Education

Harvard University: Arts & Sciences: Biophysics

Category Art and Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, Harvard University, Medicine, Postgraduate, USA, Undergraduate
Tags Arts, Biophysics, Harvard University, Sciences

The primary objective of the Biophysics Program at Harvard University is to prepare investigators with diverse backgrounds for independent research careers in which the concepts and methods of physical science are applied to biological problems. The program is administered by the Committee on Higher Degrees in Biophysics , which is comprised of senior representatives from the Departments of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology; Molecular and Cellular Biology; Chemistry and Chemical Biology; Physics; Genetics and Pathology. Owing to the interdepartmental nature of the program, research may be pursued on the Cambridge campus (in the Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology; Chemistry and Chemical Biology; Physics; the Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences; etc.) or the Boston campus (including the Harvard Medical School, Division of Medical Sciences, and the 11 Harvard-affiliated teaching hospitals, which include the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Children’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital).

The goal of the biophysics program is to nurture independent, creative scientists. To this end, the first part of the program seeks both to introduce the student to the faculty members and their research directly, enabling the student to make a considered choice of research advisor, and to involve the student in the diverse areas of biophysics through laboratory as well as coursework. This first two years provides a background for the second part of the program: the training of the student to be an independent scientist by a period of intensive research, culminating in publications and the PhD degree.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions and Scholarships

Application forms for admission and financial aid may be requested from the Admissions Office, Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Holyoke Center, 3rd floor, 1350 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138. We encourage online submission of the application.

Applicants should state clearly in this application their desire to enter the program for the PhD degree in biophysics. All prospective students are urged to file the application forms well in advance of the deadline of December 8. Late applications will not be considered. Scores on the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are required except in special circumstances. GRE subject tests are recommended. Due to the early application deadline, applicants should plan to take GRE tests no later than October to ensure that original scores are received by the December 8 deadline. TOEFL is required of all foreign applicants other than those whose native language is English.

Final decisions concerning admission are made by the dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the candidates are notified by letter from the Admissions Office.

After being accepted for admission, applicants are encouraged to make arrangements with the administrator of the Committee on Higher Degrees in Biophysics, Building C2, Room 122, 240 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, (617-495-3360) to visit the University.

Students with the MD Degree

Students who already have the MD degree will find an opportunity to improve their knowledge of basic science in either of two ways:

1. Opportunities may be available in the several departments to engage in investigations as a research fellow under the direction of a member of the faculty. No university credit toward a degree is given for such work. Questions concerning the appointment of research fellows should be directed to the -faculty members.
2. Under special circumstances, students who have received the MD degree may become candidates for the PhD degree in biophysics, providing their qualifications for admission are approved and providing they are prepared to fulfill the normal requirements for the degree.