PhD in Biophysics is a three-year doctoral degree that will provide theoretical as well as practical knowledge that is required to be registered as a Biophysicists or Method Development Associate. It deals with physical phenomena and physical processes in living things, on scales spanning molecules, cells, tissues, and organisms.
A PhD in Biophysics is designed as such to provide skills and detailed knowledge to the candidates in order to create awareness in them about each and every aspect of the discipline. It is the science of developing theories and methods of physics towards the investigation of biological problems. Students will have provided tools during their research work to critically examine the world of medical science and how it influences society, the nation as a whole.
Read more: Top PhD Colleges in India
Multiple entrance examinations are conducted nationally like UGC NET, JRF, SLET majority of which is conducted online with MCQ-based paper. Some universities and colleges also admit students on the basis of merit marks obtained by the student in their previous degree.
A minimum of 55-60% in the last qualifying examination is required followed by an admission test or direct admission. PhD in Biophysics includes intense research collaboration within a university known for its research accomplishments and interdisciplinary approach to discovery and education to make the candidate prepared.
The average expected salary of a PhD student can be around 5,00,000-8,00,00 INR. The job profile offered to a PhD Candidate in Biophysics is Editor, Researcher, Lecturer, Associate Professor, Technical Research Manager.
Checkout: Top Colleges offering Phd Biophysics in India
Table of Content
2.1 Why Study?
3.1 Eligibility
3.2 Entrance Exam
5.1 Important Books
7.1 Future Scope
PhD in Biophysics Course Highlights
| Course Level | Doctorate Level |
| Full-Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Biophysics |
| Duration | Three years |
| Examination type | Credit system |
| Eligibility | MSc/MTech in Biophysics/Physics/Biochemistry with 60% aggregate minimum |
| Admission Process | Merit-Based Admission through counseling or Entrance examination. |
| Course Fee | INR50,000 approx |
| Average Salary | INR 4,00,000 - INR 8,00,000 |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Bristol- Myers Squibb, Pfizer, Baxter, Biocon, Abbott Laboratories, Thermo Fisher, Boston Scientific, Merck, Syngene. |
| Job Positions | Scientist, Researcher, Method Development Associate, Project Associate, Marketing Head, Associate Professor. |
What is a PhD in Biophysics all about?
PhD Biophysics is a specialization course which beautifully intertwined both the Physical and Biological aspect of Science. The course objectives should be in alignment with the candidates’ aim.
- PhD Biophysics is an advanced field of science that uses the techniques of physical science to study biological systems.
- It is the integration and application of the principles of physics and physical chemistry to explain and explore the form and function of living things.
- PhD Biophysics explains biological function in terms of the molecular structures and their properties, it works as a bridge between biology and physics.
- During the PhD in Biophysics, candidates will get to examine various types of tools and approaches related to the world of medical science and Life science.
- PhD Biophysics graduates can find jobs as a biophysics researcher or scientist with research institutes or government organizations in various academic grades for research-oriented programs.
Why pursue a PhD in Biophysics?
Below given are the following points why a candidate should pursue PhD in Biophysics.
- PhD Biophysics graduates can opt for going abroad and practice their studies in Multinational Organisations, they can get a decent amount of salary with a better lifestyle.
- Having a PhD degree in Biophysics is considered to be a highly reputed degree in India. One can also work as a professor or a teacher in any college or university.
- There will be always an area for implementation and improvement during the Research.
- This three-year program makes students ready as a professional in Medical Institutes a Research Labs.
- This course involves a detailed study of Ligand Binding, Electrophoresis, Chromatography, Electron Spin Resonance, Spectrometry.
- The placement is diverse as the candidate gets the opportunity to cater to different roles in Biophysics.
What is the admission process for a PhD in Biophysics?
PhD in Biophysics degree students are mainly selected on the basis of the Post Graduation score or there are special entrance examinations conducted by few institutes such as Common Entrance Test, National Eligibility Test which is conducted in a year with a rather easy set syllabus.
- Few institutes take direct admission in the PhD in Biophysics on the basis of the marks of the last qualifying examination.
- In the case of Entrance exams i.e. Common Entrance Test conducted by various institutions is required to keep an update on the notification of following universities where PhD in Biophysics is pursued.
- After the announcement for application, candidates for the offline application can purchase the registration form or can apply online by visiting the website.
- Essential documents during registration should be uploaded correctly according to the instruction given.
- After the examination on the given date results will be announced on the following website.
- Candidates who manage to clear the set cut off marks by the institutions will be called for counseling.
- By producing original documents on the counseling date and completing the admission procedure candidate can secure their position in their choice of college.
What is the Eligibility For PhD in Biophysics
- The candidate should have passed MSc/M.Phil in the first attempt with a minimum aggregate mark of 55% from a college recognized by the University Grants Commission.
- Candidates should also clear the relevant entrance examination like CET, NET.
- If the candidate belongs to the reserved category there is a relaxation of 5% marks.
- More than a year of experience in the Biotechnological Industry/Research Lab is an optional qualification.
What are the various Entrance Examination for PhD Biophysics?
Candidates are assessed on the minimum aggregate marks of 55% scored in the final year of Masters in related streams of Life Science or Physical Science.
| Entrance Exam | Exam Date |
|---|---|
| CSIR UGC NET | To be announced |
| UGC NET | To be announced |
| ICAR AICE JRF/SRF | To be announced |
| IIT JAM | Check here |
| VITMEE | Check here |
| NIPER PhD Entrance Exam | To be Announced |
How to prepare for the entrance examination for PhD in Biophysics?
The aspirant who is already experienced for a few years has to get their purpose straight for higher education i.e. Research. Once the purpose and the vision are clear it will be easier for them to perform better in the entrance examination.
- The Vision should be clear, candidates must know that further studying and specializing will only make them a step closer to their dream to serve.
- The syllabus of the entrance examination especially CET, NET is similar in terms.
- Revision, Practice, and Persistence is the key to crack the entrance.
- Solving Previous Year Question Paper and Mock Tests within a time limit makes the candidate comfortable and prepared for the final day.
- While preparing candidates are expected to have a strong knowledge base during interviews.
- Questions can be fact-based or current research scenarios in Biophysics so keeping a regular update on Nature, NCBI, Pubmed is a very crucial step.
- Candidates should not answer vaguely to a current question in order to avoid the situation they can simply accept the fact that they are not fully aware of the scenario.
- Keeping the research proposal and presentation-ready will be beneficial only if the candidate prepares the basics of the research topic well.
How to get admission in the Top Institutes for PhD in Biophysics?
Aspirants should fulfill the minimum criteria of 55% aggregate marks in Masters Degree in Biotechnology/ Biophysics/ Physics in the very first attempt. The top institutes conduct common entrance examinations on an all India basis, in which candidates need to clear the cutoff.
Even after clearing the cut-off in the entrance examination, the candidates will be asked to attend counselling which can be in the form of a personal interview.
- Clear concepts of the MS, NMR Spectroscopy, Hydrodynamics, Electrophoresis is required to get admission in the top institutes.
- Practicing mock test series in the mentioned time like two to three hours weekly.
- Some knowledge about the specialization research area will secure the score in the entrance test as well as help to clear the interview round while giving the research proposal.
Top Colleges for PhD in Biophysics
PhD in Biophysics is in the course structure of most of the premium colleges in India.
| College Name | Location | Average Annual Fees | Average Placement Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| All India Institute of Medical Science | New Delhi | INR 2,000 | INR 5.60 Lac |
| National Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience | Bangalore | INR 25,000 | INR 8 Lac |
| Benaras Hindu University | Varanasi | INR 8,368 | INR 6 Lac |
| University of Delhi | New Delhi | INR 20,000 | INR 6 Lac |
| University of Madras | Chennai | INR 10,000 | INR 7Lac |
| Punjab University | Chandigarh | INR 1800 | INR 7.8Lac |
| Chandigarh University | Chandigarh | INR 50,000 | INR 6.50 lac |
| Assam University | Silchar | INR 18,000 | INR 6 Lac |
| University of Kalyani | Kalyani | INR 15,000 | INR 5 Lac |
| Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics | Kolkata | INR 10,000 | INR 7 Lac |
College Comparison for PhD in Biophysics
The top 3 University/College for PhD in Biophysics have slight differences which are categorized according to some parameters as mentioned below
| Parameters | Banaras Hindu University | Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics | National Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | BHU, Varanasi is one of the leading colleges promising to generate creative researchers and leading biophysicists. | SINP is one of the prestigious institutes in India with the best of faculties through the admission cut off is quite stringent. | NIMHANS is one of the leading institutes for quality design education, high impact dedicated Research. |
| Location | Varanasi | Kolkata | Bangalore |
| Eligibility | Masters in any relevant discipline from a college i.e. UGC certified with 60% aggregate. | MSc/MTech in Physics/ Biotechnology/ Molecular Biology With a minimum of 60% aggregate. | MPhil /MSc in a relevant life science stream with a minimum of 55% aggregate. |
| Admission process | Entrance based | Entrance based | Entrance based |
| Average Fee | INR 8,368 | INR 10,000 | INR 25,000 |
| Average Salary | 7lac | 8Lac | 8Lac |
| Top Recruitment Companies | Baxter, Biocon, Abbott Laboratories. | Thermo Fisher, Boston Scientific, Merck. | Bristol- Meyers Squibb, Pfizer, Syngene. |
What is the Syllabus for PhD in Biophysics?
The year-wise breakup of the course’s syllabus i.e. the areas of Research of Biophysics is nicely designed with almost theory papers and compulsory practical paper in each year with final year thesis submission is given below.
| Multivariable Calculus and Complex Function Theory | Neurobiology of Behaviour |
| Data Structure and Algorithms | Spectrometry |
| Mechanics and Relativity | Chromatography |
| Quantum Mechanics | Radioactive Labelling and Counting |
| Wave Phenomenon | Immunological Methods |
| Electromagnetism | Optical Rotatory Dispersion and Circular Dichroism |
| Physical Chemistry and Statistical Thermodynamics | Electron Spin Resonance |
| Evolutionary and Cell Biology | Ligand Binding |
| Bionanotechnology | Microfluidics |
What are the Important Books of PhD in Biophysics?
Some of the academic books with the name of the author are mentioned which are followed by these top institutes are
| BOOKS | AUTHOR |
|---|---|
| Essentials of Biophysics | P. Narayanan |
| Physical Biochemistry: Applications to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | David Freifelder |
| Human Psychophysics | William A. Yost and Richard R. Fay |
| The Body Electric: Electromagnetism and the Foundation Of Life | Robert Becker and Gary Selden |
| Atomic Physics Methods in Modern Research | Klaus Jungmann, Joachim Kowalski |
PhD in Biophysics Course Comparison
PhD in Biophysics vs PhD in Biochemistry
Below given is a comparison between PhD in Biophysics and PhD in Biochemistry.
| Parameters | PhD (Biophysics ) | PhD (Biochemistry) |
|---|---|---|
| Name of the Course | Doctor of Philosophy in Biophysics | Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry |
| Overview | This is a 3-year program focusing mainly on chromatography, autoradiography. | PhD in Biochemistry is also a 3-year doctoral degree course which includes chromatography, sedimentation, viscosity. |
| Admission procedure | The admission is mainly directed on the basis of Masters program marks and entrance tests in some of the cases like AUCET, IIMC. | The admission is carried out by following the entrance examination which is nationally conducted by some institutes like CET, NET otherwise in the majority of cases it is on a merit basis. |
| Course Fee | INR 2000 to 2,00,000 | INR 6000 to 1,50,000 |
| Eligibility | Any student who has completed a Master’s degree in Biophysics with a minimum of 55% is eligible for admission. | A student with a minimum of 55% in the Master’s Degree in a relevant discipline i.e. Biochemistry from a university recognized by UGC. |
| Top Institutes | Benaras Hindu University , Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, All India Institute of Medical Science, University of Delhi | Savitribai Phule Pune University, University of Mysore, IIT Madras |
| Job Profile | Process Development Scientist, Researcher, Analyst, Public Relations Officer, Academician. | Process Engineer, Chief of Operations, Lab Supervisor, Researcher, Lecturer. |
| Average Annual salary | INR 5,00,000 – 7,00,000 | INR 6,00,000-7,00,000 |
What are the Job Prospects and Career Options for PhD in Biophysics?
After completion of PhD in Biophysics, candidates get the opportunity to work in Research and Educational Institutions, Medical Research Lab, Pharmaceutical Companies, Defence Services, and Environment Protection Services in a much Senior position as they have the experience, skill, and knowledge better than a fresh graduate.
Biophysics PhD can get one top position in the Research Lab/Biotech Companies in Executive, Operation Head, and Managerial positions.
Immediate Job Position offered after Ph.D. in Biophysics :
| Job Position | Function | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Biophysicists | Mainly involved in the administrative duty of the department on the basis of hierarchy and involved in the research development. | INR 6,00,000 |
| Medical Biophysicists | They are mainly responsible for creating medical devices and therapy by using CAD and bioengineering techniques like Radiotherapy, Tomography, Radiology, NMR Imaging. | INR 5,60,000 |
| Researcher | Focuses mainly on genetic makeup through the investigation of DNA and RNA of bacteria and viruses mainly. | INR 6,20,000 |
| Applied Biophysicists | They mainly design and execute complex projects with Biochemists while they research drugs, hormones, and tissue engineering. | INR 5,00,000 |
| Quality Control Lead | They produce reliable data with full efficiency by performing various laboratory tests regularly. | INR 4,30,000 |
| Regional Head | They develop marketing strategies and generate revenue and conduct promotional activities, seminars, workshops at various institutes. | INR 8,00,000 |
| Chief of Operations | They head all the research activities that are being conducted in the department, supervise, input ideas, and sanction the project for further implementation. | INR 8,50,000 |
| Process Developer | They create collaborative work by analytical studies with other scientists especially on drug and other product development by the manufacturing company. | INR 7,00,000 |
| Professor | They teach and mentor the subject and the related topics to the students in an institute, assess assignments, and conduct examination timely throughout the course duration. | INR 6,50,000 |
Job role demands some skills which are :
- A flair for quality and well-researched writing.
- Solution-oriented thinking and solving problems related to media communication.
- Excellent Communication skills as every job role in this field demands precise communication.
- A combination of Critical Thinking Ability and Good Collaborating Skill is the demand of the hour.
- Research is mandatory because once said or published if proven wrong can create a huge impact on the nation.
- The ability to work under stringent deadlines is also a very important skill.
- Aware of the current trends of Biophysics, Biochemistry, and Biomedical Engineering.
What is the Future Scope of PhD in Biophysics?
The scope for PhD Biophysics candidates is growing because Biophysists are required in high demand in both private and public sectors. Biophysics is, in fact, termed as "science of the future".
- Phd Biophysics graduates are expected to upgrade by 11% from 2018 to 2028, which is higher compared to the average of other jobs.
- For beginners, the starting salary is around INR 4,00,000 to 6,00,000 and tends to increase with experience.
- Graduates with at least 5 years of professional experience get a starting salary of INR 4 LPA.
- This is a very demanding field which deals with Medicine, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Immunology, the passion for updating knowledge can help in achieving great heights in the future
- Any person with these four major skills can crack the Chief of Operations or Operations Head position which are Surveillance, Correlation, Collaboration, and Intensive research.
If the candidate opts for Post Doctorate they are going to get full or partial funding of around USD 48000 + USD 2000 for Research Activities.
Some of the institutes to pursue Post Doctorate in Biophysics are :
| Institute | Location | Duration | Average Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kansas | Kansas | 3 -5years | 1.12Lac |
| University of Florida | Florida | 3-5years | 1Lac |
| University of Georgia | Georgia | 3-5years | 1.02Lac |
| University of Kentucky | Kentucky | 3-5years | 1.50Lac |
| University of Cambridge | Cambridge | 3-5 | 1 Lac |
PhD Biophysics FAQs
Ques. What is the duration of the course?
Ans. The duration of the course is 3 years mostly.
Ques. In which state in India can we find the top Biophysics colleges?
Ans. Most of the top Biophysics colleges are in Delhi, Chandigarh, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
Ques. What is the average salary of a PhD in Biophysics?
Ans. The average salary is from 5,00,000 to 8,00,000 INR depending upon the organization, position, and experience.
Ques. What are the different government employment areas in this field?
Ans. Research Lab Head, Associate Professor, Project AssociateEducator in Government Institutions.
Ques. What are the other specialization courses similar to PhD in Biophysics?
Ans. Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, Molecular biology are some of the other specialization areas for Ph.D.
Ques. What are the common job roles offered to PhD in Biophysics?
Ans. Process Engineer, Applied Biophysicists, Medical Biophysicost, Academician, Associate Professor are the common job profile offered.
Ques. What is the exam pattern in Ph.D. in Biophysics?
Ans. Over a period of three years candidates need to submit their thesis which will be based on the research done during the span and on that basis candidates will be evaluated.
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