Graduate Program

The participating faculty and others affiliated with the program will offer a number of courses to enable the students to enter the research phase of the program quickly. Because the program is interdisciplinary, the courses may be taught by more than one instructor with each one bringing different and unique perspective to the topics of interest. There are no formal course requirements. However, we advise the students to take enough courses so that they can pass a required qualifier exam to be taken nominally at the end of the first year in residence.

To sample a spectrum of research, we encourage participation in a research program in which a student spends a minimum of six weeks in three laboratories in the first year. Students are expected to join a research laboratory at the end of their first year.

For admission, a candidate must present a clear and consistent case that he/she has the background, desire, and ability to complete a Biophysics graduate degree. An admission form must be completed and the fee paid.

Financial Aid

We will provide financial aid in the form of teaching assistantship to all entering graduate students. Outstanding students will be automatically considered for University wide fellowship. In addition, individual faculty may offer research assistantship (RA) to exceptionally qualified students. It is expected that all students will be RAs after they choose their advisors.

Participating Institution

Students, with the consent of advising committee, can work in the neighboring National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Financial support for such students will come directly from NIST. In the long run we expect to obtain support from the National Institute of Health (NIH) as well. One participating faculty from the University of Maryland will oversee the progress of students who work outside the campus.