Most biophysics graduate students majored as undergraduates in physics, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, or biology. Some have even majored in psychology. Since students come from such diverse backgrounds, the admission criteria for graduate studies in biophysics are based more on evidence of a student's ability and motivation than on knowledge of specific subject matter. The understanding is that you can always learn biochemistry, linear algebra, or FORTRAN, if you didn't learn it as an undergraduate.

Grades are the usual indicator of both motivation and ability. Poor undergraduate grades may indicate low ability or low motivation. If your undergraduate grades are low, good grades in your most recent courses may indicate an ability or motivation not apparent in your earlier work. And if your recent grades aren't good, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and a description of special projects you've undertaken -- on the job, as a hobby, in a college lab -- will say a lot about both your ability and your motivation.

University Rules require the aptitude portion of the GRE for all applicants having an undergraduate grade average of less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and we urge all applicants to take this test. GRE aptitude scores are especially important if you hope to receive a fellowship, if your undergraduate work is not at a college familiar to us, or if your undergraduate grade average is less than 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.

The ability to translate scientific problems into mathematical form is a biophysicist's most important skill. Therefore, math courses and courses which involve applied mathematics are important in consideration for admission to the program. We prefer applicants who have taken math at least through a first course in differential equations.

An ability to express yourself clearly, both orally and in writing, is important in any field, and biophysics is no exception. You don't have to be a brilliant writer, but you should be able to communicate experimental results to others.

Important as any knowledge or ability you bring to graduate school, though, is whether you really want to be a biophysicist and whether you are willing to work to become one. All qualified physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, psychology, or biology majors, including women and minority students, are encouraged to apply to the Ohio State Biophysics Graduate Program. Application materials may be obtained by writing to the Biophysics Program, The Ohio State University, 119 Aronoff Lab. 318 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210 or be downloaded from this web site.  The applications should be directly mailed to:

The Biophysics Program

119 Aronoff Lab.

318 W. 12th Ave.

Columbus, OH 43210

614-292-5626