BIOL 280Introduction to Biophysics
When it runs
- F24
- W25
- S25
- F25
- W26
- S26
- F26
- W27
- S27
Ran in 4 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 2 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.
Introduction to a physical understanding of biological systems at macro and molecular scales. The course is intended for second-year science and engineering students and will cover a broad spectrum of topics in biophysics, as well as an introduction to neurobiology, nanotechnology, and biotechnology.
Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Students must be in level 2A
- Enrolled in a Faculty of Engineering program or an Honours Science program
Antirequisites
None listed.
Leads to
Winter 2027 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | 6841 | 0 / 40 | TTh 14:30–15:50 |
| LEC 701 | 2565 | 16 / 9999 | Online or by arrangement |
Reviewed on UW Flow
100% liked it0% easy100% useful
From 3 ratings on UW Flow. Read them all on UW Flow.
Discussed on r/uwaterloo
9 posts and comments in 9 threads mention BIOL 280, June 2018 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.
Fall 2023
Bird Science Courses 4 points, 11 comments
u/chomnks7: “Hi, does anyone have recommendations on bird science courses in the 200, and 300 levels( (excluding BIOL 225, BIOL 280/PHYS 280, and SCI units) ? If not birdy, just something that isn't gonna give me hair loss. Thanks!”
Spring 2021
Need to bump my science average. Any course recommendation? 2 points, 4 comments
“I need to bump up my science average. Does anyone know of any bird science courses (PHYS, BIO, CHEM, ERTH etc, but not SCI) that I can take over the summer while working?”
u/_Saraha_: “Biol 280 (not sure if this is offered spring), Biol 120, Earth 121, kin 204L (not sure if that still counts)”
Fall 2020
How heavy is BIOL 240? 6 points, 9 comments
“I am thinking of taking BIOL 240/240L for winter term (I realize the add/drop period has passed but...). I am in first year and I also have BIOL 239, CHEM 123, PHYS 112 and ENGL. …”
u/_Saraha_: “… If you are looking for another class I would recommend taking an easier interest course or if you are up for a challenger, biol 280 is EXCELLENT (and not that hard!) its intro do biophysics:) brenda lee is based and if you have the textbook the course is ezpz.”
Anyone in honours Science? What did you end up taking in your 2B and 3A terms? 3 points, 2 comments
u/_Saraha_: “Hey! 2B: Biol 273, Econ 254, Chem 267, Chem 237, Ls 101, and associated labs 3A: Biol 280, Econ 212, Biol 309, kin 406, and biol 301:)”
Winter 2020
Biol 280/Phys 280 Textbook?!?!? HELP! 3 points, 8 comments
u/_Saraha_: “I have been looking for the two textbooks for this class all week with no luck. I have checked - feds used books - the bookstore - laurier bookstore - 2 uptown waterloo bookstores - amazon I need them sooner than later so if anyone has a copy of either and would be willing to …”
Winter 2019
biol 280/phys 280 (ADVICE NEEDED) 4 points, 0 comments
u/XxUzumakixX: “… For anyone who's taken biol 280/phys 280, I'd really appreciate any tips u have for midterm prep.”
don't know if i should leave my schedule as is 5 points, 1 comment
u/XxUzumakixX: “… I'm currently enrolled in biol 273,biol280,chem267/267l engl 109, and cs 100. NGL my classes are pretty spaced out so the schedule is good in that sense. …”
Fall 2018
thoughts on BIOL/PHYS 280 3 points, 7 comments
u/XxUzumakixX: “I'm enrolled into biol 280 next term and I can barely find any info in regards to the course. …”
Spring 2018
Partners for Phys/Biol 280 Final Project 1 point, 0 comments
Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026
- Undergraduate Calendar, 2026–27The official entry
- Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
- Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
- Quest Class SearchWhere you enrol
- Course outlinesSyllabi from past terms (UW login)
- UW FlowStudent ratings and reviews
- WClassesPast sections back to 2004, and who taught them