Biological Physics

The minor in Biological Physics is open to all Virginia Tech students (except Bachelors of Science with a major in Physics or in Biological Sciences, due to course overlap) and requires the completion of 22 credit hours. The minor provides students with an integrated understanding of how the union of physics and biology can lead to strong synergies. The minor is of value to students from a range of majors in the College of Science and in the College of Engineering. Student learn how physics can be used towards a systems-level understanding of complex and biological systems, and how their in-major training can be applied to understand biological systems. Students will understand the fundamental physical principles behind whole-cell and organismal behavior and biological characterization. Emphasis lies on development of skills in statistical physics, polymer physics, cellular and molecular biology, and biophysics, with special attention to how these fields intersect.