UB Programs At-A-Glance

Biophysics

Department of Physiology and Biophysics

School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
124 Sherman Hall
South Campus
Buffalo, NY 14214-3078

Phone: 716.829.2738
Fax: 716.829.2344
Web: www.smbs.buffalo.edu/phb/
Email: pgy-bph@buffalo.edu

Harold C. Strauss
Chair

Shinpei Ohki
Director of Undergraduate Studies

About the Program

Biophysical sciences are a group of subdisciplines in the biological sciences that apply the principles of physics and physical chemistry to the analysis of life processes at a quantitative and mechanistic level. The program in biophysics in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics encompasses instruction and research in experimental biophysics, theoretical biophysics, and application of biophysical methodology to clinical problems.

Students who wish to apply for acceptance into the program should bring a copy of their current UB DARS report directly to the department as soon as they decide to major in biophysics. To obtain the maximum benefit from the program, it is important to begin as early as possible.

About Our Degrees

Goals and Objectives

To educate well qualified students who can advance to graduate or professional studies and/or apply their skills in quantitative analysis of biological processes and phenomena in the private and public sectors.

Acceptance Information

Deadlines: Rolling

Acceptance Criteria

Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in science courses.
An adequate background to study biophysics; no specific course requirements are set for admission to the major.

Degree Requirements

See the Undergraduate Catalog.

About Our Courses

For course descriptions, please see the Undergraduate Catalog.

About Our Faculty

One of our faculty members, Dr. Herbert Hauptman, is a Nobel laureate in chemistry for a method using X-ray crystallography analysis. Many of our faculty members specialize in studies of ionic processes and signal transduction mechanisms in nerves and synapses, cell membrane mechanics, cell-cell interactions, and intracellular vesicle trafficking processes. Some of them are associated with activities in the Neuroscience program, the Center For Single Molecule Biophysics, and the Toshiba Stroke Research Center, all of which belong to the UB School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

See a list of our undergraduate faculty.

Practical Experience and Special Academic Opportunities

Participation in research projects at UB and Roswell Park Cancer Institute is available to upper-level undergraduates.

Extracurricular Activities

See the UB Student Association.

Complementary Programs and Courses

Minors that Complement Biophysics



Courses Outside Biophysics that May Improve Employment Opportunities

Career Information and Further Study

Biophysicists study the physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, material transport across cell membranes, and related phenomena. They conduct research to investigate dynamics in such areas as seeing, hearing, and motility as well as molecular structures; signal transduction and transmission in nerves and muscles; cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions; determination of the structures of biological macromolecules; and tissues by using various spectroscopy methods, microscopic and medical imaging techniques.

Skills gained in this program include:

  • Research techniques
  • Gathering and interpreting data
  • Ability to utilize technology


Career Choices

80% of biophysics graduates go on to graduate and/or professional school.

20% of biophysics graduates go on to find related employment.

Positions of employment include:

  • Anatomist
  • Anesthesiologist
  • Aquatic biologist
  • Biochemist
  • Biomedical engineer
  • Biophysicist
  • Educator
  • Environmental scientist
  • Geneticist
  • Geophysicist
  • Health physicist
  • Industrial health engineer
  • Lab assistant
  • Medical illustrator
  • Medical physicist
  • Medical or pharmaceutical sales
  • Nuclear scientist
  • Pharmacologist/toxicologist
  • Physicist
  • Psychology engineer


Work settings include:

Medical labs, hospitals, clinics, medical industry, government agencies, business, and industry.

Career Hints

Biophysics is a far more specific field, one which allows for more detailed research and employment. These skills are transferable, but a student should pursue a biophysics degree if they are interested in continuing their education. Job opportunities center around place of work: researcher in a pharmaceutical lab; engineer in industry; researcher/inspector for government agencies; or a science teacher in a high school. Employment depends on the individual's needs, values, and skills.

Links to Further Information About This Program

Last Modified: Tuesday, 7-Nov-2006 10:26:04 EST