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Programs of Study, 1997-1999
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
BIOPHYSICS AND COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
Program Director: Colin A. Wraight
Correspondence and Information: Center for Biophysics and Computational Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 388 Morrill Hall, 505 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 333-1630. E-mail: dodds@uiuc.edu
URL: http://www.life.uiuc.edu/biophysics/home.html
GRADUATE FACULTY
Professors: L. Barr, P. M. Best, A. R. Crofts, T. G. Ebrey, A. S. Feng, R. B. Gennis, J. Gerlt, R. Gillette, Govindjee, E. Gratton, S. I. Helman, E. Jakobsson, P. C. Lauterbur, R. Magin, E. Oldfield, K. Schulten, S. Sligar, T. G. Waldrop, A. H-J. Wang, J. Whitmarsh, P. G. Wolynes, C. A. Wraight
Associate Professors: A. Belmont, M. J. Dawson, W. W. Mantulin, G. U. Nienhaus, S. Subramaniam
Assistant Professors: T. J. Anastasio, M. E. A. Churchill, D. E. Leckband, M. E. Nelson,
Professors Emeritus: P. G. Debrunner, H. S. Ducoff, F. Dunn, C. L. Prosser, W. W. Sleator, G. Weber
ADMISSION AND FINANCIAL AID
The objective of the program in biophysics is to give students sufficient training in physics, chemistry, and biology to enable them to apply the conceptual, instrumental, and mathematical approaches of the physical sciences to the solution of biological problems. The curriculum is broadly based and provides an adaptable approach for students entering with previous training in the physical sciences or for students with a background in biology and some experience in the physical sciences. Admission requirements are usually one year of college biology, one year of college physics, chemistry through organic chemistry, and mathematics through calculus, but deficiencies can be corrected while in training. Applicants must have an admission grade-point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0). Fellowships, traineeships, and teaching or research assistantships are available for qualified students. Usually, students are expected to obtain at least one semester of teaching experience during their graduate careers.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
The program has a flexible approach toward curriculum requirements, but an acceptable course program usually includes the following: (1) physical sciences: mathematics through differential equations, physics and physical chemistry, including thermodynamics and elementary quantum mechanics; and biochemistry. (2) biophysics: satisfactory completion of 1.5 units of 400-level biophysics courses (excluding individual topic courses, seminars, and research); six individual faculty tutorials; and at least one laboratory rotation. Other subjects may be taken with the approval of faculty. (3) Independent research, to commence as soon as practicable after admission. The Ph.D. degree is a research degree, and the program is designed with a major emphasis on individual research.
A qualifying examination, which is offered each semester, must be passed before the end of the fourth semester. After formulating a definite research problem, the student takes the preliminary examination in which the topic is presented to a faculty committee. The committee will also question the candidate on the general research area. Finally, a thesis, which is based on original work and which demonstrates a thorough knowledge of theory and techniques in one of the areas of biophysics, must be defended at the final examination.
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