Biological physics concerns the study of fundamental problems in physics that are inspired by cell and molecular biology. On the experimental side this may involves manipulating individual DNA/RNA molecules and enzymes or measuring how much force an individual motor protein can exert.
Much like the fundamental sciences of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics were stimulated by technical progress in designing first macroscopic machines and later computers, biological physics is stimulated by technical progress in molecular biology in terms of characterizing and altering the macromolecules of life.
Biological physics aims at providing a conceptual foundation for the ongoing revolution in quantitative biology. Students with research experience in biological physics are in an excellent position to compete for top medical schools and graduate programs in molecular biology and biophysics. The demands on students in biological physics are more stringent than those in physics and molecular biology separately since they have to be able to operate at a more advanced inter-disciplinary level.
The Center for Biological Physics has two types of undergraduate programs. The first is that it places students with biological physics faculty associated with the center for a year-long research experience that should culminate in a Senior Year Thesis.
The second option is to participate in a summer program as part of the Research Experience for Undergraduates that is run by the Department of Physics and Astronomy with one of the faculty members associated with the center.
If you are interested in the Center for Biological Physics Outreach program, please submit your application, letting us know who you are, what motivates you to join this program, what relevant courses you may have taken, and how we can reach you.