Biophysics and Computational Biology

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.