Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering

[tjfloyd]

Okay, so I am an undergraduate major studying Biophysics with a minor in Biomedical Engineering. I am looking to do an MD/ Ph.D program in graduate school. My main goals are to go to med school and become a Pediatric Cardiologist, and go into Cardiovascular Research. Is Biophysics going to help me at all with my research goals? I actually want to do research on the mechanics of the heart and design heart valves. Will Biophysics go over mechanical physics, or am I going to need to search for an advanced degree in Biomedical Engineering? I know I am looking to take Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials, and Biomechanics on the Biomedical Engineering side, but I am taking courses in Nanoscale Science and Applications, Modern Physics, Computational Physics, and Biophysics in my Physics major. Of course I also have courses in Human Physiology, Organic and Biochemistry, Histology, and maths through Differential Equations and Linear Algebra.. Are the courses in nanophysics and biochemistry and stuff going to help me any, or do I need to change over and do Biomedical Engineering instead? I have looked at many different colleges I might try to prepare for. One in particular is Washington University in St. Louis. I noticed their Biomedical Engineering faculty were among the first to mathematically model cardiovascular mechanics, and they do a lot of research in the field. I kind of would like to get a Master's in Physics before I do that, though, and build upon my knowledge of physical laws and mathematical skills. It doesn't matter to me how long I go to college, just so long as I am doing what I enjoy doing. I can't find a college that I could get a M.S. in Physics where I might learn things like Biophysics. most Biophysics programs are Ph.D.. I don't want the Biochemical side of Biophysics, but I would much rather learn mechanics and Biophysics applicable to tissue engineering and biomaterials research. Am I in the wrong field, or have I just not found a college that does this?? I am more into discovering new materials and methods for tissue engineering and quantitive cardiology.. but what kind of degree am I looking for to do so? I know Biophysics is the basis behind all of this, but most degrees in Biophysics cover Molecular biophysics or Biochemical Biophysics, which isn't really what I am looking to learn if it doesn't apply to biomaterials and tissue engineering. Any advice? Thanks in advanced...

 

[TonyG]

Dear undergraduate major,

It sounds like you have a clear idea of your research goals and have done some thorough research on potential graduate programs. Biophysics is definitely a relevant field for your interests in cardiovascular research and tissue engineering. While there may be some overlap with biophysics and biomedical engineering, your coursework in nanoscale science and applications, modern physics, and computational physics will provide you with a strong foundation in the physical principles and mathematical skills necessary for your research goals.

In terms of finding a graduate program that specifically focuses on biophysics for tissue engineering and biomaterials research, it may be helpful to look for programs that have a focus or concentration in these areas. Additionally, you may want to consider reaching out to faculty members at potential graduate programs to discuss their research and see if it aligns with your interests.

As for your question about the type of degree you should pursue, it ultimately depends on your specific career goals. A Ph.D. in biophysics or a related field would provide you with the highest level of training and research experience, while a Master's in physics may also be a good option if you are more interested in the physical principles and mathematics behind tissue engineering and biomaterials research.

In terms of finding a college that offers a Master's in Physics with a focus on biophysics, it may be helpful to broaden your search to include universities that offer a Master's in Biophysics. Additionally, many universities offer individualized or interdisciplinary programs that allow you to tailor your coursework and research to your specific interests. It may be worth exploring these options as well.

Overall, it seems like you are on the right track and have a strong understanding of the skills and knowledge necessary for your research goals. I would encourage you to continue exploring different graduate programs and reaching out to faculty members to discuss your interests and goals. Best of luck in your studies and future career as a pediatric cardiologist and researcher.


A fellow scientist