Biomedical Physics, B.S.

College of Arts and Sciences

The Biomedical Physics Major is designed to prepare students for graduate or clinical research programs in multiple intersections of physics, biology and medicine.  With an interdisciplinary complement of required courses, students can design upper division courses to meet their research and career choices.  Three career options highlighted in this major are Biophysics, Medical Physics and Medical School.   

• Biophysics is a vibrant, growing research field that applies the theories and methods of physics to understand how biological systems work. Biophysics is critical to understanding the mechanics of how the molecules of life are made, how different parts of a cell move and function, and how complex systems in our bodies—the brain, circulation, immune system, and others— work.
• Medical Physics is an applied branch of graduate physics focused on the application of the concepts and methods of physics to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. It is allied with medical electronics, bioengineering, and health physics.  Medical physicists contribute to the effectiveness of radiological imaging procedures by assuring radiation safety and helping to develop improved imaging techniques (e.g., mammography, CT, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear imaging). They contribute to development of radiation therapeutic techniques (e.g., radioactive implants, stereotactic radiosurgery, Proton Therapy), collaborate with radiation oncologists to design treatment plans, and monitor equipment and procedures to ensure that cancer patients receive the prescribed dose of radiation to the correct location. A career in Medical Physics involves three areas of activity:  research and development, clinical service and consultation, and Medical Physics education.
• For students interested in attending Medical School:  Biomedical Physics provides students interested in attending medical school with the ability to fulfill their pre-medical requirements within a strong science major that presents multiple research opportunities.

Please review the Wisdom Core section included at the bottom of this program, which outlines the requirements to fulfill the Rockhurst Wisdom Core for all undergraduate students.

When registering for classes, to find which courses will fulfill core requirements, search the Course Schedule by “Attribute Type”. The Course Schedule is located on the Rockhurst Registrar’s webpage at www.rockhurst/registrar.