Bio-physics

What is Bio-physics

With the recent advancements in the field of education, the authorities and boards have been working rigorously to introduce new subjects to students and help them in widening the pathway of career opportunities. For Science students, several new subjects have surfaced which allow them to explore career possibilities beyond the existing courses and programmes. For students familiar with subjects like biology and physics, biophysics has been introduced in numerous institutions. The subjects deal with the fundamental knowledge of concepts taught in biology and physics and their correlation. Numerous techniques and methodologies like X-Rays, MRIs and Laser treatments function on the principles of physics as well as biology. Therefore, a career in biophysics opens the door to multiple opportunities.  

Biophysics is based on the advancement of physics assisted by the biological aspects of nature. Since physics is a branch that focuses on the physical phenomenon of the world and biology governs the natural environment and its constituents, therefore, the two combined form the phenomenon governing the principles of the natural world and its advancement. A biophysicist studies and deals with the physical phenomenon revolving around the biological systems. The course in biophysics has been offered by several institutions and has proved to be of great career value.  

Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Bio-physics

The eligibility criteria for courses in Biophysics depend on the level of course that one opts for. Here are the details.

For Undergraduate Biophysics Courses-  

• The candidates are required to complete their 10+2 or an equivalent level of education with a relevant discipline as their major from a recognised board in India. 

• They must obtain an appropriate percentile in 10+2 or equivalent with their major subjects as physics, biology and chemistry. This pertains to the undergraduate courses like B.Sc. and other certified courses in biophysics. 

• The eligibility criteria might vary for different institutions. However, the qualifying percentile is set at 40-50 percent aggregate.

•  Some universities shortlist the applicants on the basis of the result of their examinations conducted annually for the selection process. The cut-off lists are released, and further admission procedure takes place. 

•  For reserved categories, the eligibility differs in terms of minimum required marks, cut-offs, etc.  

For Postgraduate Biophysics Courses

• The applicants have to pass their undergraduate from an established educational institution in India 

•  Candidates who wish to pursue a postgraduate degree in Biophysics must achieve a minimum score of 50-55 percent in their graduating course. 

• Several colleges like Jamia Millia Islamia consider the percentile score in their entrance exams.

• Several colleges also accept a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 55 per cent marks.  

Biophysics Entrance Exam

Biophysics entrance exams are conducted by several institutions. The exams feature questions on subjects like physics, chemistry, English proficiency, mathematics and logical reasoning. Usually, the paper is divided into 150-200 questions and candidates are required to attempt the question in 2-3 hours. Negative marking is also done.  

Some of the most well-known examinations are listed below.  

Aligarh Muslim University Entrance Exam – This test, also known as the AMU admission test, is an All India level entrance exam for admission into their courses.

All India Institute of Medical Science Entrance Exam – Conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, this exam holds good for admissions into 7 different universities that come under it.

NIMHANS Entrance Exam – This is an exam conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences and is highly prestigious.

University of Madras Entrance Exam – This is an entrance exam for their credit-based courses of PG, PG Diploma as well as Certification Courses.  

Required Skillset for Bio-physics

Candidates thinking of joining a biophysics course must know about the key requirements and relevant skill sets. Therefore, certain skills set required for a biophysicist or a biophysics student are listed below. 

Critical Thinking Ability: A Biophysicist must possess the ability to critically analyse the situation as well as the work while researching or practising. Reasoning and logical capabilities must be polished.

Time Management Skills: Time Management plays a key role since biophysics is a complex subject dealing with multiple tasks, long hour research works, practice sessions, etc.

Analytical Thinking: Analytically interpreting the situation and the subjects can help a biophysics known more about the concepts of biophysics. It is one of the essential skills required since complex scientific experimentation is required to analyse the results of observation.

Patience and Perseverance: Due to the complexity of biophysics concepts, it is required to patiently understand the prevailing scenario and experiments.
 

Experimenting Capabilities: Experimentation plays a key role and forms the base of biophysics fundamental studies. Therefore, a person must have great capabilities and perseverance for carrying out distinct experiments.