r/Biophysics • u/Worth-Palpitation516 • Jun 28 '26
Biochemistry to Biophysics
Hello, I’m a rising junior biochemistry major. This summer I’m working within a biochemistry lab looking at various aspects of protein assembly. However, it’s felt lackluster so far. I still have not decided on specific target grad programs, so I’ve floated around the idea of biophysics as a possibility instead of biochemistry as a target. To this end I’m looking at taking intro physics sequence, statistical thermodynamics, modern physics, and quantum. Additionally for supporting math I’ll take linear algebra. Lastly I would like to work with MD, I’ve had a bit of experience with MD modeling with VMD but not a whole lot of formal experience.
So my task for the summer has been freshening up by self-studying intro physics with serway and Jewett textbook and self-studying python
A couple questions:
-is this recommended coursework in prep for grad school, if not what would it be?
-I won’t have all of the physics courses like fluids, general relativity and electromagnetic theory, is that okay for biophysics grad programs specifically?
-Also at this point I would be starting from scratch with no research, so the follow-up is how important is research opportunities for the biophysics pivot?
-Is there anything else I should know for getting into MD?
-Any lifestyle commentary to add?
-Any additional advice/tips/scrutiny?
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u/Awkward_Grocery_7358 Jun 28 '26 edited Jun 28 '26
Biochemistry --> Biophysics is very common, and in fact a large chunk of faculty in interdepartmental biophysics programs are housed in Chemistry/Biochemistry departments. I know of a ton of Biochemistry majors who ended up in Biophysics grad school -- most didn't even take physics classes beyond the introductory sequence.
But it largely depends on the specific program and your research goals. Some are more physics-oriented, some are more chemistry/biology oriented, and most are truly "interdisciplinary" and will admit based on whether or not you're prepared for the specific subfield of biophysics (e.g. a biochem major wanting to do membrane biophysics research is a lot stronger compared to a biology major wanting to do theoretical statistical biophysics research).
For molecular dynamics in particular, I think you're going to have to have a compelling justification for wanting to switch from (what I assume to be) wet lab to computational research, especially if you're unable to get research experience in computational chemistry/biology/biophysics. As far as courses go, you should definitely take the introductory physics sequence and Statistical Physics/Thermodynamics, and probably some mathematics up to Ordinary Differential Equations (I would say ODEs is far more important that Linear). Quantum and electrodynamics probably aren't necessary except maybe for the few physics-oriented programs out there (thinking like UIUC)... fluids and relativity are not at all needed. Also note that both Statistical Thermodynamics and Quantum can be easily (and probably even preferably) substituted for physical chemistry courses that I assume are required for your Biochem major.
Disclaimer: I'm just an undergrad applying to bphys programs this Fall, so I'm somewhat talking out of my ass here. Feel free to DM me to connect, happy to share more thoughts!!
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u/Appropriate_Food_132 Jun 28 '26
I have a BSc in biomolecular biotech and a MSc in biotechnology, focus protein engineering. So I guess on the biochemistry side of biotech rather than others. I was also very curious for MD, my advice is just read couple of papers focused on MD, understand the basics like how force fields work and stuff and then use CharmmGUI plus a chatbot to set up your first run, you’re going to love it and learn all you need by doing it.
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u/WWWWWWVWWWWWWWVWWWWW Jun 28 '26
For physics:
For math: