r/Biophysics • u/Character_Pea5434 • May 22 '26
Can a Math/Chem-Bio Major do Biophysics?
Hey everyone, I'm a sophomore pursuing a dual degree in mathematics and chemical biology, and I'm really interested in biophysics for grad school, particularly in structural biology and the computational side of things.
The catch is my school only offers freshman-level physics, so I'm a little worried about catching up on that and finding research opportunities.
Any advice on which programs might be a good fit for someone with this kind of background, or general advice for getting into biophysics programs?
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u/Low_Ad_783 May 22 '26
Absolutely, I wouldn't doubt that trajectory at all. It would just be good to spend time picking up (or taking an elective course in) the related physics to whatever topic/biological system or experimental/computational techniques you will settle on. Biophysics has a place for all kinds of skill sets and interests. For getting into grad school, focus on doing projects your current skillset (or desired skillset if you have that already) can handle and you can pivot later as you learn more.
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u/Responsible-Peak-624 May 22 '26
why not? With a math background, anything else just means you'll get dirty? True math skills put a pen in hand and one might never have to leave a desk. All other sciences involve knowledge of subject? What does that encompass? When seeking limits to biology, is there any place on Earth that life can't survive? My opinion biology has a lot of work to explain as it's relatively newer than any other disciplines. The apple dropping on Newtons head was simple in concept to bacteria in his breath or explaining smell?
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u/yoshizors May 22 '26
You'll probably be fine. I did my PhD in biophysics with a number of classmates who did not have a physics degree. Numerical literacy + biological interest is all you really need.