StudentJul 1, 2022University News
By: Alison D’Mello ’22, student correspondent

Researching Career Possibilities with Biophysics

As medical research becomes more advanced, students with a degree in biophysics have the background to be at the forefront of change.
Biophysics classes are held in the Loyola Science Center, a four-story building with state-of-the-art lab equipment.
Biophysics classes are held in the Loyola Science Center, a four-story building with state-of-the-art lab equipment.

 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2021 median annual wage for biochemists and biophysicists was $102, 270. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Science Education predicts that “the aging of the baby-boom population will likely drive demand for biophysicists involved in biomedical research.”

The University of Scranton’s Bachelor of Science in biophysics provides students with an interdisciplinary education aimed learning how to develop the critical thinking and analytical skills needed in this complex field of work. University departments that frequently collaborate with students in this program include chemistry, biology, psychology, physical therapy, occupational therapy and nursing.

With small class sizes capped at 25 to 30 students, faculty work with students on an individual basis to ensure their unique goals are being met, especially regarding research opportunities. Through optional faculty-mentored research opportunities, students can work on a variety of research topics that are of interest to them. Previous student work covered topics including haptic research, heart rate variability, biophysics of hearing and transdermal drug delivery. Previous students have also attained paid summer research experiences at Purdue University of South Florida and Rutgers University.

An undergraduate degree in biophysics prepares students to pursue advanced degrees in fields like biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, medical physics medicine, or optometry. Examples of graduate schools that have accepted recent Scranton graduates include Columbia University, Carnegie Mellon University, John Hopkins University, and The University of Pennsylvania.

While most Scranton’s biophysics majors choose to pursue additional graduate education, there are career opportunities available in the industry immediately after graduation as well.

 

Alison D’Mello ’22, East Brunswick, New Jersey, is a social media strategies major at The University of Scranton.
Alison D’Mello ’22, East Brunswick, New Jersey, is a social media strategies major at The University of Scranton.
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