Charlottesville,
VA,
United States
Type
Public
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
PhD in Physics - Biological and Medical Physics in Charlottesville United States | University of Virginia
University of Virginia
|
Charlottesville United States
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Doctor of Philosophy
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD
33,304
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
36 months
The University of Virginia fosters biophysics research across multiple departments, blending pure and applied studies. The Biological Physics Program in the Physics Department thrives through interdisciplinary partnerships, seminars, and faculty lectures on shared biophysics interests. Professor Cates' groundbreaking work focuses on an innovative MRI technique where patients breathe in laser-polarized noble gases like 3He or 129Xe for imaging. Developed in the 1990s with Prof. Cates' involvement, hyperpolarized gas imaging delivers exceptionally clear lung airspace visuals. Additionally, Xe's ability to dissolve into blood and tissues opens possibilities for broader organ applications, though fundamental physics challenges persist in advancing this imaging method.
PhD candidates receive funding through teaching/research assistantships or fellowships. Dissertation work isn't confined to the Physics Department—students may conduct research elsewhere by arrangement. Recent doctoral projects have occurred at international facilities including NIST Neutron Research Center, Jefferson Lab, Fermilab, CERN, and Paul Scherrer Institute.
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 7.0
Qualification Requirements
Undergraduate Preparation:
Applicants are expected to have a degree in physics or a related discipline from an accredited institution.
Standardized Tests:
Scores from the GRE General or Physics subject exam are not required to apply but will be considered if submitted. For example, Physics GRE scores can be useful in evaluating applicants with a non-standard path to graduate study in physics. All applications will receive full consideration whether GRE scores are submitted or not.
Transcripts
Applicants must upload unofficial transcripts of their entire post-secondary academic record to the online application, including all undergraduate- and graduate-level coursework. Applicants are expected to have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate programs.
Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose should indicate your reasons for applying to the proposed program at the University of Virginia and describe your preparation for this field of study, research interests, future career plans, and intellectual or life experiences in order to aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study. Your commitment to a selected field of study is presumed in the receipt of your application, instead, please discuss specific issues in the field that engage you. Please limit your submission to between 500 and 1,000 words.
The minimum internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score requirement is 90 (including sectional minimums of 22 in speaking, 22 in writing, 23 in reading and 23 in listening). The minimum paper-based TOEFL score requirement is 600. Applicants may submit scores from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as an alternative to the TOEFL exam. The minimum IELTS score requirement is 7.0 in each section.
Applicants are expected to have a degree in physics or a related discipline from an accredited institution.
Standardized Tests:
Scores from the GRE General or Physics subject exam are not required to apply but will be considered if submitted. For example, Physics GRE scores can be useful in evaluating applicants with a non-standard path to graduate study in physics. All applications will receive full consideration whether GRE scores are submitted or not.
Transcripts
Applicants must upload unofficial transcripts of their entire post-secondary academic record to the online application, including all undergraduate- and graduate-level coursework. Applicants are expected to have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate programs.
Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose should indicate your reasons for applying to the proposed program at the University of Virginia and describe your preparation for this field of study, research interests, future career plans, and intellectual or life experiences in order to aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study. Your commitment to a selected field of study is presumed in the receipt of your application, instead, please discuss specific issues in the field that engage you. Please limit your submission to between 500 and 1,000 words.
The minimum internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score requirement is 90 (including sectional minimums of 22 in speaking, 22 in writing, 23 in reading and 23 in listening). The minimum paper-based TOEFL score requirement is 600. Applicants may submit scores from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as an alternative to the TOEFL exam. The minimum IELTS score requirement is 7.0 in each section.
Tuition
USD
33,304