Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biophysics

Shortlist

# =13QS Subject Rankings

24 monthsProgram duration

Biological SciencesMain Subject Area

Program overview

Main Subject

Biological Sciences

Study Level

PHD

Graduate study in biophysics is interdisciplinary and highly individualized. Students majoring in biophysics are expected to obtain a broad, interdisciplinary knowledge of fundamental principles in both the biological and physical sciences. But because biophysics covers a wide range of areas, it would be unrealistic to expect to master each facet in detail. A student working in computational modeling of protein motions will develop a strong background in statistical physics, computational science and chemistry, while a student involved in laser studies of proteins in biological membranes will develop a strong background in quantum physics, instrumentation, chemistry and biomembranes. At the point of passing the "A" exam -- usually after two years of study -- each student is expected to demonstrate competence in specific subject areas that serve as a foundation for further work. Areas of required competence are: advanced mathematics, physical chemistry (i.e., statistical mechanics and/or quantum mechanics), biochemistry and molecular cell biology, computer literacy and/or laboratory electronics and instrumentation, and advanced studies in molecular biophysics and associated areas of biological and physical sciences. The field's members are drawn from fourteen departments in seven campus units, and include three members of the National Academy of Sciences. International and national honors won by members of the Cornell biophysics faculty include the Biological Physics prize of the American Physical Society, the American Chemical Eli Lilly Award in Biochemistry, the Pfizer Award, and Guggenheim and Fogarty Foundation fellowships. Research facilities for X-ray crystallography, optical, laser, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and computation include the Cornell Theory Center (supercomputing); the Center for High Energy Synchrotron Studies; MacCHESS (Macromolecular Crystallography at the Center for High Energy Synchrotron Studies), the Developmental Resource for Biophysical Imaging Optoelectronics, the Center for Advanced Technology in Biotechnology; the Cornell Nanofabrication Facility; the Keck 3D Stereo Viewing Theater; the Biomolecular NMR Center; and the Chemistry NMR Facility.

Program overview

Main Subject

Biological Sciences

Study Level

PHD

IELTS

Students must have a Honor's Level BA; Honor's Level BSc.

Program Duration

2 Years

Starting Month(s)

Jan-2000

Tuition fee and scholarships

Tuition Fee
Scholarships

Domestic Students

Tuition Fee/year

0 USD

Tuition Fee (Out of State)

International Students

Tuition Fee/year

0 USD

Other Expenses

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

A list of available scholarships around the world

A scholarship application checklist

Download Scholarship Guide

More programs from the university

Cornell University offers 80 undergraduate majors and 122 minors; a few of which are interdisciplinary or dual degree programs. To give you a sense of the type of programs Cornell University offers, here’s a selection of a few of their programs:

Feminist, gender and sexuality studies
Environmental engineering
Fiber science and apparel design
Global and public health sciences
Government
Policy analysis and management
Urban and regional studies.

All students, including internationals, are required to sit the SATs (that is, even if they’ve taken A levels or the International Baccalaureate). To apply, you would also need to submit English proficiency test results. Aim to score at least 100 in the internet-based exam, or 600 in the paper based exam in your TOEFL or at least 7 in the IELTS.

Arts and Humanities (6)

Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.)

Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Art

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design and Management

Bachelors of Arts in Archaeology

Bachelors of Arts in Classics

View All

Business and Management (6)

Bachelor of Science in Policy Analysis and Management

Engineering and Technology (6)

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (BSECE)

Bachelor of Science in Information Science

Bachelor of Science in Information Science, Systems, and Technology (ISST)

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

View All

Life Sciences and Medicine (6)

B.S. in Agricultural Sciences

B.S. in Animal Science

B.S. in Biology and Society

Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering

View All

Natural Sciences (6)

B.S. in Biometry and Statistics

Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science

Bachelor of Science in Design and Environmental Analysis

Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics

Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering

View All

Social Sciences and Management (6)

B.S. in Communication

Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics and Management

Bachelor of Science in Development Sociology

Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science

Bachelor of Science in Food Science

Bachelor of Science in Human Biology, Health and Society

View All

Cornell University offers a wide range of interesting graduate fields of study, including:

Asian literature, religion and culture
Astronomy and space sciences
Film and video studies
Medieval studies
Operations research and information engineering
Peace studies and peace sciences.

At graduate level, cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, book and supplies and room and board, ranges between US$ 29,500 and US$ 102,652. That being said, 97% of PhD students at Cornell University living on-campus receive funding covering their tuition, fees, health insurance and a stipend from the university.