Biomedical Physics Degree – Research Focus (B.S.)

With an interdisciplinary complement of required courses, biomedical physics 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.   

What is biophysics?

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.

What is medical physics?

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 the 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.

Preparing for med school

For students interested in attending medical achool: The Rockhurst University biomedical physics major provides you with the ability to fulfill your pre-med requirements within a strong science major that presents multiple research opportunities.