Biophysics (PhD)

Graduate School

Program Website

Graduate Field

Biophysics

Program Description

Graduate study in biophysics is interdisciplinary and highly individualized. Students majoring in biophysics are expected to obtain a broad, interdisciplinary knowledge of fundamental principles in both the biological and physical sciences. But because biophysics covers a wide range of areas, it would be unrealistic to expect to master each facet in detail. A student working in the dynamics and motions of DNA will develop a strong background in statistical physics, computational science, and instrumentation, while a student involved in enzyme dynamics studies will develop a strong background in biochemistry, X-ray scattering and crystallography, and cryo-electron microscopy.

At the point of passing the "A" exam -- usually after two years of study -- each student is expected to demonstrate competence in specific subject areas that serve as a foundation for further work. Areas of required competence are: advanced mathematics, physics (i.e., statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics), biology (i.e., biochemistry and molecular cell biology), and advanced studies in molecular biophysics and associated areas of biological and physical sciences (i.e., structural biology, computer literacy, laboratory electronics, and instrumentation).

Biophysics field members are drawn from fourteen departments in seven campus units.  In addition to a rich array of instrumentation in the field members labs, shared research facilities available at Cornell to Biophysics students include: MacCHESS (Macromolecular Crystallography at the Center for High Energy Synchrotron Studies); the Biotechnology Resource Center (BRC), which has core facilities in advanced optical imaging and biomolecular analysis, genomics and epigenomics, proteomics and bioinformatics;  the Cornell Nanofabrication Facility (CNF); the Cornell NMR and Chemistry Mass Spectrometry Facility; and the Cornell Center for Materials Research (cryo-EM and Surface Analysis and Characterization).

Concentrations

  • Biophysics