Physical Biology (PhD) at University of Southern California

The PhD in Physical Biology integrates biophysical research with a curriculum covering molecular and cell biology for quantitative students, physical principles of biological phenomena and emerging physical methods. Admission is decided by the Department of Physics and Astronomy's Graduate Admissions Committee, advised by the PBIO Program Committee.

Department: Physics and Astronomy  |  Duration: 60 units minimum  |  Intake: Fall or spring semester; application deadline December 15  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

Required courses are biochemistry or chemical biology, statistical mechanics or thermodynamics, the Graduate Colloquium (4 units) and Introduction to Physical Biology, plus at least 9 units of electives; remaining units are research and dissertation. First-year students rotate through at least two research groups. A qualifying examination (critical review and proposal) is taken in the fifth semester.

Career pathways

Medicine, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, other careers open to physical-science graduates, and academic positions in biophysics.

Official programme page