The goal of the molecular biophysics certificate program is to introduce graduate students to the field of biophysics, its methodologies, and the state-of-the-art biophysical research efforts being carried out in diverse laboratories and departments on the CU-Boulder campus. The program creates interdepartmental connections that provide the breadth of training needed to develop biophysical scholars.
Students must be admitted through the regular admissions process to a PhD program in one of the following departments: chemical and biological engineering; chemistry and biochemistry; molecular, cellular, and developmental biology; or physics. They must satisfy all of their home department’s requirements to receive a PhD.
The first requirement of the molecular biophysics certificate is participation in one to three laboratory rotations outside the thesis lab, which provide experience with a range of biophysical methods. Subsequently the student joins one of the member laboratories of the training program for thesis work.
The second component of the program is the completion of two courses chosen from a list of approved courses. Currently this list includes 15 courses in areas ranging from theoretical physics to molecular and cellular biophysics.
The third component of the program is an annual meeting with a faculty advisory committee that provides helpful feedback on the thesis research.
Students are expected to take part in a seminar series, which presents internationally renowned speakers and their research. They also are required to participate in supergroup meetings and symposia, which provide forums for them to present their own research in front of their colleagues and advisory committee.