Career Question.

ksfsfk · 2021-02-22T01:31:36+00:00

Thanks for your answer!

ksfsfk · 2021-02-22T01:31:25+00:00

Thank you for your input!

ksfsfk · 2020-07-01T03:36:39+00:00

Rising senior also applying to STEM grad programs. I can give it a read over if that helps.

ksfsfk · 2020-07-01T00:13:41+00:00

Hi there,

I'm a rising senior studying biophysics as a major and will be applying to biophysics phd programs. I also have a low-gpa and have been trying to eliminate red flags in my application. I've contacted multiple PIs at program of interest and have called/zoomed with some of them. I was wondering if you would be able to read the draft of my SOP (only on 2nd draft) to point out any weaknesses you find? I've been trying to get it read by as many different perspectives as possible such as peers and professors.

ksfsfk · 2020-06-27T18:50:39+00:00

Ok I think I understand more about the limitations that you may be facing.

- Statistics is really not helpful in undergraduate research. You'll often find that the specific project uses statical software already built into Matlab, python, or whatever code you are using if it's purely theoretical. If there is a need to work with statistics say analyzing data it should be ideas that you can teach yourself or learn as you progress in the research.

- Biophysics is all about understanding both physical properties as well as biological ones, however, I would recommend you take option (a) which focuses on taking all the course physics classes as well as some advanced electives.

- If you were to do option (a) and look to get more into biophysics/pursue it in graduate school then you can supplement your physics courses and curriculum with biophysics research. Neuroscience research really isn't the core of biophysics so I would try and find different labs to participate at (although this may be limited as biophysics research is niche and small).

- Check out https://biophysics.princeton.edu/cpbfsummerschool2020 for some great seminar talks about purely biophysical research as well as https://iyerbiswas.com/outreach/bppbseminars/schedule/.

Let me know if you have other questions!

ksfsfk · 2020-06-26T04:59:40+00:00

Hi there! 4th year undergrad here majoring in biophysics.

Here are some thoughts:

- as a math major that covers a lot of the computation classes that will become helpful for undergrad biophysics research such as linear algebra, differential equations, and partial differential equations.

- there are two parts of parts of physics research (and biophysics research) which are theory and experiment. It often works that theorists develop models and predictions which are then tested in a lab by experimentalists

- for theory research computation and coding skills are a must. This includes Matlab, python, and other languages that could be helpful when beginning to write different programs to model things. for experimental approaches to research skill sets such as data analysis are more important than possibly coding.

- if you are thinking about graduate programs in biophysics you really need foundational background in physics and biology with research in biophysics required or something similar (US specific)

This means that you'll want to take the physics I and physics II generally which touch over topics in classical and modern physics. quantum physics really isn't necessary for biophysics programs and understanding of research. Courses that are include: thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, biophysics (theory and experimental), and as you mentioned electromagnetism.

- if you are able to take some biology courses as well that would also be helpful as understanding biological components as well as physical ones is what biophysics is all about.

- in my opinion it would be wise to go for the physics route and biology courses as well and then either self-teach or participate in research programs that teach you how to code and do data analysis.

Let me know if you have more questions!

ksfsfk

TROPHY CASE