What is Bio-physics
With the recent advancements in the field of education, the authorities and boards have been working rigorously to introduce new subjects to students and help them in widening the pathway of career opportunities. For Science students, several new subjects have surfaced which allow them to explore career possibilities beyond the existing courses and programmes. For students familiar with subjects like biology and physics, biophysics has been introduced in numerous institutions. The subjects deal with the fundamental knowledge of concepts taught in biology and physics and their correlation. Numerous techniques and methodologies like X-Rays, MRIs and Laser treatments function on the principles of physics as well as biology. Therefore, a career in biophysics opens the door to multiple opportunities.
Biophysics is based on the advancement of physics assisted by the biological aspects of nature. Since physics is a branch that focuses on the physical phenomenon of the world and biology governs the natural environment and its constituents, therefore, the two combined form the phenomenon governing the principles of the natural world and its advancement. A biophysicist studies and deals with the physical phenomenon revolving around the biological systems. The course in biophysics has been offered by several institutions and has proved to be of great career value.
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Bio-physics
The eligibility criteria for courses in Biophysics depend on the level of course that one opts for. Here are the details.
For Undergraduate Biophysics Courses-
The candidates are required to complete their 10+2 or an equivalent level of education with a relevant discipline as their major from a recognised board in India.
They must obtain an appropriate percentile in 10+2 or equivalent with their major subjects as physics, biology and chemistry. This pertains to the undergraduate courses like B.Sc. and other certified courses in biophysics.
The eligibility criteria might vary for different institutions. However, the qualifying percentile is set at 40-50 percent aggregate.
Some universities shortlist the applicants on the basis of the result of their examinations conducted annually for the selection process. The cut-off lists are released, and further admission procedure takes place.
For reserved categories, the eligibility differs in terms of minimum required marks, cut-offs, etc.
For Postgraduate Biophysics Courses
The applicants have to pass their undergraduate from an established educational institution in India
Candidates who wish to pursue a postgraduate degree in Biophysics must achieve a minimum score of 50-55 percent in their graduating course.
Several colleges like Jamia Millia Islamia consider the percentile score in their entrance exams.
Several colleges also accept a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 55 per cent marks.
Biophysics Entrance Exam
Biophysics entrance exams are conducted by several institutions. The exams feature questions on subjects like physics, chemistry, English proficiency, mathematics and logical reasoning. Usually, the paper is divided into 150-200 questions and candidates are required to attempt the question in 2-3 hours. Negative marking is also done.
Some of the most well-known examinations are listed below.
Aligarh Muslim University Entrance Exam – This test, also known as the AMU admission test, is an All India level entrance exam for admission into their courses.
All India Institute of Medical Science Entrance Exam – Conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, this exam holds good for admissions into 7 different universities that come under it.
NIMHANS Entrance Exam – This is an exam conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences and is highly prestigious.
University of Madras Entrance Exam – This is an entrance exam for their credit-based courses of PG, PG Diploma as well as Certification Courses.
Scope of Bio-physics in India and Abroad
A biophysicist is generally offered a stable pathway for further research and development purposes. Major recruiters have been offering good salary packages to biophysicists. Moreover, the job opportunities are offered through multiple job profiles, and the pathway for further research is always open. An individual can even work independently.
Course Fees Bio-physics
Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Private | Government | Private | Government | |
UG | ||||
PG | ||||
DOCTORAL | ||||
DIPLOMA |
Course Subjects
Some of the subjects are listed below.
Microbiology
Biochemistry
Microscopic anatomy
Mammalian physiology
Biophysical chemistry
Physicochemical techniques
Functional anatomy
Medical biophysics
Cytology and cell physiology
Neuro biophysics
Radiation biophysics
Electron microscopy
Careers in Bio-physics
Biophysics is a demanding course and requires a key understanding of the concepts and theories. While making a choice of career, placements and recruitment play a key role . However, there is a popular demand for eminent job profiles in the industry. This is mainly due to the growing health problems in humans and advanced in technology simultaneously. A few job profiles are listed below as per the field of biophysics.
Related
Upcoming trends
Biophysics is a topic that can benefit almost everyone in the medical field today. There has been extensive research in this field to keep up with the need for newer and improved innovations. Listed below are some of the upcoming trends in the course –
- Molecular Biophysics
- Membrane Biophysics
- Neuron Biophysics
- Bioenergetics
- Medical biophysics
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
Biophysics Job Profiles
Health problems have been increasing massively day by day. Therefore, research is conducted to curb the health problems of people using technological advancements. Research occurs in biomolecular, organismal and environmental levels. Therefore, an aspirant can work in multiple fields like biochemistry, bio geophysics, nanotechnology, system biology, agrophysics and biochemistry. In the technical world, the scope of biophysics has gained massive momentum. Subjects like bioenergetics, radiation biology, biochemistry, software studies and programming have opened the door to immense career opportunities. The course is considered to be providing immense stability since the research work depends on an individual’s choice. Some job profiles in Biophysics include: -
S.No. | Job Profile | Job Description |
1 | Biophysicists | A Biophysicist is a scientist who applies physics to the study of biological concepts. Research from molecular to organismal levels are conducted, and the results are analysed for further achievements. |
2 | Forensic biophysicist
| A Forensic Biophysicist deals with the study of forensic articles collected during crime scenes and performs further experimentation. |
3 | Medical biophysicist | A Medical Biophysicist studies are related to medical imaging, therapy methodologies, biomechanics and treatment of cardiovascular patients |
4 | Biophysicist Researcher
| A Biophysicist Researcher deals with the overall study of the concepts of biophysics for further development of techniques and methodologies. |
5 | Nutritional Biophysicist | Nutritional biophysicists focus on the aspects of food and nutrition. Nutritional values of food are analysed, and further developmental research occurs. |
6 | Clinical Biophysicist
| A clinical biophysicist studies and analyses the biological action processes and their effects of physical energies used in therapeutic processes. |
7 | Applied Biophysicist | An applied biophysicist deals with the study of applied research and its basics. The effects of substances like hormones and drugs on the biological aspects are studied. |
Biophysics top recruiters
The recruitments of biophysicists and researchers occur mainly by educational institutions working rigorously on the research of techniques and its applications. Moreover, apart from the educational institutions, the following industries also have high biophysics specialists.
Technical consultancies
Scientific consultancies
Medical manufacturers
Pharmaceutical manufacturers
Establishments for technological science researches
The following companies have been offering jobs in multiple profiles to biophysicists:
AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd
Johnson & Johnson
Abbott Laboratories
Bristol Myers Squibb
Boehringer Ingelheim India Pvt Ltd
Baxter
CPA Global
Thermofisher
Boston Scientific
Merck and Pfizer
Average Salary
The scope of the course is determined by the salary packages offered to aspirants Return of Investment is an important factor while choosing a career. Mentioned below are the few job profiles with the average annual incomes.
S.No. | Job Profile | Annual Income (in Rs.) |
1 | Biophysicists | Rs. 7,00,000 per annum (approx.) |
2 | Forensic Biophysicist | Rs. 3,00,000 per annum (approx.) |
3 | Medical Biophysicist | Rs. 7,00,000 per annum (approx.) |
4 | Researcher | Rs. 5,00,000 per annum (approx.) |
5 | Nutritional Biophysicist | Rs. 4,00,000 per annum (approx.) |
6 | Applied Biophysicist | Rs. 4,00,000 per annum (approx.) |
**The salary figures mentioned anywhere in this article is just for reference purposes. Please treat them as such. Actual salaries may vary depending on respective candidates, employer, job location and numerous other factors.
Required Skillset for Bio-physics
Candidates thinking of joining a biophysics course must know about the key requirements and relevant skill sets. Therefore, certain skills set required for a biophysicist or a biophysics student are listed below.
Critical Thinking Ability: A Biophysicist must possess the ability to critically analyse the situation as well as the work while researching or practising. Reasoning and logical capabilities must be polished.
Time Management Skills: Time Management plays a key role since biophysics is a complex subject dealing with multiple tasks, long hour research works, practice sessions, etc.
Analytical Thinking: Analytically interpreting the situation and the subjects can help a biophysics known more about the concepts of biophysics. It is one of the essential skills required since complex scientific experimentation is required to analyse the results of observation.
Patience and Perseverance: Due to the complexity of biophysics concepts, it is required to patiently understand the prevailing scenario and experiments.
Experimenting Capabilities: Experimentation plays a key role and forms the base of biophysics fundamental studies. Therefore, a person must have great capabilities and perseverance for carrying out distinct experiments.
Course Curriculum for Bio-physics
The initial semesters are used for the study of fundamental concepts and techniques. Post, the first year, detailed and complex subjects are taught. Knowledge is gained through theoretical knowledge and practical experimentation. Each semester is designed for encouraging the study of a diverse topic related to the field.
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Popular Bio-physics Entrance Exams in India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: How does a biophysicist generally do at work?
Answer :
A biophysicist performs ample tasks and research works dealing with several concepts and theories focusing on the principles of both biology and physics. However, several experiments and studies based on the physical phenomenon of living organisms, cells, etc. are conducted on regular purposes. Moreover, the analysis of vitamins comprising the physical bodies and constituents is also practised. A biophysicist also deals with the synthesis of hormones and minerals and determines the effects of nutrients on the physical bodies and their functions. Cell development, microbiology, body growth, ageing, death, etc. are also studied.
Question: What are the key areas in which a biophysicist specialises?
Answer :
Biophysics deals with the study of several complex concepts based on the subjects of biology and physics. These subjects are not taught at school-level and require core determination and experimentation for better understanding. The key areas in which a biophysicist specialises are molecular biophysics, membrane biophysics, neuron biophysics, bioenergetics, medical biophysics, etc. molecular biophysics deal with the study of physical aspects affecting the functioning of biomolecular structures whereas membrane biophysics focuses on the study of physical concepts dealing with the structure of biological membranes. Neuro biophysics deals with the study of nervous systems, whereas bioenergetics governs the energy transformation and exchange happening in the physical bodies and their surroundings. On the other hand, medical biophysics is based on the fundamental principles of subjects like physics, biology, mathematics, etc. and their effect on problems related to human well-being and health.
Question: How can one become a biophysicist?
Answer :
An aspirant must polish his core knowledge of the concepts of biophysics since the beginning of the education to become a biophysicist. The initial step for aspirants is to take science subjects during the schooling year. The major subjects offered in higher senior secondary schooling like physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics must opt. Moreover, a good aggregate percentile at the 10+2 schooling level is essential for further admission into a notable college or university.
Post the schooling, a candidate is advised to opt for B.Sc. in Biophysics. Several Indian, as well as foreign colleges, offer a BSc degree in Biophysics. After the successful completion of a BSc degree with a good percentage in the core subjects, a candidate can opt for further studies. MSc in biophysics is offered by numerous institutions for 2 years. For further studies, an MPhil or PhD degree for higher qualification and independent research work.
Question: What is the future scope of the subject?
Answer :
Biophysics has gained momentum in recent times and has achieved a great degree of positive scopes. The hardcore subjects of physics and chemistry are studied in the core subjects like bioenergetics and instrumental physics. Several concepts that help in the characterisation of reactions, processes, computer bases, software, etc. in the study of bioinformatics also help biophysics students in opening the doors to future possibilities and eminent research work. The learning of biochemistry itself helps in the adopted futuristic pathways in further developments. Apart from these major subjects, radiation biology also helps aspirants in opting for this specific line of course. The pathway of career opportunities in the field of biophysics is wide.
Question: How complex is the study of biophysics?
Answer :
Biophysics is a demanding course and requires a key understanding of the concepts and theories. The subjects require a quantitative and mechanical understanding of experiments and methodologies. The course is challenging since the experimentation results and procedure may vary from one person to another. Therefore, the study does not entirely depend on the bookish concepts and theories stated. Physics and mathematics themselves are tough subjects, and their application in the study of biophysics helps in achieving better results and knowledge. Since, the course is a cluster of various disciplines, therefore the learning and understanding complexity increases.
Questions related to Bio-physics
I am b. sc radiotherapy and technology graduate. can i get admission to m. sc biophysics?
Hello aspirant,
Yes, a graduate of radiotherapy with a B.Sc. can usually pursue an M.Sc. in biophysics. Your knowledge of technology and radiotherapy gives you a strong basis for comprehending the fundamentals of biophysics, which is the application of physics to biological processes.
Thank you
Hope it helps you
career prospects after msc biophysics?
Hello!
These are some of the career options you can choose after completing M.Sc. Biophysics-
- Biophysicist
- Researcher
- Applied biophysicist
- Clinical biophysicist
- Bioengineer
- Medical biophysicist
- Forensic biophysicist
- Nutritional biophysicist
- Scientist
Hope this information will help you.
How is the MD biophysics at AIIMS
Hello aspirant,
The MD biophysics is one of the best course taught in AIIMS, Delhi. Doctor of Medicine(MD) in Biophysics is a 3 year full-time post graduate degree in the domain of medicine commonly known as MD. The Examination for M.D. is held at the end of 3 academic years which includes 6 academic terms.
The Placements highlights for MD Biophysics in AIIMS is as follows :
For Post-Graduation (2 years) programmes, 5 students got selected out of 77 for higher studies.
· A total of 56 students graduated Ph.D in 2017-18, while it was 82 last year.
· No. of graduating students in DM/M. Ch increased to 90 this year from 77 last year.
Further, to know more about the MD biophysics course at AIIMS in detail, you cna follow the below mentioned link to know more : https://www.careers360.com/university/all-india-institute-of-medical-sciences-new-delhi
i hope that this will help,
which stream is more scope in biotechnology and biophysics.
Forensic Science Technicians
Medical Scientists
Microbiologists
Environmental Biotechnologist
Geneticist
Molecular Biotechnologist
Epidemiologist
R&D Scientist
Biophysics is a molecular science. It seeks to explain biological function in terms of the molecular structures and properties of specific molecules. It applies the principles of Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and Physics to study the living things and organisms. Biophysics is slowly emerging field in India and it still needs a lot of development on both experimental , theoretical and computational fronts. The average biophysicist gross salary in India is 11,27,467 or an equivalent hourly rate of 542.
Finally it depends on your field of interest, but according to me a career in biotechnology is more beneficial in India.
what is defence between biotechnology and biophysics
Hello Aspirant..
Biotech is the application of chemistry techniques to alter the contents of cells. The goal of biotech is to employ technology to modify biological materials. Biophysics is the application of physics techniques and concepts to the study of biological systems. This ranges from very applied (e.g., medical physics - creating imaging devices such as MRIs or radiation dosimetry for cancer therapy) to somewhat abstract (using statistical mechanics to predict how proteins fold) to very abstract (using statistical mechanics to predict how proteins fold) (studying how birds distribute themselves in a flock and fish in a school).
I hope this information helps.
Regards,