-inspired approaches to problems of the life sciences
- Can apply your math, science and physics skills to the field of medicine and biology
- Are equipped to pursue employment in biophysics, biomedical research, biotechnology or medicine
Biomedical physics program requirements and curriculum
The biomedical physics degree requires students to satisfy the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences group requirements, the university general education requirements and the overall biomedical physics program requirements.
- Biophysics: emphasizes training in biophysical methods and techniques
- Medical physics: prepares for entry into professional medical physics programs
- Premedical: incorporates premed requirements to minimize required credits
Courses
As a biomedical physics major, you engage in subjects such as biological physics, calculus, physics for the life sciences and applied computational methods.
Your learning incorporates the following topics:
- Biomedical research methods
- Cellular and molecular biophysics
- Computational modeling
- Modern medical technology
- Scientific communication
Explore biomedical physics courses
Undergraduate research opportunities
Research is a vital component of the B.S. in biomedical engineering program at Wayne State, with funding provided by agencies such as the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
To prepare students for growth and development in this highly interdisciplinary field, we offer the following research programs:
- Kelly Laboratory for Nanoscale Optics and Membrane Biophysics — Employs experimental and computational methods to study the nanoscale properties of membranes.
- Sakamoto Laboratory — Encourages varied study ranging from 2D/3D imaging at the nanometer level to researching the cytoskeleton organization of deafness and cancer.
- Richard Barber Interdisciplinary Research Program — Promotes the collaboration of faculty and students across several colleges within Wayne State University.
- YM Huang Laboratory for Computational Biophysics — Computational molecular modeling group that researches the development and application of computational methods in order to address biologically and medically pertinent problems.
Learn more about biomedical physics research.
An accelerated path to your master’s in biomedical engineering
For students seeking their bachelor’s and master’s degrees, the Department of Physics and Astronomy offers an MS-BME path through our Accelerated Graduate Enrollment (AGRADE) program.
This program requires one additional year of study beyond the B.S. in Biomedical Physics degree program, allowing you to earn your B.S. in Biomedical Physics and your M.S. in biomedical engineering in five years.
To enroll:
- Students must apply for the program during the semester that they earn 90 credits toward their undergraduate degree (typically during junior year)
- Hold a GPA of at least 3.6 in major courses
- Hold a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5
Students interested in the AGRADE program should contact the Biomedical Engineering Academic Advisor, Namrata Murthy.
Learn more about the accelerated path to earning your Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering (MS-BME).
Biomedical physics bachelor’s career outlook
With the growth of technology across medicine, the field of biomedical physics is rapidly expanding. To meet this demand, institutions seek professionals with a combined physics, math and sciences background who understand the mechanisms behind biological and physiological systems.
These individuals may build instruments that can track the progression of Alzheimer’s, create tools that quickly streamline diagnostic processes or develop software for medical instruments.
Biomedical physics majors work in the following diverse settings:
- Biotechnology companies
- Engineering companies
- Hospitals
- Medical centers
- Research labs
Scholarships, financial aid and tuition
To support students along their journey at WSU, the Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a range of scholarships. Explore physics scholarships for undergraduate students:
- Undergraduate Biomedical Physics Scholarship (for biomedical physics majors only)
- Henry Bohm and Melbourne Stewart Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship
- Robert L. and Sandra E. Thomas Endowed Scholarship
- Undergraduate Physics and Astronomy Scholarship
Utilize our net price calculator to estimate the cost and financial aid you can receive for your biomedical physics degree.
Learn more about Wayne State University’s B.S. in Biomedical Physics
Lead innovation in the healthcare industry by creating new software for medical equipment or developing diagnostic tools that detect aggressive forms of cancer. When you enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Physics program at WSU, you take the first step toward a progressive, rewarding career that combines the best of physics, biology and the medical sciences.
Career insights
This tool provides a broad overview of how major selection can lead to careers and is provided without any implied promise of employment. Some careers will require further education, skills, or competencies. Actual salaries may vary significantly between similar employers and could change by graduation, as could employment opportunities and job titles.