The Program in Molecular Biophysics is one of eleven interdepartmental programs leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy within the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences. The program brings together elements of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics to describe and understand biological processes. Students develop a quantitative and predictive understanding of biology at a detailed molecular level. A multidisciplinary, interactive approach to the study of biological systems is emphasized. Each student meets at the beginning of the first year with members of a faculty advisory committee to select courses and to discuss laboratory rotations.
Students enroll for two semesters of core courses.
Appropriate advanced courses in physical and biological sciences are taken in the first and second years. Before admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree, each student must successfully submit a dissertation proposal. The most important resources for the Program in Molecular Biophysics are the faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, and students who meet once a month for an informal evening Biophysics Seminar Series. The Washington University in St. Louis library system has 3.3 million volumes and includes virtually every major journal in the biological and chemical sciences. Living and Housing Costs Students can choose from among numerous apartment buildings and rooms in private homes, often within walking distance of campus.