Biophysics?

College Majors
1

<p>What is the best degree for biotechnology out of biophysics, cellular/molecular biology, and biotechnology?</p>

<p>I know biophysics programs are basically an interdisciplinary program that includes courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and higher level math. So If I were to go into the biotech. industry, will attaining a degree in biophysics be more advantageous than a degree in mol. biology or biotechnology?</p>

<p>Also I have heard that biophysics undergrads can also go on to attain either an MD or PhD. My second question is which degree is more versatile and useful in biotechnology/research, PhD or MD?</p>

2

<p>bump.............................................................</p>

3

<p>If you are looking toward an MD or PhD, you will not regret the most rigorous quantitative background (biophysics). However, I would make sure to do laboratory work in cloning/gene expression/protein purification because these represent (IMO) the most daunting practical challenges.</p>

<p>Also I'd recommend looking into the research model used in Systems Biology, where multidisplinary teams tackle the understanding of larger scale organization in biological systems. The point is that you can individually no longer completely understand all facets. Learning to feed off of and contribute to other disciplines becomes the keys to success.</p>

<p>Best of luck as you begin your studies....</p>

4

<p>Cool, thanks.</p>

5

<p>What do you major in if the school you don't go to have a Biophysic major?</p>

6

<p>I can only think of a handful of schools that offer it for undergrad majors; it's mostly reserved for grad students. Off the top of my head, JHU and Penn. so you're limited in that way, though you could probably have a biophysics major if you took electives focusing a bit more in that stuff</p>

7

<p>Well, you could always double-major in biology and physics... :)</p>

8

<p>Yeah, I would probably major in Molecular Biology, put minor in Physics or take math/physics classes on the side.</p>

9

<p>This program looks quite good and is "in state" for all New Englanders
<a href="http://www.mcb.uconn.edu/research/biophysics/degreeprogs.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.mcb.uconn.edu/research/biophysics/degreeprogs.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

10

<p>I'm doing a double major in Genetics/Biochem with a minor in Chemistry. I was wondering if with that, I could later get into biotech (I'm guessing yes, but it doesn't hurt to ask, right?).</p>

11

<p>Yes you certainly can. The best things you can do now are:
1. Assist a faculty member at your current school with his/her research.
2. Use your Summer's to intern at a biotech or as a fallback, in academia. Start sending your resume around by the beginning of February.
3. Read the literature. Science, Nature, Nature Reviews , etc. Your school library should have these. Try to discern trends. Educate yourself on new methods to which you are unfamiliar.</p>