Molecular Biophysics Training Program: Certificate Option

Molecular Biophysics Graduate Certificate

Certificate Program Goals

As a field, molecular biophysics crosses the traditional boundaries between biology, chemistry, and physics. A central goal of the Molecular Biophysics Graduate Training Program is to establish the interdisciplinary courses, supergroup and seminar programs, and inter-departmental connections needed to train biophysical scholars. A Graduate Certificate program has been established to acknowledge completion of the recommended training program requirements. Biophysics students who elect to complete these requirements can obtain a Graduate Certificate in Molecular Biophysics to complement their Ph.D. degree. It should be noted that students who elect not to pursue all the requirements of the Certificate can still benefit from participation in selected aspects of the program.

Processing bodies in mixed population of cytotrophoblast cells and multinucleate syncytiotrophoblasts cells.

Processing bodies in mixed population of cytotrophoblast cells and multinucleate syncytiotrophoblasts cells. (L. Ohler) 

Certificate Program Eligibility

Students who are enrolled in one of the following Ph.D. programs affiliated with the Molecular Biophysics Training Program are eligible to participate in the Molecular Biophysics Graduate Certificate Program:

  • Biochemistry
  • Chemical and Biological Engineering
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  • Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology
  • Physics

Students do not have to be selected as Biophysics Trainees to complete the Molecular Biophysics Graduate Certificate. 

Requirements of the Certificate Program

In addition to the requirements of student’s home departments, the certificate program defines several additional requirements that are completed concurrently with Ph.D. work. 

  • Laboratory rotations: All students should participate in at least one ten-week rotation outside the thesis laboratory prior to completion of the certificate.
  • Biophysical Thesis Project: Students are expected to join the laboratory of a training program faculty member and undertake a Ph.D. thesis project that is connected to biophysical research. 
  • Committee Meetings: Following admission to Ph.D. candidacy according to the rules of the home department, the student will begin to have annual meetings with their advisor and at least 2 other faculty members with expertise in the area of their thesis research.
  • Course Requirements: In addition to course requirements of their home department, students must complete the course requirements of the Certificate Program.
    • Modern Biophysical Methods (BCHM 5491): This course provides training in the basic theory and application of selected biophysical techniques, including X-ray crystallography, NMR, electron microscopy, single molecule methods, optical microscopy, binding measurements, and research rigor and reproducibility.
    • Responsible Conduct of Research (BCHM 5776 or GRAD5000): RCR courses that meet NIH guidelines, and ensure exposure to key ethical issues relevant to all research scientists. 
  • Participation in Program Seminars: 
    • Biophysical seminar series: Seminar series of guest speakers that are experts in biophysical research areas. 
    • : Monthly seminars that provide a forum for students to present their research. 
  • Career Development Activities: Students are required to annually participate in 4 career development activities, such as conferences, professional development seminars, or resume and interview workshops. 
TEM imaging of E. Coli actively dying following activation of the protein bNACHT11.

TEM imaging of E. Coli actively dying following activation of the protein bNACHT11. (L. Robbins) 

Upon successful completion of the Ph.D. and Certificate Programs, the Certificate of Graduate Training in Molecular Biophysics will be awarded to the student at the time of graduation, or mailed to the student following graduation.