The Molecular and Cellular Biophysics PhD (MCB) program provides opportunities for doctoral studies in the interdisciplinary field of biophysics. Participation of faculty from the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry & Biochemistry, and Physics & Astronomy enhances the strength and breadth of our program by incorporating cross-disciplinary and collaborative approaches to research. The MCB PhD program is centered on research activities that coincide with faculty experience and expertise. Areas of research in the MCB program include cellular physiology, developmental dynamics, protein folding and aggregation, protein network analysis, signal transduction cascades, synthetic biology, systems biology and the development of novel imaging techniques. Projects at the interface of traditional disciplines of physics, biology and chemistry as well as methods of mathematical analysis and computer modeling are particularly encouraged.
The MCB PhD program offers both a core foundation in biophysical theory and practice yet provides flexibility and individualized attention such that students with diverse scientific backgrounds will have the opportunity to be trained in molecular and cellular biophysics. During their first year in the program, students conduct lab rotations, take a year-long course sequence that covers foundations of molecular and cellular biophysics and take additional graduate courses to supplement their undergraduate training. At the end of their first year, students will join the lab in which they will conduct their thesis research.
Students with strong quantitative undergraduate backgrounds (e.g., undergraduate degrees in physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science/engineering) who desire to apply these skills to various biological problems, as well as students with a background in cell or molecular biology with a solid foundation in mathematics and physics are particularly encouraged to apply. Financial aid is usually offered in the form of Graduate Teaching or Graduate Research Assistantships, which cover tuition costs and provide a stipend for living expenses.
Program Learning Outcomes
Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular and Cellular Biophysics
- Demonstrate understanding of the basic core concepts of modern interdisciplinary biophysics, cell and molecular biology and biochemistry.
- Critically read and understand the relevant literature from physics, chemistry, and biology.
- Formulate and carry out research that enhances our understanding of the interface between physics, biology, and chemistry.
- Express the results of their research in a professional manner for publication in the scientific literature and in a manner accessible to the general public.
Master of Science in in Molecular and Cellular Biophysics
- Demonstrate understanding of the basic core concepts of modern interdisciplinary biophysics.
- Critically read and understand the relevant literature from physics, chemistry, and biology.
- Carry out research that enhances our understanding of the interface between physics, biology, and chemistry.
- Express the results of their research in a professional manner and in a manner accessible to the general public.
Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular and Cellular Biophysics
Degree and GPA Requirements
Bachelor’s degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.
University GPA requirement: The minimum grade point average for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver must meet one of the following criteria:
Prerequisites
- A minimum of one year of calculus and one year of college physics (preferably calculus-based), regardless of undergraduate major, are required.
Standardized Test Scores
- GRE scores are optional for admission to this program. Applications submitted without scores will receive full consideration. Every application undergoes a comprehensive evaluation, including a careful review of all application materials.
If you choose to submit test scores, you may upload your Test Taker Score Report PDF, which is considered unofficial. Official scores must be received directly from the appropriate testing agency upon admission to the University of Denver. The ETS institution code to submit GRE scores to the University of Denver is 4842.
Additional Requirements
- Applicants may be contacted to schedule an admissions interview.
English Language Proficiency Test Score Requirements
The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test score requirements for this degree program are:
- Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 80 for exams taken prior to January 21, 2026; 4.0 for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026
- Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5
- Minimum C1 Advanced Score: 176
- Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 115
Master of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biophysics
Degree and GPA Requirements
Bachelor’s degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.
University GPA requirement: The minimum grade point average for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver must meet one of the following criteria:
Standardized Test Scores
- GRE scores are optional for admission to this program. Applications submitted without scores will receive full consideration. Every application undergoes a comprehensive evaluation, including a careful review of all application materials.
If you choose to submit test scores, you may upload your Test Taker Score Report PDF, which is considered unofficial. Official scores must be received directly from the appropriate testing agency upon admission to the University of Denver. The ETS institution code to submit GRE scores to the University of Denver is 4842.
Additional Requirements
- Applicants may be contacted to schedule an admissions interview.
English Language Proficiency Test Score Requirements
The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test score requirements for this degree program are:
- Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 80 for exams taken prior to January 21, 2026; 4.0 for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026
- Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5
- Minimum C1 Advanced Score: 176
- Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 115
Doctoral Program
Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular and Cellular Biophysics
Graduate studies in the program are highly individualized; programs should fit each student’s unique needs and interests. Students are required to perform original, publishable research and to present a thesis based on research to the faculty of the molecular and cellular biophysics program.
A student qualifies for the PhD degree after demonstrating growth as an independent investigator—identifying a significant research question; proposing a hypothesis or model to answer the question; testing the hypothesis with appropriate experiments; and writing a dissertation acceptable to the department.
The structure of the PhD program in Molecular and Cellular Biophysics is as follows:
- required core courses and elective courses during the first year
- required lab rotations during the first year
- required seminar/special topics courses during the second year
- qualifying exams first year and second year
- thesis research second year to completion
Degree Requirements
Coursework Requirements
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
|---|
| |
| BIOP 4100 | Foundations in Biophysics | 3 |
| BIOP 4150 | Cellular Biophysics | 4 |
| CHEM 4130 | Chemical Systems III | 3 |
| BIOP 4995 | Independent Research | 1-9 |
| |
| |
| BIOP 4210 | Current Topics in Biophysics | 2 |
| BIOP 4210 | Current Topics in Biophysics | 2 |
| BIOP 4210 | Current Topics in Biophysics | 2 |
| |
| Independent Research | |
| Independent Research | |
Minimum credits required for the degree: 90 (must be approved by the program Steering committee)
Non-coursework Requirements
-
passing performance in the qualifying examinations
-
completion of a research dissertation of publishable quality
-
successful oral defense of the dissertation
Additional requirements:
-
successful completion of research rotations during the first year
-
passing performance in the qualifying examinations
-
attendance at departmental seminars and the presentation of one seminar per year
-
completion of a research dissertation of publishable quality
-
successful oral defense of the dissertation
A complete description of the program’s official requirements and details of qualifying examinations are available on the Natural Sciences & Mathematics website.
Master's Program
Master of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biophysics
The Molecular and Cellular Biophysics (MCB) Program offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in Molecular and Cellular Biophysics that prepares students for a variety of careers, such as biotechnology and secondary education. The MCB MS program is an advanced, interdisciplinary degree with either a research component (the thesis track) or one with a minimal research component (the non-thesis track). Each MS student has an advisory committee that functions to both advise and monitor the progress of the student.
- The thesis track and non-thesis track both require 45 credits.
- The required courses consist of 16 credits. These are listed below and are required for both the thesis and non-thesis tracks.
- To reach 45 credits, elective courses (29 credits) are taken. Electives consist of graduate level courses in Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.
- To take an elective course, students must A) meet the pre-requisites or receive an override from the instructor, and B) receive approval from their MCBP advisory committee.
- Students in the thesis track must take at least 9 credits of BIOP 4995.
- Students in either track can repeat BIOP 4995 to fulfill the elective credits.
- No courses at the 1000- or 2000-level are acceptable.
- Minimum credits required for degree: 45 including the Graduate Core Courses, which constitute 16 quarter hours. At least 35 of the 45 credit hours must be earned at the University of Denver.
- Students who have completed the required 45 credits and are working on a thesis project are eligible for Continuous Enrollment to maintain active student status at the University.
Degree Requirements
Coursework Requirements
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
|---|
| BIOP 4100 | Foundations in Biophysics | 3 |
| BIOP 4150 | Cellular Biophysics | 4 |
| CHEM 4130 | Chemical Systems III | 3 |
| BIOP 4210 | Current Topics in Biophysics (Three quarters are required.) | 2 |
| BIOP 4210 | Current Topics in Biophysics (Three quarters are required.) | 2 |
| BIOP 4210 | Current Topics in Biophysics (Three quarters are required.) | 2 |
| 29 |
| Total Credits | 45 |
Minimum credits required for the degree: 45
Non-coursework requirements
