What is Biophysics: Definition and 153 Discussions

Biophysics is an interdisciplinary science that applies approaches and methods traditionally used in physics to study biological phenomena. Biophysics covers all scales of biological organization, from molecular to organismic and populations. Biophysical research shares significant overlap with biochemistry, molecular biology, physical chemistry, physiology, nanotechnology, bioengineering, computational biology, biomechanics, developmental biology and systems biology.
The term biophysics was originally introduced by Karl Pearson in 1892. The term biophysics is also regularly used in academia to indicate the study of the physical quantities (e.g. electric current, temperature, stress, entropy) in biological systems. Other biological sciences also perform research on the biophysical properties of living organisms including molecular biology, cell biology, chemical biology, and biochemistry.

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  1. C

    Other Statistical Physics and Biology

    I'm undergrad physics student and I have read some statistical physics like equilibrium statistical physics, Langevin model and Fokker-Planck equation. I have developed interest in application of statistical physics in biology like protein folding. So what are the other research topics that lie...
  2. DatsRadBro

    Physics Health Physicist - Need just a B.Sc in Health Phys?

    Hi everyone, I am looking to work in a powerplant as a health physicist. I have been looking at requirements and they seem to be typically just a B.Sc in Health Phys + experience. Does anyone know if this is often what is needed? I am doing a dual hons in biology and physics and I want to...
  3. Gjmdp

    Are there applications of Biophysics in Biotechnology?

    You know, Physics has such a big impact on every science and engineering. But in case of Biotechnology I didn't find anyone on Google. Isn't that weird? Advanced Quantum Mechanics in things such as Engineering of DNA, Cells and stuff may be very worth, but now I'm not sure. I will appreciate if...
  4. ElleD

    Courses How could I gain a career in biophysics?

    Hi, I am currently in the last year of sixth form and looking to go to university. However, I am unsure of which course to take since I equally enjoy learning about biology and physics. Biophysics, seems like it would be the ideal career for me but I am unsure of what pathways I could take to...
  5. Oganesson

    Programs I have a degree in Medicine and want to study Biophysics?

    Is it necessary to have a Physics or Biology degree in order to pursue a Masters in Biophysics ?
  6. John Jacke

    What can you tell me about biophysics?

    I'm about to be a junior and I'm majoring in physics. My problem is the money though. I'm going to be broke I think if I do this, but I don't want to do engineering at all. I was thinking of maybe later getting a masters in biophysics. I think I will get a better salary this way. I want to work...
  7. nisler.1

    Trying to run QM/MM simulation with calcium binding protein

    Hello everyone, I'm a graduate student in a biophysics lab. I'm trying to run a QM/MM simulation with a protein that binds 3 Ca2+ ions, and as such I am having a devil of a time getting the SCF to converge. I've tried DIIS, KDIIS, damping, and a few other methods to try to get convergence with...
  8. A

    Purdue Physics or UIUC Biophysics Specialization

    I have PhD admits from Purdue and UIUC for their programs in Physics and Biophysics respectively. I am having a tough time making a decision and with the 15th of April approaching I am having a tough time making a decision. I have a background in Physics and one year of research experience in...
  9. A

    Biology Physics and Maths v/s Biology content in Biophysics

    I have a Master's degree in Physics and am planning to switch over to Biophysics and wish to know a but about the field in general in terms of the following aspects. I've had a few internships on Biophysics in the past and have loved working in this field. However, I have absolutely no...
  10. A

    Programs Purdue v/s UIUC Biophysics (PhD)

    I have a Master's degree in Physics and currently have PhD offers from the Purdue University (Department of Physics and Astronomy) and UIUC (Biophysics and Quantitative Biology Program). I am mainly interested in Computational Biophysics and Image Processing. How do the two programs compare in...
  11. A

    How Do Vortex States in Biological Magnets Impact Ferrimagnetic Behavior?

    Hi, I have been reading this fascinating paper here: http://www.nature.com/nmat/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nmat4484.html I'm struggling with some of the biophysics, and it would be great to get a discussion going. In particular, I was struggling with the statements where it says "The two...
  12. nisler.1

    Biophysics Problem -- Summation Issues

    Homework Statement The average number of mRNAs in the cell at any time t is <m>(t) = Σ m * p(t). Sum over all the differential equations derived in a) in order to obtain a differential equation for <m>(t) Homework Equations So the differential equation I got in a) was dp/dt = (-kp * Pm) - (m *...
  13. 1

    Where Can I Find Biophysics Brain Research Programs?

    I am applying to graduate programs and I'm interested in biophysics, but I want to study the brain. I have yet to find a university that has a biophysics research project that is studying the brain/nervous system. Any information on people doing biophysics research concerning the brain would...
  14. K

    Is a Biophysics PhD a viable path to a tenure track position in academia?

    Hello all, I am in my sophomore year in college trying to prep for grad school, with my interest being in biophysics. My question is, since biophysics is so broad a subject, will it help my chances of getting a tenure track position in academia (ie, can apply for a position in biology, in...
  15. Ariel Jo

    What is the standard free energy change for the decomposition of pyruvic acid?

    Homework Statement Consider the reaction of pyruvic acid (CH3COCOOH) into gaseous acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) and gaseous CO2, which is catalyzed an aqueous solution by the enzyme pyruvate decarboxylase. Assume ideal gas behavior only for the CO2. (a) Calculate ∆298 0 for this reaction. (b) Calculate...
  16. Nantes

    If the air temperature were the same as the human body's....

    Damn title character limits. I just had the weirdest thought while rearranging my computer's case fans. I put my hand in front of one of them and felt a light breeze of air, telling me it was working. This is due to the local cooling produced where the fan's airstream comes in contact with the...
  17. F

    Biophysics: Is it Right for Your Interests?

    As the title says, I want to know which is the area of study of Biophysics. I am really interested in physics because of how interesting everything is. But also I have a great interest on subjects like neuroscience and genetics. Do you think biophysics would be good? Or better go with a biology...
  18. B

    PhD Program: Biophysics vs. Physics w/ biophysics research

    Hi everyone, Long time lurker here coming out to make my first post. I just finished my B.Sc. in Physics and I am getting ready to apply to graduate schools in the Fall of 2015. I did some undergraduate research in experimental biophysics (understanding the statistics of the transport of...
  19. S

    Website(s) Listing Postdoc Position for Biophysics?

    Are there websites that specialize in listing postdoc position for biophysics, computational/mathematical biology? I looked through higheredjobs and aps but found very few positions. Are the available positions this few?
  20. T

    GPA Requirements, Masters Biophysics Canada

    Greetings all, I'm planning on graduating next year from a good school in biophysics with an OK gpa expected in the range of 3.2-3.3. Not stellar, but this meets the minimum requirements for some masters programs here (Canada) and across the border. I've read that realistically, applicants...
  21. Dishsoap

    Biophysics REU with no biology background

    So here's the thing, I just heard back from a university with an REU offer. I'm super excited and this was definitely my top choice, however the research is in computational biophysics. Again, I'm definitely excited to learn more about the research, but I'm also terrified. I grew up going to a...
  22. S

    Physics Can I be a Biophysicist without biology?

    So my future dream job is to study life with a more scientific/theoretical approach. I'm super interested in biology subjects but when it comes to actually doing it I don't like biology; to me, it's just a lot of memorization and not as much problem solving as i'd like. I've already started down...
  23. C

    Biophysics Equation for Cell Permeability: Alcohol Concentration Model

    Homework Statement Consider a simple, physical model of a cell in which the cell is regarded as a spherical bag with radius r, bounded by a membrane permeable to alcohol with permeability, P=20μms-1. Show the concentration of alcohol in the cell is governed by this equation. Homework Equations...
  24. B

    BioPhysics with Thermal Energy

    A microtubule is 100 microns long. Take the young modulus as 1 GPa and the microtubule as a hollow cylinder with outer diameter of 12.5 nm and thickness 2.5nm. a) If one end of the microtubule is clamped down, and is the other end is free to wobble. Estimate the work that must be done to...
  25. A

    Deeper learning in Physiology?

    I have no idea where to post this, but I figured this is the most relevant place. I'm sorry if it's in the wrong section. I am a Pharmacology and Toxicology major at a large state school. I was only required to take physics I and II. (algebra based) At first I thought that was fine, but I...
  26. D

    What are the key steps to becoming a biophysicist?

    I am currently a 2nd year UG student pursuing B.Tech in Engineering Physics at IIT Bombay. What are the various sub-topics of physics that are used by a biophysicist? Percentage wise, how much physics is exactly there in biophysics? Where should I start from if I want to become a biophysicist?
  27. G

    Graduate work in Particle Theory and Biophysics ? Possible ?

    Hi, I am starting graduate work next fall in biophysics, mostly simulations. It's not that biophysics doesn't appeal to me, but my primary interests are in particle theory. Eventually, I would want to learn qft, gr, geometry and topology, the essentials for understanding superstring theory...
  28. M

    Is a Background in Biology Necessary for Learning Biophysics?

    I am physics undergrad and very keen to learn Biophysics. But the problem is I don't know anything about it, I don't know where to start it. Should I need to know much Biology concepts to start learn Biophysics? If yes tell me what are some topics i should know to learn Biophysics.
  29. M

    Careers in Biophysics: Advice & Programs

    Hi, I was just looking at possible opportunities upon graduation from after completing an my undergrad in Biophysics and had a few questions (sorry if they seem silly). After looking at a few different options, research is definitely an interesting route I plan on pursuing. I was wondering...
  30. F

    Biophysics: Concentration and Electric potential

    Homework Statement Consider a membrane which is permeable to a singly charged ionic species. If the concentration on one side is 25 times that of the other, what is the electric potential required to maintain a net flux of zero at 37C? Homework Equations I'm not sure: U = KQq/r flux...
  31. Y

    Programs Double Major Astronomy & Biophysics

    I think I have finally decided I want to double major in Astronomy and Biophysics. There seems to be great overlap because most of it is just physics. I am a sophomore at UT Austin. Do you think this is a wise choice. I kind of just want to follow my interests rather than worry about future job...
  32. J

    Is Pursuing a Biophysics Degree a Smart Career Move?

    I'm currently an undergraduate student majoring in Molecular Biology and minoring in Physics and Biomolecular structure. 1. Will these skills truly aid me in the path to a Biophysics Masters/Ph.D? 2. Is getting a biophysics degree even worth the time and effort, in terms of job markets in...
  33. T

    Low Previous GPA and Biophysics Grad-Canada

    To summarize my life, I did undergrad in Canada graduated in Chemistry/Biology with a low and embarrassing GPA. Went to an offshore medical school for two years and once very unhappy- luckily I did very well there due to a change in attitude about academics. After much research I would like to...
  34. K

    Question about biophysics, mathematical biology etc.

    Right now I'm a 2nd year biology major, focusing on neurobiology. During my first year I noticed that biology outside neuroscience and some physiology doesn't really interest me that much. So I started taking some maths and programming already during my 1st year. Now I'm taking mostly maths and...
  35. L

    Chances of Acceptance to Biophysics/Medical Physics Grad School

    Im coming into my last year of physics courses, (5th year) and I only need to take thermal and advanced lab now. Hurray! But, I have a GPA of 3.2 with a major GPA of about 3.1ish. I am pretty sure i do not want to go into physics for a Phd but i do want to go into BioPhysics or Medical physics...
  36. denjay

    Physics Career options for Biophysics major?

    This is another one if those "if I do this then what can I do" type question. If I go into graduate school for Biophysics and earn a PhD, what type of career can I expect? Would it just be restricted to academia? Would I have to stick with being a post-doc for a long time? Biophysics...
  37. B

    Why Is PET Imaging Contraindicated for Patients with Titanium Dental Implants?

    19. Which imaging method is contraindicated (not allowed) for patients with a titanium dental implant? a) CT b) MRI c) PET d) SPECT e) mammography I thought the answer was MRI, but the correct answer is PET. Can anyone explain why this is. Thanks.
  38. R

    Programs Getting into biophysics grad without biophysics major

    Hello, I'm highly interested in going into grad school as a biophysics student, however in my country (Costa Rica) there isn't a undergraduate program for biophysics, so I'm entering physics program next year. I'm also planning to get into biology program later, but I'm not sure what to do...
  39. L

    Programs Pursuing PHD in BioPhysics - An Undergraduate Student's Journey

    PHD in BioPhysics... To tell you guys a little bit about myself, I am an undergraduate student at an average university (like in your top 70 for undergraduate programs). By the time I will be 22, I will have graduated with 2 masters (one in math, one in physics), three majors (math, physics...
  40. L

    German biophysics student -> masterprogram abroad?

    German biophysics student --> masterprogram abroad? Hello, I've read a lot of postings on this forum so far, and I'm impressed that there are so many people trying to help each other. Now I have a few questions which hopefully can be answered by you. I'm a biophysics student (3rd...
  41. P

    Programs Applied Physics BS going into Biophysics PhD

    Hi, So I am currently interested in attaining an advanced degree in Biophysics (preferably a PhD) but have half a year before I start applying to programs since I have already graduated. I dot want to waste the extra time I have and will be seeking an appropriate internship meanwhile. I will...
  42. V

    Deciding Biotech or Biophysics

    I was stuck on majoring in bio-tech to later become a dentist when i start college here in Georgia at KSU but now i may be going to california next year and am thinking about going to ucla and they offer only biophysics and now I am having a hard time deciding which i would rather major in. A...
  43. jbrussell93

    Biophysics grad with a BS in bioengineering?

    I am interested in going to graduate school for biophysics. I'm currently majoring in biological engineering although I've been considering changing my major to physics. I've been considering the change partly because I feel as though it will better prepare me for biophysics graduate programs...
  44. jbrussell93

    (bio)chem vs physics electives - Biophysics

    I am planning on going to graduate school in biophysics but I'm not sure which electives I should take to prepare myself. As a physics major I have a lot of freedom in my electives but by looking at different graduate programs I'm not sure how I should spend them. Some biophysics programs are...
  45. jbrussell93

    Biophysics BS BioEng Grad vs. BioEng BS Biophys Grad

    I am currently a freshman in Biological Engineering and second guessing my major... I'm very interested in research and certain that I want to go to gradschool after my BS. I'm not 100% sure what I want to study but I'm leaning in the direction of molecular biophysics, computational bio...
  46. S

    Introduction to Biophysics: Recommended Books for Nonlinear Dynamics Enthusiasts

    Hello all! I am new to the forums and I am not exactly sure if this is the right place to post this question. I am currently interested in nonlinear dynamics and a professor had suggestion that I look into biophysics as well. I know almost nothing about biophysics and I am looking for a...
  47. C

    What to do with my BS Biophysics degree?

    Hello forum I recently graduated this summer from UCLA with a BS in biophysics. For the last 3 years, I was completely certain I wanted to go to grad school to either study physics or biophysics. As soon as I graduated, I took the PGRE and scored in the 49 percentile... That was a few months...
  48. C

    What do biophysics do and where do they work?

    What do biophysics do and where do they work?
  49. C

    Biophysics and the medical field

    Hi everyone, I'm a junior in high school right now and trying to decide my career path at this point... I'm going to go to Texas A&M University and want to be a surgeon obviously after college and med-school. But I've began to take a VERY serious interest in physics and spend all my time...
  50. F

    Chemistry or physics: what to study for biophysics or neuroscience?

    I am interested in both physics and chemistry and I am going to choose my undergraduate studies in the next two days. A bachelor's degree in my country lasts three years and there is no major/minor option (one can study physics OR chemistry). I would love to get a master's deegre in biophysics...
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