USC Biophysics
Transfer Requirements and Classes

The major preparation USC lists for Biophysics transfers starts with BISC 120Lg, BISC 220Lg and CHEM 115aLg; the full list is below.

82 California community colleges have a current transfer agreement with USC for this major. Pick yours below to see which of its classes count.

California community colleges with a transfer agreement for Biophysics

Your community college

Which classes count at your community college?

Pick your college to see its class for each USC requirement.

Major Requirements

USC Biophysics Major Preparation

The courses USC lists as Biophysics major preparation for transfer applicants, for the 2026-27 academic year. Course numbers are USC's own; pick your community college above to see the matching class there.

Required Lower-Division Courses

Complete all of these

BISC 120Lg General Biology: Organismal Biology and Evolution
BISC 220Lg General Biology: Cell Biology and Physiology
CHEM 115aLg Advanced General Chemistry
CHEM 115bL Advanced General Chemistry
MATH 125g Calculus I
MATH 225 Linear Algebra and Linear Differential Equations
MATH 226g Calculus III
PHYS 161Lg Advanced Principles of Physics I
PHYS 162L Advanced Principles of Physics II
PHYS 163L Advanced Principles of Physics III
PHYS 190 Physics Discovery Series

Required Upper-Division Courses

Complete all of these

BISC 320Lg Molecular Biology
BISC 330L Biochemistry
CHEM 322aL Organic Chemistry
CHEM 322bL Organic Chemistry
MATH 445 Mathematics of Physics and Engineering II
PHYS 304 Mechanics
PHYS 316 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
PHYS 408a Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS 438a Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and its Applications
PHYS 444 Physical Biology: From Molecules to Cells

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Does USC have a Biophysics major for transfer students?

Yes. USC offers Biophysics and lists the major preparation it expects transfer applicants to complete.

What classes do I need to transfer to USC for Biophysics?

USC's Biophysics major preparation includes BISC 120Lg, BISC 220Lg, CHEM 115aLg, CHEM 115bL, MATH 125g and MATH 225, with more courses in the list on this page. Pick your community college on this page to see which of its classes match.

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