Biotechnology Training Program

For more information about the Biotechnology Training Program, click here.

Biophysics Training Program

The Interdisciplinary Program in Biophysics at the University of Virginia is comprised of more than two dozen faculty members in the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Medicine, and the School of Engineering and Applied Science. The Biophysics Ph.D. training program is designed to allow a maximum degree of flexibility so that students with varying backgrounds and research interests can be prepared to investigate the broad range of scientific problems encompassed by biophysics. The current focus of the program is on molecular and cellular biophysics, with outstanding strength particularly in the areas of structural biology and membrane biophysics.

This Biophysics Program was founded in the 1960s by a group of faculty headed by the late Jesse W. Beams, an eminent experimental physicist best known for developing the ultracentrifuge as a tool for physical biochemistry. Due to strong interest in biophysics among the faculties in Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the Interdisciplinary Program in Biophysics grew rapidly into a vigorous doctoral program. From its inception, graduate students joining the Biophysics Program have been among the most highly qualified in the entire University. Between 1968 and 2005 the Ph.D. in Biophysics was awarded to 62 individuals, nearly all of whom are still pursuing successful careers in biophysical research. Faculty members involved in the University of Virginia Biophysics Program have played an active leadership role in the national and international biophysics communities. Three former presidents of the Biophysical Society have come from our faculty or have received a Ph.D. degree in Biophysics from the University of Virginia (Thomas E. Thompson, Gary Akers and Stephen H. White). Four members of our faculty (Rodney L. Biltonen, Andrew P. Somlyo, Avril V. Somlyo and Thomas E. Thompson) were Fellows of the Biophysical Society, an award given by the Society to only a few of its most distinguished members. Thomas E. Thompson was also Editor of the Biophysical Journal from 1988 to 1992.

For more information about the Biophysics Training Program, click here.

[Excerpt taken from University of Virginia Biophysics Program Overview]

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