The word biophysicist is being derived from Biophysics. Biophysics is a bridge between biology and physics. Biophysics studies life at every level, from atoms and molecules to cells, to organisms.
It is also the fusion of biology and physics, it’s a field that applies theories and methods of physics to understand how biological systems work.
Why consider Biophysics?
Are you interested in developing cures for disease, finding scientific solutions to fight global hunger experiment with and designing cutting edge technologies, or solving countless scientific mysteries?
Then biophysics may be the right field for you, so as to solve these and other problems.
What is Biophysics?
Biophysics is an interdisciplinary science that applies approaches and methods traditionally used in physics to study biological phenomena. Biophysics covers all scales of biological organization, from molecular to organismic and populations.
A biophysicist is someone who learns about organisms through the use of physics and biology. Sometimes, this is also known as molecular science because their primary goal is to understand and interpret various biological functions and interactions at a molecular level.
Education
To become a biophysicist you must earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, mathematics, or physics. With a bachelor’s degree one can work as a technician or assistant.
However, if you want to earn the title of a biophysicist, you must continue your education and go on to earn a master’s degree.
This allows you to work in applied research and product development, only after earning a doctorate degree can you work independently as a scientist.
Many people gain experience by obtaining an internship or fellowship within a biophysics laboratory while earning their degree. Programs also require students to write a thesis prior to graduating, in addition to defending it in front of academic professors or scientists that specialize in the chosen topic.
Note
Most people who go to study this area start with biology as an undergraduate degree but take Maths, Physics and Statistics as minor.
Before a Masters degree, you must also earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, mathematics or physics.
Where do Biophysicists work?
The major employer of graduates with qualification in biophysics is in the pharmaceuticals.
They also usually work in labs, they will nearly work in teams, each biophysicist focusing on one small area of their subject.
They also work in conjunction with other biology professionals.
Some are employed with the qualifications to look at environmental impacts. You may also find high school teaching options.
Job Duties and Tasks for: “Biophysicist”
Studies physical principles of living cells and organisms and their electrical and mechanical energy
Investigates transmission of electrical impulses along nerves and muscles
Studies absorption of light by chlorophyll in photosynthesis or by pigments of eye involved in vision
Researches cancer treatment, using radiation and nuclear particles
Analyzes functions of electronic and human brains, such as learning, thinking, and memory
Investigates dynamics of seeing and hearing
Studies spatial configuration of submicroscopic molecules, such as proteins, using x-ray and electron microscope
Researches manner in which characteristics of plants and animals are carried through successive generations
Opportunities
Students with training in biophysics have unlimited career opportunities and pathways including traditional academic research, working in industry from small tech startups to large biotechnology companies, intellectual property law, science writing or science policy.
