Suggested Undergraduate Preparation for Application

• For course descriptions, see the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Course Catalog

Students should have a strong background in the physical sciences, especially chemistry, physics, and mathematics. The list of courses below are to give an example of what would provide an ideal background for a student's course work in specialized areas of biophysics. No undergraduate major would have taken all these courses in college, they are merely provided to serve as a guide. Harvard course numbers are provided for further reference:

Mathematics

MathematicsMultivariable Calculus/Linear Algebra and Differential Equations (Math 21a & 21b)
Advanced Calculus, Real Analysis (Math 112)
Complex Analysis (Math 113)
Structure and Organization of Programming (Computer Science 50)
Linear Algebra (Math 121)

Physics

Classical Mechanics (Physics 15a)
Electromagnetism and Relativity (Physics 15b)
Wave Phenomena (Physics 15c)
Introductory Quantum Mechanics I (Physics 143a)
Laboratory Electronics (Physics 123)
Elementary Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics (Physics 181)

Chemistry

Foundation of Chemistry (Chem 10)
Organic Chemistry (Chem 20 & Chem 30)
Physical Chemistry--Introductory Quantum Mechanics/Statistical Thermodynamics (Chem 160 & 161)

Biological Sciences/Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Introductory Molecular Biology (Biological Sciences 10)
Basic Principles of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (Biological Sciences 11)
Neurobiology (Biology 25)
Classical and Molecular Genetics (Biochem 42)
Physical Biochemistry (Biochem 61)

OTHER:
Writing with Sources. Published by the Harvard University Undergraduate Education Expository Writing Program, is an excellent resource.