2 answers
Michelle
Student
Delano, California
1
Question
Asked
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What tips would you give to a college freshman in biomedical physics ?
I'm starting this fall and I'd like to be prepared beforehand. #Spring26
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2 answers
Andrew Au
Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, Retired
258
Answers
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
We may consider an undergraduate degree in biomedical physics to be a general physics degree light. Still, students must complete most of the basic degree requirements for a regular physics degree such as classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermal dynamics, physical optics, and modern physics, but with a couple of courses in biomedical physics. Calculus I and Calculus II are the minimum required courses for the major as far as math courses are concerned.
Hence, if it is possible, courses like AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, and AP Physics would constitute good preparation for your adventure in biomedical physics if you have not already done so.
Hence, if it is possible, courses like AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, and AP Physics would constitute good preparation for your adventure in biomedical physics if you have not already done so.
Keerthan K Nair
Software Engineer
32
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Keerthan’s Answer
1. The Strategy: Academic Adaptation
The Reality: You will need to rapidly switch between the heavy problem-solving and logic required for Physics and Calculus, and the intense memorization and system-tracking required for Biology and Chemistry.
The Action: Focus on endless practice problems for physics/math, and use spaced-repetition tools (like Anki) for biology.
2. The Strategy: The Technical Edge
The Reality: Modern medical physics relies heavily on computers for analyzing biological data and medical imaging (like MRIs or CT scans).
The Action: Spend some time before the fall semester learning Python (specifically libraries like NumPy) or MATLAB, and look into basic imaging software like ImageJ.
3. The Strategy: Career & Research Alignment
The Reality: Your undergraduate years need to match your end-goal, whether that is medical school, research, or industry.
The Action: Map out your pre-requisites early (e.g., Organic Chemistry for Pre-Med, or advanced math for Medical Physics) and look for university research labs to join during your freshman year to build your resume.
The Reality: You will need to rapidly switch between the heavy problem-solving and logic required for Physics and Calculus, and the intense memorization and system-tracking required for Biology and Chemistry.
The Action: Focus on endless practice problems for physics/math, and use spaced-repetition tools (like Anki) for biology.
2. The Strategy: The Technical Edge
The Reality: Modern medical physics relies heavily on computers for analyzing biological data and medical imaging (like MRIs or CT scans).
The Action: Spend some time before the fall semester learning Python (specifically libraries like NumPy) or MATLAB, and look into basic imaging software like ImageJ.
3. The Strategy: Career & Research Alignment
The Reality: Your undergraduate years need to match your end-goal, whether that is medical school, research, or industry.
The Action: Map out your pre-requisites early (e.g., Organic Chemistry for Pre-Med, or advanced math for Medical Physics) and look for university research labs to join during your freshman year to build your resume.