Biophysics

Biophysics is an interdependent science discipline that employs unique methods of physics and physical chemistry to acquire knowledge on the biological systems present in our world. It applies the principles of Physics and Chemistry and the methods of Mathematical Analysis and Computer Modeling to understand how biological systems work. Biophysics explains biological function in terms of the molecular structures and their properties. Biophysics is a bridge between biology and physics. This discipline is concerned with applications of the principles and methods of physical sciences to biological problems. Biophysics is one of the most fascinating and intellectually challenging fields of scientific study because it deals with humans. Biophysics has a great importance in all our lives today. Biophysics shares a strong bond with other advanced biological fields biochemistry, bioengineering, systems biology, nanotechnology, and agro physics, it can be said that Biological systems is the very root of all our existence. Biophysics incorporate the study of all levels of biological organization, from molecules to ecosystems. The main aspect of biophysics is the use of the ideas and methods of physics and chemistry to study and explain the structures of living organisms and the mechanisms of life processes. The applications of Biophysics depend on society's needs. One of the first major findings in biophysics was the discovery of the double helix structure of the DNA molecule in 1953. Biophysics helped create powerful vaccines against infectious diseases. Biophysical methods are increasingly used to serve everyday needs, from forensic science to bioremediation. Medical imaging technologies including MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), CAT (Computed Axial Tomography) scans etc. are the invention of Biophysics. One who study the field of biophysics is known as Biophysicist. They study life at every level, from atoms and molecules to cells, organisms and environments. Biophysicists attempt to explain why our biophysical environment behaves as it does. Biophysicists study how organisms develop, see, hear, think and live. They investigate how the brain processes and stores information, the heart pumps blood, muscles contract, plants use light in photosynthesis, genes are switched on and off and many other questions. Biophysicists usually work with groups or teams of other scientists and professionals with other backgrounds to collaborate on solving common problems. For example, they work along with those in medical and criminology fields to find solutions to various problems they come across. The major areas of biophysics are the following: • Molecular biophysics -is the study of large molecules and particles of comparable size which play important roles in biology. • Radiation biophysics- consists of the study of the response of organisms to ionizing radiations, such as alpha, beta, gamma and x-rays and to ultraviolet light. • Physiological biophysics- called by some as Classical biophysics, is concerned with the use of physical mechanisms to explain the behavior and the functioning of living organisms or parts of living organisms and with the response of living organisms to physical forces. • Mathematical and theoretical biophysics- deals primarily with the attempt to explain the behavior of living organisms on the basis of mathematics and physical theory. • Medical biophysics - deals with the study that uses physics to describe or effect biological process largely for the purpose of medical application. The areas of research combining Physics and physiology include medical imaging such as MRI, computed tomography and PET (Positron emission tomography); oncology and cancer diagnosis using radiolabelling and molecular imaging; and vasculature and circulatory system function. Eligibility Eligibility for those who intend to pursue biophysics career is that they must basically have an undergraduate degree with Physics, Biology and Chemistry. Some institutes also offer undergraduate programmes with special attention given to biophysics. In India, however there are only few universities that offer courses in biophysics at the undergraduate level. Most biophysicists begin their career with a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Biophysics, and then go on to earn a master's and a PhD in physics or a sub-discipline of physics. Biophysicists who wish to do research generally need to obtain a PhD and spend one to five years in post-doctoral research in a university or government laboratory. In medical biophysics, one to two years of post-degree clinical (residency) training is required. Course areas of Biophysics include molecular biophysics, membrance biophysics, neurobiophysics, biophysical techniques, bioenergetics, medical biophysics. Personal Attributes : Biophysicists must have an aptitude for physics, biology and mathematics, and be able to pay close attention to detail. Interest in scientific phenomena, patience, perseverance, precision and tremendous inclination to search for real solutions is the strength of all bio physicists. Personal qualities of being able to think creatively and work independently as part of a professional and interdisciplinary team will be helpful. They should have excellent writing and computer skills, and have patience with and curiosity about the physical world. The motivation for scientific work should be intense, as often, sustained efforts to pursue research is required.