Molecular Biophysics Predoctoral |
| Graduate students are eligible to have their research experience enriched by a number of NIH-sponsored training programs. If you have a special interest in one of these NIH training programs, please apply to one of the seven Biomedical Sciences (BIMS) Graduate Groups and then visit our Research Foci Form to select the appropriate research foci. NIH funding for graduate education is awarded to the institution following a competitive peer review process specific to the research area. |
OverviewThe Molecular Biophysics Predoctoral Training Program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in molecular biophysics, i.e. the use of approaches derived from chemistry and physics to study biological questions. This program has a strong focus in the areas of structural biology, membrane biology, cellular biophysics, and computational biology. The goal of the training program is to supplement and enhance the comprehensive educational goals of the doctoral programs in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Virginia with specific biophysics-oriented research and training activities. Students can pursue research in one of the many facets of molecular biophysics, use state-of-the-art instrumentation, and carry out cutting edge research. Our goal through this training program is to provide graduate students with an understanding of the principles of biophysics and how these can be applied to gain insights into critical biomedical questions. Training Program The Predoctoral Molecular Biophysics Training Program is oriented toward providing a strong biophysics-related training environment that supplements the basic degree requirements and goals of the degree-granting departments within the University of Virginia. To this end, the Training Program sponsors a weekly seminar series focused on biophysics, a weekly journal club for students focused on biophysics, and specific course offerings in the area of biophysics. All of these provide an environment for extensive collaboration and consultation among students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty with an interest in biophysics. Independent research is at the core of the program. During the first two years, students complete formal course requirements and rotate through 2-3 different laboratories. Thesis labs and mentors are chosen after completion of the first year. Once students have selected thesis laboratories, they become members of the associated department or program. Departments participating in the Molecular Biophysics Training Program each have their own criteria to assess student progress. In most cases, students prepare and defend a detailed research proposal during the second year. Successful completion of this process qualifies the student to advance to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. At the completion of their first year of graduate school, students are eligible to apply for support from the Molecular Biophysics Training Program. This is a competitive process that selects students for salary support from the program for 1-2 years. A travel allowance is also provided which aids in students attending appropriate conferences.
Coursework Students take a select group of core courses in the first semester designed to provide a solid foundation in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, and gene regulation. An individualized course work program is then developed to meet the specific interests of the student and the course requirements of the department in which the student will be affiliated. Students supported by the Molecular Biophysics Training Program are required to enroll in the BIOP506 course entitled "Molecular Physiology: From Molecular Machines to Biological Information Processing". This course provides a foundation in biophysical methods, making it possible for students to begin using these methods to address biological problems. Other biophysics related courses available to students include BIOP812: Proteins: X-ray Diffraction and Crystal Chemistry, BIOP800: Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Macromolecules, PHY813: Structure and Function of Biological Membranes, BIOC508: Computer Analysis of DNA Protein Sequences, and BIMS832: General Physiology. Laboratory Research
Students perform 2-3 rotations in laboratories of their choice during their first year in graduate school. These rotations provide an opportunity to become familiar with specific laboratory and research areas while performing small research projects. Students typically choose to begin their rotations during the summer prior to the beginning of courses so that they can become acquainted with research opportunities before classes begin. After completion of their rotations at the end of the first year of study, students then choose a research lab and thesis advisor. Faculty The Molecular Biophysics Training program is composed of a highly diverse group of 27 faculty with primary appointments in seven basic science departments in the School of Medicine and two science departments in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Virginia. These faculty have proven track records of research productivity, collegiality, and training of predoctoral students. Executive Committee Administration of the Molecular Biophysics Training Program, including selection of students to receive salary support from the program is carried out by the Executive Committee (John Bushweller, Robert Nakamoto, Mark Yeager, David Cafiso, Michael Lawrence, and Stefan Bekiranov). Qualification Criteria Qualified pre-doctoral trainees are chosen from among students who have entered the University of Virginia graduate program in Biomedical Sciences (http://www.bims.virginia.edu/ ) through any of the seven graduate groups. Trainees are selected in a competitive process from a pool of eligible nominees drawn from the following groups:
Awards are made on the basis of commitment to biophysics-related research, evidence of promise as a productive scientist, and performance in the core curriculum and research rotations. Stipend All students supported by the Molecular Biophysics Training Program will receive a stipend that is competitive with that offered by other institutions. Tuition, fees, health insurance and travel costs to scientific meetings are also covered. Contact Information
Dr. John Bushweller |