Sample Plan of Study

Timeline of Biophysics PhD

First Year

Fall Semester

  • BIPH698L: Biophysics Seminar
  • BIPH699: Research in Biophysics (Rotations)
  • BIPH704: Cell Biology from a Biophysical Perspective
  • CHEM684: Thermodynamics

Spring Semester

  • BIPH698L: Biophysics Seminar
  • BIPH699: Research in Biophysics (Rotations)
  • CHEM687: Statistical Mechanics I
  • Advanced course related to the area of specialization (Math, Physics, Biophysical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Neurobiology, etc.)

Summer Term

  • Join research lab
  • Study for qualifying examination
  • Take the qualifying examination

Second Year

  • BIPH898: Pre-Candidacy Research
  • Collect preliminary data and prepare research proposal (candidacy paper)

Third - Fifth Years

  • Oral presentation of research proposal (candidacy talk)
  • Ph.D. research (12 credits of BIPH899)
  • Additional coursework as recommended by advisor
  • Prepare written doctoral dissertation
  • Oral dissertation defense