Biophysics

In this program, you will get broad training in the biophysical, chemical, and molecular concepts and techniques that address outstanding problems in biology and biomedical sciences.

Biophysics is one of the programs in the Harvard Integrated Life Sciences, which facilitates collaboration and cross-disciplinary research. Visit HILS for additional application instructions.

If you are interested in using the theories and methods of physics and related quantitative sciences to understand how biological systems work, the Biophysics Program is for you. You will get broad training in the biophysical, chemical, and molecular concepts and techniques that address outstanding problems in biology and biomedical sciences. The Program’s flexibility enables you to use your experience and background in the quantitative sciences to explore diverse research areas and use that knowledge to approach biological problems in an in-depth way.

Recent student dissertations include: “Structure-guided Neuraminidase Immunogen Design for Next-generation Influenza Vaccines,” “Unifying Regulatory Mechanism of Bacterial Cell Wall Synthesis,” and “Architectural Solutions for Hydraulically-Coupled Material Transport in Plants.”

Graduates of the program have secured positions at academic institutions such as Harvard Medical School, Wesleyan University, California Institute of Technology, and many others. Others have gone on to industry positions in biotechnology at companies such as Novartis, Amgen, and Insight Data Science, among many others.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Biophysics Program. Requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies.

Admissions Requirements

Please review the admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Biophysics Program.

Academic Background

Applicants should have a strong background in the physical sciences, especially chemistry, physics, and mathematics. See the Biophysics Program page for examples of the types of courses that would be considered appropriate background training for research in biophysics.

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose should demonstrate the specific research experiences an applicant has undertaken, motivation for wanting to pursue a PhD in the biophysics, and overall enthusiasm for a future career using biophysics education and training.

Personal Statement

Required

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Optional
GRE Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology Subject Tests: Optional

Optional Documents

The inclusion of optional documents in the application is limited to a CV or Resume.

Combined MD/PHD Program

The Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS) enables PhD students to coordinate their studies for an additional advanced degree. Visit the Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program at Harvard Medical School to learn how to combine an MD with a PhD in Biophysics. This program may be of particular interest to prospective medical students with a strong background in physics. Please see the Biophysics Program page for more information.