No GRE/GMAT Masters Program in Biophysics

The Program in Biophysics (BPY) is intended to facilitate graduate education at Princeton at the interface of the physical and the life sciences. The program encompasses the full range of biophysics research at Princeton: from molecules to animals and cells to ecosystems, including work in both experiment and theory.

World Class Research: Biophysics research at Princeton encompasses work on all scales of life. Intact, functioning biological systems are genuinely complex, and it is hard to do the kinds of reproducible, quantitative experiments that are a hallmark of physics. Inside these systems is such a morass of descriptive details that it raises concerns the value of studying intact systems and processes. However, this sense of gloom is balanced by the fact that living matter organizes itself to do remarkable things. The biophysics community at Princeton attacks these challenges from all angles, combining cutting edge precision experimental measurements and biological manipulation with fundamental theory and phenomenology to make sense of complex biological phenomena. From the mechanics of molecules to communities of bacteria to the development of tissues to networks of thousands of neurons in the brain, we make progress through collaborative efforts that merge different departments and ways of thinking.

Personalized Education: A hallmark of any Princeton education is personal attention. The BPY program is no exception.

Two courses, QCB 515 and PHY562, are required for all students, as is a Responsible Conduct in Research (RCR) course. Three additional elective courses must be completed and can be chosen from the following list. A minimum of a B average in program courses is necessary for successful completion of the program requirement. Courses not on the approved lists may be taken as electives with approval from the DGS. The full course of study for each student must be reviewed and approved by the DGS.

MAE 567 CBE 568 Crowd Control: Understanding and Manipulating Collective Behaviors and Swarm Dynamics.

MAE 550 MSE 560 Lessons from Biology for Engineering Tiny Devices.

MAE 566 Biomechanics and Biomaterials: From Cells to Organisms.

QCB 505 PHY555 Topics in Biophysics and Quantitative Biology.

All students are required to complete a minimum of two 10-week research rotations during their first year of graduate study, with a maximum of four, to explore possible research advisers. Satisfactory rotation performance is one condition of reenrollment.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree is normally an incidental degree on the way to full Ph.D. candidacy and is earned after a student successfully passes the general examination. It may also be awarded to students who, for various reasons, leave the Ph.D. program, provided the student has completed all coursework, pre-generals requirements, and the written portion of the general examination.

A student must teach a minimum of one full-time assignment (6 AI hours), or teach two or part-time assignments for a total of 6 AI hours. Students will typically teach in year 3 or 4 of the program.

The dissertation and final public oral exam (FPO) are required for all Ph.D. students. All students must write and successfully defend their dissertation according to Graduate School rules and requirements.

Biophysics graduate students are required to attend the weekly biophysics seminar series in each semester they are in residence. Each student is also expected to give a talk or poster presentation each year starting in year 2 in either the LSI or CPBF retreats which typically take place during the fall semester.

The Biophysics program stands in solidarity with communities seeking justice for victims of police brutality. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, welcoming and supportive environment for students of all races, ethnicities, belief systems, nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, and with disabilities. We categorically denounce all forms of racism, institutionalized inequality and the injustices that have been borne by members of minority and other marginalized groups, and pledge to take active roles in helping to redress such inequalities. The Biophysics program is fully committed to educating ourselves and to taking action to promote inclusivity and equality for all within our program, in our communities and in the world of science.

Biophysics applies the theories and methods of physics to understand how biological systems work. The Biophysics Program at Harvard University aims to train graduate students focused at the interface of physical and biological sciences.

The program provides broad training in the biophysical, chemical and molecular concepts and techniques that are required to address outstanding problems in biology and biomedical sciences. This interdisciplinary graduate program offers training in approaches to explore the structure, function and interactions of key macromolecules of the cell, the control of cellular and multicellular processes at the molecular and genome-wide levels, as well as the development of methods to image and model these processes. Students apply their training to research areas such as studying macromolecular structure or folding, developing new imaging or measurement tools, or to building models that explain how biological systems transform energy, matter, or information. Some trainees will also learn to use this information to diagnose, understand, prevent or cure human diseases.

In a field as diverse as Biophysics, it is impossible to represent every area of research. Historically, the Harvard Biophysics Program has had unusual strengths in areas of mechanistic biology where physical principles are paramount (e.g., structural biology and cellular dynamics) and in development of new physical measurement tools (e.g., single-molecule methods and imaging techniques). These areas of research will remain foundational, but future progress in the life sciences will crucially depend on continued identification and support of developing areas of research. These research areas will emphasize a fundamental physical science approach not just in terms of tools and techniques, but also in the mode of explanation of biological phenomena.

Program in Cell, Molecular, Developmental Biology, and Biophysics.

Students interested in a graduate degree in biophysics have three program options.

Training in experimental and computational, molecular, and cellular biophysics.

For students with strong computational backgrounds with an interest in thermodynamics, structural biology, and biophysics.

Primary focus on biology with the ability to have biophysics training.

Applicants to the PMB and CMDB programs must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

The Program in Molecular Biophysics (PMB) trains students in experimental and computational, molecular, and cellular biophysics. Students receive a strong background in physical chemical principles, structure and properties of biological macromolecules, computation, and biophysical methods. The coursework in PMB focuses primarily on quantitative physical chemistry of biological systems, structure determination and analysis of macromolecules, and computational analysis of biomolecular systems. Jenkins Biophysics, in the Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry in the School of Medicine, and in several other departments in the schools of Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, and Public Health.

The Program in Cell, Molecular, Developmental Biology, and Biophysics (CMDB) has a primary focus on biology. Students receive strong background in modern biology and they can choose to receive training in biophysics as well. CMDB graduate students participate in a core curriculum including molecular biology, cellular biology, developmental biology, and biophysics. Jenkins Biophysics, in the departments of Biology and Chemistry, and in the Carnegie Institution for Science Embryology on the wood campus.

The Jenkins Biophysics Program is ideal for students with strong math and computational backgrounds, and with a strong desire to learn thermodynamics, structural biology, and biophysics. The program supports graduate students through teaching assistantships during the first two years, and accepts international students who are not training-grant eligible (i.e. students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents). the Program Department when applying.

As a theorist, I am excited to be in the field of biophysics, as it provides a rich of experimental phenomena that benefit from a rigorous application of quantitative frameworks.

Multidisciplinary training at the intersection of physics and biology.

The research focus of the Field of Biophysics is to uncover the fundamental physical and biological principles that govern all forms of life. Understanding these biological systems and their complex processes requires exquisitely detailed knowledge of molecular structures and functions.

Our graduate students are enthusiastic researchers who are instrumental in the research being done in the Field. They form a tight-knit community that supports and mentors their colleagues.

Every year, the Biophysics PhD enrolls a class of 8-12 of some of the most promising and adventurous young scientists from around the globe. Our students come from diverse and eclectic backgrounds, both scientific and personal. We are committed to a diverse community at UC Berkeley and in the Biophysics program. In making admissions decisions we consider the potential of the whole individual to succeed in the program. Research accomplishments, personal and scientific statements of purpose, and recommendation letters are given careful consideration.

Application requirements (ALL materials, including letters, are due November 30). information is provided and required as part of the online application, so please create an application account well before the deadline and review the online application before emailing with questions:.

A nonrefundable application fee: The fee must be paid using a major credit card and is not refundable. For US citizens and permanent residents, the fee is $135 US citizens and permanent residents may request a fee waiver as part of the online application. For all other students (international) the fee is $155 (no waivers, no exceptions).

Letters are also due Nov. 30, so please inform your recommenders of this deadline and give them sufficient advance notice. It is your responsibility to monitor the status of your letters of recommendation (sending prompts, as necessary) in the online system.

Applicants are encouraged to apply for extramural funding, such as NSF Fellowships. Admissions offers are made before (and independent of) fellowship decisions, but writing the proposals is great preparation for graduate school and is a great addition to a CV.

GRE: The Graduate Record Examination is no longer required. Subject exams have never been required. GRE scores will not be used as part of the application review and admission. If you are also considering applying to a program at UC Berkeley that requires GREs, the Graduate Division has information on reporting the scores.

TOEFL IELTS: Adequate proficiency in English must be demonstrated by those applicants applying from countries where English is not the official language. There are two standardized tests you may take: the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). TOEFL minimum passing scores are 90 for the Internet-based test (IBT), and 570 for the paper-based format (PBT). The TOEFL may be waived if an international student has completed at least one year of full-time academic course work with grades of B or better while in residence at a U.S. university (transcript will be required).

It is your responsibility to ensure and verify that your application materials are submitted in a timely manner. Please include the statement of purpose and personal statement in the online application. They will be discarded unread.

The Biophysics Group provides a competitive stipend ($43,362 for 2023-24) as well as full payment of registration fees and non-resident tuition (which includes health care). Students maintaining satisfactory academic progress are provided full funding for five and a half to six years. The program supports students in the first year, while the PI mentor provides support from the second year on. Teaching is part of the training of the program and most students will not teach than one semester, unless by choice.

Due to cost considerations, the program admits few international students the average is two per year.

Students are also strongly encouraged to apply for extramural fellowships, if eligible. There are a number of extramural fellowships that Berkeley students apply for that current applicants may find appealing. just put together a good proposal! Please note that we make admissions offers before the release of (and independent of) the results of fellowship competitions, so our recommendation to m is mainly for your own benefit.

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (app deadlines in Oct).

National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship (app deadline in Dec).

DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (Krell Institute) (app deadline in Jan).

There is no minimum length on either essay, but 3 pages maximum is suggested. The Statement of Purpose should describe your research and educational background and aspirations. The Graduate Division provides information here. information on writing a personal statement can be found here.

Letters of Recommendation: should be from persons who have supervised your research or academic work and who can evaluate your intellectual ability, creativity, leadership potential and promise for productive scholarship. Note: the application can be submitted before all of the recommenders have completed their letters. Be sure to send reminders if your recommenders do not submit their letters.

California Residency: You are not considered a resident if you hope to enter our program in the Fall, but have never lived in California before or are here on a visa. on the application in anticipation of admission. You must have lived in California previously, and be a US citizen or Permanent Resident, to be a resident. Residency status does not impact the review of an application.

Extramural fellowships: it is to your benefit to apply for fellowships as they will facilitate entry into the lab of your choice, are a great addition to your CV and often provide higher stipends. Do not allow concerns coming up with a research proposal before joining a lab prevent you from applying. The fellowships are looking for research potential and proposal writing skills and will not hold you to specific research projects once you have started graduate school.

It will not impact your chances of being admitted into the program.

AdmissionCourses and RequirementsStudent ResourcesStudent HandbookIllinois Biophysics SocietyBQE Tests Support.

Biophysics Alumna Elizabeth Villa Named 2021 HHMI Investigator.