|
![]() |
 |
Center Director: John Whitmarsh
156 Davenport Hall, 607 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-1630
E-mail: biophysics@ life.uiuc.edu
Graduate Degree Programs
Biophysics and Computational Biology offers a doctor of philosophy
degree program. In rare circumstances, a student may obtain a terminal
master’s degree, but he or she must meet the requirements of
the degree, obtain permission of the director, and have the support
of his or her adviser.
Admission
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. Most applicants who are accepted into the program have
general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores in the upper 70%-90%
range. The Biophysics and Computational Biology Program does not require
the subject GRE for admission. Scores on the Test of English as a
Foreign Language (TOEFL) for international applicants must meet the
University minimum of 550 on the paper-based test (or 213 on the computer-based
test). However, students with TOEFL scores in the 550-607 range on
the paper-based test (213-253 on the computer-based) must sit for
the University’s English Placement Test (EPT) if they are accepted,
to determine what, if any, additional English as a second language
courses they will be required to take. Students normally begin the
fall semester of the academic year, but in some circumstances, admissions
beginning in the spring semester can be arranged.
Graduate Teaching Experience
Experience in teaching is considered a vital part of the graduate
program and is required as part of the academic work of all Ph.D.
candidates in this program.
Doctor in 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,
physical chemistry including thermodynamics and elementary quantum
mechanics, and biochemistry; (2) biophysics: satisfactory completion
of 6 graduate hours of 500-level biophysics courses (excluding individual
topic courses, seminars, and research), six individual faculty tutorials,
and at least one laboratory rotation, and other courses with the approval
of faculty; and (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.
Financial Aid
As a rule, all graduate students in biophysics are guaranteed financial
support throughout their studies, provided they remain in good standing.
This support can be in the form of assistantships, traineeships, or
fellowships. After the first semester of study, most students are
supported directly by their research adviser in the form of a research
assistantship, which continues until graduation. Every biophysics
student is required to serve as a teaching assistant for one semester.
|
|
|
