Program Description
The Ad HocÌýBiophysics PhD Program offered by Interfaculty Studies, is a research-intensive program where the theories and methods of physics are applied to understand how biological systems work by bringing together the rapidly evolving and converging disciplines of biology, physics, chemistry, engineering, and biomedicine. The program's objective is to equip students with proficiency and skillsets to advance biophysics research frontiers, and the capacity to identify and pursue research projects oriented towards the most pressing challenges presented by biophysics, all the while enabling students to either continue their studies or pursue professional opportunities.
Keywords:ÌýBiophysics,ÌýStructural Biology, Imaging, Scattering, Diffraction, Microscopy, Fluorescence, Molecular Sciences, Biophysical Research, Biophysical Methods Development, Biological Mechanisms, Biological Organization, Protein, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, DNA, Structure, Physical Quantification of Biological Systems, Physical and Chemical Biology, Molecular Architecture, Protein Dynamics, Enzyme Mechanism, Physical Understanding of the Molecules of Life, Nanobiology, Bionanomachines, Nanotechnology.
Unique Program Features
- The Ad Hoc Biophysics PhD Program involves 51 researchers from departments and faculties of Medicine and Health Science, Engineering, Science and Agricultural and Environmental sciences.
- The Program will provide multi-disciplinary biophysics training through integrating fundamental sciences, informatics, engineering and biomedical sciences with the goal of improving our training of future scientists.Ìý
- An important part of the Biophysics Program will be the three lab rotations during the first year, where students will experience different lab cultures, biophysical methods, and research topics.Ìý
- The program includes courses in the first year that provide a strong foundation in fundamental aspects of biophysics and offers a deep dive into the various methodologies used in biophysics. These courses will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of biophysics, including the breadth of biophysics research.Ìý
- Trainees will have access to state-of-the-art facilities in the research laboratories as well as state-of-the-art service platforms manned by expert technicians. These complementary platforms will provide a unique opportunity for trainees to be exposed to tools for research as well as benefiting from outstanding expertise and infrastructure for light and electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, x-ray crystallography, NMR, additive manufacturing, diverse biophysical measurements, and DNA sequencing.
University-Level Admission Requirements
- An eligible Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA out of a possible 4.0 GPA
- English-language proficiency
Visit our Educational credentials and grade equivalencies and English language proficiency webpages for additional information.
Each program has specific admission requirements including required application documents. Please see below for more details.
Ad Hoc Biophysics PhD Program Admission Requirements
- Degree Type or Level (e.g., B.Eng. or B.Sc. in Biology); typically, a master’s degree in fields related to biomedical science (examples include but are not limited to: anatomy, biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, microbiology and immunology, molecular biology, pharmacology, physiology), engineering, physics, or chemistry;
- Exceptional candidates may be considered for direct entry with an eligible bachelor’s degree and a strong research experience with publication record and/or highly competitive awards;
- Master's degree with a minimum cGPA of 3.5./4.0 on the McGill Scale;Ìýfor exceptional candidates for direct entry with an eligible Bachelor's degree, a minimum cGPA 3.5/4.0
- A 1000-word personal statement describing their educational background, professional background (if applicable) and motivation for applying to the program;
- Two letters of reference are required from individuals who interacted with the candidate, either on a professional or educational level;
- Most recent Curriculum Vitae;
- Supervisor confirmation is not a requirement for admission into this program.
Program Website
Coming soon. Please contact theÌýinfo.biophysics [at] mcgill.ca (unit)Ìýfor more information
Department Contact
Program info.biophysics [at] mcgill.ca (email)
Available Intakes
Fall 2025
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Application Deadlines
| Intake | Applications Open | Application Deadline - International | Application Deadline - Domestic (Canadian, Permanent Resident of Canada) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FALL | September 15 | January 15 | June 15 |
| WINTER | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| SUMMER | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Note: Application deadlines are subject to change without notice. Please check the application portal for the most up-to-date information.