Program of Study
Opportunities for research within the Biophysics group cover a spectrum from macromolecular structure to cell biology to chemical biology to computational neuroscience. The structure of receptors, motors and enzymes, understanding their mechanisms of action, and the design of small molecules that can target these proteins is the focus of a large number of experimental and theoretical investigations. In many cases, numerous laboratories will collaborate to tackle multiple facets of such challenging problems. Protein folding pathways and the role of dynamics in protein function is another area of intense investigation, as is the study of structure and dynamics of RNA and DNA and their complexes with proteins and drugs. At the cellular level, studies include the mechanism, structure and function of chromosomes and centrosomes, the nucleation and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, the structure and mechanism of myosin and kinesin motors, the mechanism of protein translocation and membrane channels. A growing emphasis is being placed on the role of synthetic chemistry in biology and of bioinformatics. The student has the opportunity of working with many different faculty members and choosing among their varied research programs. It is expected that the student will take advantage of the wide-ranging interests of our faculty to develop variety and richness in his or her own educational experience.
The Biophysics program is a founding member of the new Integrative Program in Quantitative Biology (iPQB). Under this umbrella program (awarded an HHMI Interfaces Initiative grant in 2006) Biophysics students may also focus on complex biological systems. The Biophysics core curriculum has been enriched by the addition of new courses designed to provide training in the more quantitative aspects of modern biomedical research, including the mathematics fundamental to biology, and courses in biocomputing algorithms and bioinformatics. Innovation in cross-training of young physicists and engineers in biology, and biologists and biochemists in quantitative approaches, is aimed at producing top-notch scientists who are equipped for an increasingly interdisciplinary research model. A 'bootcamp' prior to entrance in the first year teaches the basics of molecular biology, math tools most useful in the modern biomedical research lab, and basic wetlab skills. Interdisciplinary team challenges offered between quarters will challenge students to use their new skills and foster collaborations between students of disparate backgrounds.
The first year is devoted to course work and to rotations in three or four research laboratories. One of these rotations should be in an area outside the student's primary interest. Each student also enrolls in a core biophysics curriculum in the first year, and one course of the student's choice in the PIBS core curriculum (second year). A course in the responsible conduct of science is required at the end of the second year. The biophysics seminar and informal journal club program continues throughout the course of study. A faculty-mentored journal club provides instruction and direct practice of presentation skills during the first and second years. Students are expected to act as teaching assistants during one quarter of their second or third year to gain valuable skill in an important area of professional development. Additional teaching experience is provided in the Bootcamp curriculum for those students seeking more opportunities in this area.
A qualifying exam is taken not later than the beginning of the student's third year.