About

Welcome to Biophysics at UVA

The Biophysics Program is a true interdisciplinary degree-granting program that has faculty in 13 departments over three schools or colleges across the Grounds of the University of Virginia. Members of the Biophysics Program conduct research in a wide range of areas of biological and human health questions, but our common ground is the use of quantitative approaches that emphasize chemistry, computation, mathematics and physics in studying biological phenomena.The members of the Biophysics program are committed to providing world-class graduate training for or students that will prepare you for future research positions in academics, industry or the allied professions. This is accomplished by didactic and interactive courses; exposure to excellent science through our seminar series, journal clubs, and research-in-progress talks; preparation and presentation of your own talks; and attending national and international conferences Most importantly, our students are engaged in conducting high level, cutting edge, relevant, and significant research in highly collaborative and collegial environment where they can develop to their fullest potential. Come join us at the University of Virginia!

Our program is one of the oldest Biophysics degree programs in the country and was founded by Professor Jesse Beams who made made major contributions to development of the modern ultra centrifuge. Our annual BEAMS LECTURE invites distinguished speakers including several Nobel Prize and Lasker Award winners.

In the course of graduate studies, students are admitted by the umbrella Biomedical Sciences (BIMS) Graduate Program and advised by a personalized advising group of three faculty for the first year. Towards the end of the first year, students select a mentor and a specific Ph.D. degree program, which can be Biophysics or one of the other Biomedical Sciences programs (Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics; Cell Biology; Microbiology; Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics; Neurosciences; Pathology; or Pharmacology). Some students decide to carry out research in a lab not in one of these departments, for example, Chemistry or Biomedical Engineering, but they still receive their degrees in one of the BIMS programs. Students complete their graduate training and thesis research satisfying the course the course and degree requirements of the specific program.

Living in the Charlottesville Area

Charlottesville is in western central Virginia nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains about two hours drive southwest of Washington, D.C. and one hour west of Richmond. It is home to a population of over 40,000 residents with a metropolitan population over 200,000. C’ville is synonymous with the University of Virginia but also hosts a number of light industry companies and federal government agencies. It is ranked among the best places to live in America in various polls. Because it is a college town, there is a vibrant social and cultural scene with many concerts, museums and an amazing number of exceptional restaurants. UVA is ranked in the top two of three public universities in America. it is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, and we have amongst the best college sports competition in the country. We are particularly known for perennially ranked women’s and men’s soccer and lacrosse teams, as well as baseball, football, basketball and many more.

Please contact us at: biophysicsuva@virginia.edu