Physics, Biological Physics and Computational Biology - Master Programme

Why should physicists study biology? As a matter of fact, they already have for a long time. Biology poses many complex questions, which we cannot fully answer without understanding the rules that govern living things. Physics teaches us how to construct and apply models of phenomena in the world around us. Many renowned physicists, such as Richard Feynman, Wolfgang Pauli, Niels Bohr, Max Delbrück and Erwin Schrödinger, have turned their attention to biological problems and in some cases made substantial contributions to new fields such as molecular biology.

Biology has increasingly become a quantitative science, where scientists from different backgrounds together address a range of unresolved problems, for example, how biomolecules adopt their specific shape, how they interact in cells and how cells divide and communicate. The methods of theoretical physics, including statistical methods, machine learning, modelling and simulation, form an invaluable toolbox for approaching many of these problems.

The Department of Astronomy and Theoretical Physics offers a physics programme with specialisation in biological physics and computational biology, which combines a solid base of courses in theoretical and mathematical physics with courses in other subjects taught at the relevant departments, for example, chemistry and biology.

As a Master’s student, you will become part of a vibrant research community at the Computational Biology and Biological Physics division, engaged in cutting-edge theoretical studies of biological problems in collaboration with experimental groups worldwide. The programme includes a Master’s project carried out within one of the research groups.

Career prospects

A Master of Science in biological physics and computational biology will give you opportunities to pursue a wide variety of careers. Whereas some students go on to do a PhD in theoretical physics or computational biology, it is also possible to find suitable careers outside academia, for example, in the fields of information and communication technology or biotechnology where advanced programming and modeling is sought after. In addition, the upcoming MAX IV and ESS laboratories in Lund will give new opportunities for graduates with a degree in biological physics and computational biology.

More information can be found at https://www.fysik.lu.se/en/education/masters-degree-programmes/masters-programme-physics-biological-physics-and-computational-biology