Biophysics
Chairperson:
Vijay Pande, PhD
Department web site:
http://med.stanford.edu/biophysics/
Faculty of Biophysics:
http://med.stanford.edu/biophysics/faculty.html
Courses given in Biophysics have the subject code BIOPHYS.
Faculty in the Biophysics program share a common interest in understanding the physical principles that underlie biological phenomena. Research in the Program involves two overlapping branches of Biophysics: the application of physical and chemical principles and methods to solving biological problems, and the development of new methods. Research areas include the molecular basis of macromolecular function including structural biology, single molecule analysis, and computational biology; the quantitative relationship between molecular properties and higher-level cell and tissue properties; and emerging areas of quantitative cell and organ biology. Methodologies include imaging at all biological scales: single-molecuale analysis; x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, NMR and other spectroscopic methods for determining three-dimensional structure; and cellular and tissue-level MRI. The training program includes graduate-level coursework in Physical and Biological Sciences, participation in seminar series, and most importantly independent research.
The Biophysics Program offers interdepartmental instruction and research opportunities leading to the PhD in biophysics.
The major objective of the Biophysics Program is to train researchers who are well grounded in basic physical sciences and also sufficiently knowledgeable and highly motivated to explore the wealth of amenable biological problems. Students are encouraged to become proficient in the use of more than one physical method, and to develop an understanding of the nature of the information derived from the different physical measurements and the relationship of this information to the solution of different biological problems.
A small number of highly qualified applicants are admitted to the program each year. Applicants must present strong undergraduate backgrounds in the physical sciences and mathematics. The program of graduate courses, beyond the stated requirements, is worked out for each student individually with the help of appropriate advisors from the Committee on Biophysics. The PhD program is designed to follow a four to five year timetable with the following requirements: training in physics or chemistry equivalent to that of an undergraduate physics or chemistry major at Stanford; and completion of prescribed graduate-level courses or their equivalents, including molecular biophysics, biochemistry, and physical chemistry. A dissertation proposal defining the research to be undertaken and describing methods of procedure must be approved by a committee of three members, including the principal research advisor and at least one member from the Committee on Biophysics. The candidate is required to defend the dissertation proposal in an oral examination. Students must also present a PhD thesis, comprising the results of independent investigation and expressing a contribution to knowledge in the field of biophysics. Each candidate must also pass the University oral examination, which is taken only after the student has substantially completed his or her research. The examination is preceded by a public seminar at which the candidate presents the research.
Research in the Program involves two overlapping branches of biophysics: the application of physical and chemical principles and methods to solving biological problems, and the develpment of new methods. Research areas include the molecular basis of macromolecular function including structural biology, single molecule analysis, and computational biology; the quantitative relationship between molecular properties and higher-level cell and tissue properties; and emerging areas of quantitative cell and organ biology. Methodologies include imaging at all biological scales: single-molecule analysis; x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, NMR and other spectroscopic methods for determining three-dimensional structure; and cellular and tissue-level MRI. The training program includes graduate-level coursework in physical and biological sciences, participation in seminar series, and most importantly independent research.
For more information, contact:
Kathleen Guan
Dept of Structural Biology
Fairchild Building, D100
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-5126
(650) 723-7576
(650) 723-8464 (Fax)
