Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics
The Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics provides a research-intensive environment for advancing the training of undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral trainees. The department aims to promote, at all levels, the understanding of the function of living systems. An exceptionally strong group of 21 primary and 9 joint appointment faculty performs cutting-edge research and
- Investigates the structure and function of cells at the tissue, molecular, all the way down to the atomic level.
- Seeks to comprehend the general laws of molecular and cellular physiology and how they operate in living systems.
- Strives to integrate their discoveries to understand the function of the entire organism and exploit this knowledge for the betterment of human health.
- Provides first-rate contemporary training to graduate and medical students in all aspects of physiology and biophysics.
Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics
Meet the faculty and researchers driving groundbreaking discoveries at the intersection of physiology and biophysics. In this video, department Chair Dr. Ling Qi and several colleagues highlight the department’s commitment to cutting-edge research, collaborative science, and exceptional training for graduate students and postdocs. From world-class facilities to a vibrant academic community, explore why the University of Virginia is a top destination for future scientists.
Learn MoreA Welcome Message from the Department Chair
Our department chair, Dr. Ling Qi, welcomes you to our Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics and introduces you to the groundbreaking research opportunities our faculty, researchers, and students get to participate in everyday.
Learn MoreNews
Scientific Activities at UVARead MoreThe department has research opportunities in Electron Microscopy; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; X-ray Crystallography; Membrane Protein Expression; and Optical Microscopy and Single Molecule Fluorescence.
Center for Membrane and Cell PhysiologyLearn MoreThe mission of the Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology at UVA is to image cellular processes at high resolution using state-of-the-art cellular microscopy and structural biology techniques.
Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research CenterRead MoreThe Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center was established to expand basic, translational, and clinical research of cardiovascular diseases.
Graduate Program Application
The UVA predoctoral program is designed to attract and train candidates from two applicant pools: the biomedical sciences graduate program and the medical scientist training program
To ApplyRichard Henderson, PhD, 2017 Nobel Prize in Chemistry Presents:
“The Cryo-EM Revolution in Structural Biology” 2021 John F. Anderson Distinguished Lecture at UVA – March 22, 2021
View Video Upcoming Events
- NOV2
Monday, November 2, 2026
12:00 am
- NOV9Seminar: Yifan Cheng, PhD, UCSF, Title: Structural energetic of cold sensitivity in TRPM8 and beyond
Monday, November 9, 2026
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Pinn 1005
- DEC7
Monday, December 7, 2026
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Snyder 314, 480 Ray C. Hunt, Fontaine
- JAN4
- JAN11
Monday, January 11, 2027
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm