Biophysics
Biophysics
Summary
Biophysics involves the study of biological processes through the lens of physics. It is a rapidly growing science worldwide, driven by the realization of the widespread applications of biological sciences. Biophysics studies the organisms at a cellular level using the aid of Physics. Biological Sciences in itself encompasses a wide range of upcoming areas of study such as organic and physical chemistry, molecular and cell biology, atomic and molecular physics, etc. Biophysicists can come up with solutions for the various biological and physical problems in our daily life. As their research is carried out at different levels, it has some amazing career opportunities. Biophysics is an up-and-coming field which can create many successes and help in the progress of mankind in a sustainable manner.
Career Opportunities in Biophysics
They work mostly in the field of therapy and diagnosis. They need a vast range of analytical, computer-aided and bioengineering skills. They even work at developing new drug delivery systems, diagnostic tests, and drug designing.
They work in the field of nutrition. They conduct analysis of different adulterants, nutritional content, product processing, toxins, quality control, research and development of new products. They even study how nutrition effects the body and its various bioprocesses.
They work on projects related to applied research. They are usually associated with checking how different substances like chemicals, hormones, drugs etc. effect various biological processes.
They working at a range of institutes such as Hospitals, universities, research institutes, laboratories, Pharmaceutical companies, etc. Their objective is to investigate the different biophysical aspects of substances and how they affect living organisms and how to use them for improvement or correction.
They work as teachers of Biophysics at various colleges, institutes, and universities.
There are also other exciting roles as programmer, bio-informaticist, and computational biophysicist. They can also become engineers targeting environmental problems. Other opportunities can include writers and editors, intellectual property advisors, and legislative advisers.
How to Pursue a Career in Biophysics
| Stream | Graduation | After Graduation | After Post Graduation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Path 1 | SSC with Science Stream | Take up Bachelor of Sciences in Biophysics or Bachelor of Sciences (Honors) Physics or Bachelor of Sciences (Honors) Biological Sciences for 3 years | Take up Master of Sciences in Biophysics for 2 years | Take up Ph.D for 3-5 years |
| Path 2 | SSC with Science Stream | Take up Bachelor of Sciences (Honors) in Biophysics or Bachelor of Sciences (Honors) Physics or Bachelor of Sciences (Honors) Biological Sciences for 3 years | Take up Post Graduate Diploma in Biophysics or Biological Sciences for 1 year |
Important Courses Covered
Year 1- Most Biophysicists hold Bachelor of Science degrees in the following domains:
- Biophysics
- Physics
- Biological Sciences
- Other important facts:
- A few colleges and universities have eligibility criteria of minimum 50% aggregate marks in Class 12th and some of minimum 60%
- A few colleges and universities also have an age limit
- A few colleges and universities have admissions in Bachelor of Sciences (Honors) in Biophysics or Physics or Biological Sciences Based on entrance tests conducted by them or else based on the marks secured in the qualifying examinations.
Leading Institutes
Top Institutes in India
| College | Location | Website | Entrance Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Stephens | Delhi | www.ststephens.edu | Merit |
| Gargi College | Delhi | www.gargi.du.ac.in | Merit |
| Hansraj College | Delhi | www.hansrajcollege.ac.in | Merit |
| Miranda House | Delhi | www.mirandahouse.ac.in | Merit |
| Sri Venkateswara College | Delhi | www.svc.ac.in | Merit |
| Loyola College | Chennai | www.loyolacollege.edu | Merit |
| Madras Christian College | Chennai | www.mcc.edu.in | Merit |
| St. Xavier's College | Mumbai | www.xaviers.edu/main | Merit |
| Fergusson College | Pune | www.fergusson.edu | Merit |
| Mount Carmel College | Bangalore | www.mountcarmelcollegeblr.co.in | Merit |
| Presidency University | Kolkata | www.presiuniv.ac.in/web | Merit |
| All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) | Delhi | www.aiims.edu | Merit |
| University of Mumbai | Mumbai | www.mu.ac.in | Merit |
| University of Madras | Chennai | www.unom.ac.in | Merit |
Top Institutes in the World
| College | Location | Website | Entrance Exams |
|---|---|---|---|
| National University of Singapore | Singapore | www.nus.edu.sg | Separate Entrance Exam and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) / Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) |
| Imperial College London | United Kingdom | www.imperial.ac.uk | International English Language Testing System (IELTS) / Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) |
| University of Toronto | Canada | www.utoronto.ca | International English Language Testing System (IELTS) / Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) |
| Massey University | New Zealand | www.massey.ac.nz | International English Language Testing System (IELTS) / Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) |
| The University of Queensland | Australia | www.uq.edu.au | International English Language Testing System (IELTS) / Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) |
| Yale University | United States | www.yale.edu | Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) + International English Language Testing System (IELTS) / Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) |
| University of California, Berkeley | United States | www.berkeley.edu | Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) + International English Language Testing System (IELTS) / Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) |
| Columbia University | United States | www.columbia.edu | Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) + International English Language Testing System (IELTS) / Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) |
| University of Pennsylvania | United States | www.upenn.edu | Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) + International English Language Testing System (IELTS) / Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) |
Work Description
- Study the different physical and chemical properties of various living organisms
- Conduct research and experiment on various living organisms to learn more about them
- Study the effects of various substances such as food, chemicals, drugs, etc., on tissues and living organisms
- Study the various genetic changes in different organisms that can lead to the discovery of new diseases
- Investigate the evolution of different flora and fauna to study how their unique genetic characteristics are carried forward to ensuing generations
- Develop new experiments with the objective of detecting various syndromes, genetic disorders or other diseases
- Writing and publishing thesis and reports on the basis of abovementioned experiments and observations based on living organisms
- Develop newer crops that have the ability to resist issues such as water deficiency, insect attacks and numerous other diseases
- Create new techniques to protect the environment and to clean up the contamination of the environment
Top Hiring Companies
Biophysicists can get a job such as a Professor or an Associate Professor or an Assistant Professor in various colleges and universities such as Indian Institutes of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, University of Madras, and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurological Sciences. Jobs in research roles are easily available such as a Scientific officer, Junior Research Fellow, Research Associate, Senior Research Fellow, etc. at a multitude of research institutes like Raman Research Institute, Indian Institutes of Technology, and National Institute of Mental Health and Neurological Sciences.
Big international companies such as Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Abbott Laboratories, Baxter, Boehringer Ingelheim India Pvt Ltd, Merck, Boston Scientific, Thermofisher, CPA Global, and Pfizer also look to take on biophysicists in the crucial roles of engineers, scientists, research fellows, designers, analysts, patient specialists, programmers, and directors. Also, companies in various other fields are coming up with new and unique applications of the science of biophysics in their products and are looking to hire more and more experts in the field to create new features and functionalities in their products based on biophysics.
FAQs
- Go to class and do your homework
Work with your professors
Choose your friends wisely
Learn how to code
Make sure you do an internship
Time Management – Learn to manage your time both before and during the exam
Know the Syllabus – Be thorough with the exam syllabus at the start of your preparation
Make Short Notes – Make copious notes as these will come in handy for last-minute revision
Know your Weakness and Strengths – Analyse your weaknesses and strengths during preparation and devise a strategy to suit them
Find Best Study Material – Look around to find the best study material that suits your needs
Revision – Complete the syllabus well in advance to save enough time for revision as revision helps you cement your learnings
Maintain Good Health – Along with your mind, take care of your body as well to ensure optimum performance during the exam
Get Comfortable with a computer – Learn to use a computer as many exams have shifted online after the pandemic
Set a routine – Experts recommend a routine study of 8-9 hours daily along with timely breaks
- Biophysics has a lot of scope in the world today. With the rise in the multitude of institutes offering new and exciting options for study and research, many students are opting for a career in biophysics. Also, we have seen a significant rise in the application of biophysics in various sectors. Since there has been an explosion of a multitude of many related fields of application, a biophysicist given a wide breadth of training, can find a vast sea of career options open to them. Biophysics is an up-and-coming field which can create many successes and help in the progress of mankind in a sustainable manner. For the best career advice: In India, there are numerous coaching institutes that can help by providing the necessary guidance to the aspirants to help them clear their entrance exams. These institutes have expert teachers who can guide the aspirants become familiar with and can understand the exam pattern and syllabus. They also curate the best books and study material to help aspirants understand the type and structure of the questions they might face during the exam. Here’s why just any institute won’t do in your journey: The highly competitive nature of the exam makes it important to find the Right guidance Improve your clarity and focus with the best coaching institute to suit your needs The right classes with peers with the same goal can make the preparation much easier Students must consider the below factors while zeroing in on a coaching institute as their guide in their journey: Distance: Many students consider going to different cities to better their chances by joining their dream institutes. However, for many, this may be the first time they will have left home and live alone. Hence, one should judge themselves as to whether or not they can manage to settle on their own. If they are unable to manage, they lose focus and negatively impact their studies. There are also many cases where students have to return home within a few months. Reputation: Reputation may not seem that important a factor to many. However, there are many advantages to a good reputation. Hence, to some extent this should also be considered. Faculty: Most institutes advertise the names of previous faculties or the names of visiting faculties. However, they are never even seen at the institute. Hence, make sure that the faculty you are looking for is currently associated with the institute. Doubt clearing sessions: This can be an important criterion for the selection of your coaching institute. The syllabus of classes XI and XII is vast compared to class X. Hence, a proper doubt clearing session can help solidify your foundations and help you secure a seat at your dream good college. Emotional support: An emotional support system not only provides support emotionally, but also works to motivate you in such a competitive environment. Study Material: Look around as the best coaching institutes should have the relevant study material that suits your needs. Fee structure: Before finalizing a coaching institute, you must also take a look at the fee structure of the coaching institute. Research says that, the level of student engagement also relates to the level of academic performance. The higher the engagement levels, the better the academic performance. However, a very small portion of such research, has been done specifically for coaching institutes. Which is ironic, given the extent to which these institutes focus on their entrance exam passage rates.
Advice for students?
What is the scope of Biophysics?
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