Dean of the Department
Prof. Sinerik Ayrapetyan has received his PhD in Cell Biophysics in the Institute of Physiology of Ukraine Academy of Sciences. Currently, he is the head of Research Council of Life Sciences International Postgraduate Educational Center, and coordinator of UNESCO/UNITWIN Network. His research subjectis the study of “metabolic regulation of cell function in norm and pathology”. He is the Chief Editor for the Journal of “Bioequivalence and Bioavailability”, and an editorial member of several reputed journals like “Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine”, “ISRN Biophysics”, “European Journal of Biophysics”, “Advances in Life Sciences", “Applied Pharmacy”, “BBA General Subjects”, “International Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences”, and others. Prof. S. Ayrapetyan is a member of a number of international societies, such as International Society of Invertebrate Neurobiology (ISIN), International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN), WHO International Advisory Committee on Electromagnet biology” and others. He has authored 7 international books and more than 200 research articles.
The Department of Biophysics offers a program leading to Ph.D. degree, making it suitable for a variety of scholars looking to expand their knowledge and develop their career in research. The Department is interdisciplinary in its orientation, and draws on diverse resources of participant institutions and international scientific communities. This course develops critical analysis and depth of knowledge through advanced coursework, independent study, and research.
Programs of instruction and research are conducted in experimental, theoretical, and medical biophysics.
Experimental biophysics incorporates with the structural molecular biology, radiobiology, transport processes with emphasis on biological membranes, the elucidation of the nature of biological sensors and receptors, the understanding of rhythmic behavior of biological systems, and electrochemical intercellular information transfer.
Theoretical biophysics comprises such diversified areas as non-equilibrium thermodynamics, stochastic methods, transport, regulation and control, modeling of biological systems, application of quantum mechanics to biopolymers, theoretical estimates of forces between membranes, theoretical treatment of intermolecular interactions involving proteins and nucleic acids, and the structure and function of the nervous system.
Medical biophysics involves the application of biophysics in medicine and healthcare. Medical biophysicists are expected to carry out biophysical research on topics directly related to medical problems, generally in close collaboration with medics and to act as efficient intermediaries between medical and biomedical engineers.
Special attention is given to the development of teaching abilities of students being prepared for an academic career. The students will enjoy a high degree of independence and freedom in the development of research programs, choice of major advisors, and pursuit of dissertation research.
Program flexibility is a combination of required core and elective courses offered, to balance the needs for requisite knowledge together with dissertation preparation. Program format is designed to be; formal courses, seminars, independent studies, examinations, written papers, workshops, presentations, and dissertation. Total of 66 credits is a combined course work of 15 credits for core courses, 12 credits of electives, 4 credits for seminars and thesis preparation (35 credits).
Core Courses in Biophysics (15 credits)
Course Name | Credit |
---|---|
Biological Information and Kinetics of Enzyme Processes | 1 |
Thermodynamics (linear and nonlinear) of Biological Processes | 1 |
Molecular Biophysics | 1 |
Processes in Biological Systems | 1 |
Cellular Biophysics I: Membrane Transport | 2 |
Cellular Biophysics II: Structure and Function of Neuromuscular System | 2 |
Membranes | 1 |
Ion Channels | 2 |
Radiation Biophysics | 2 |
Mathematical biophysics | 1 |
Computers and their Applications in Biomedicine | 1 |
Supporting Coursesin Biophysics (12 credits)
*Supporting courses are selected by students.
Course Name | Credit |
---|---|
Medical Biophysics | 2 |
Nerve System Theory | 2 |
Biophysics of Processes of Intracellular Signaling | 2 |
Engineering and Physical Principles of Clinical Biophysics I | 2 |
Engineering and Physical Principles of Clinical Biophysics II | 2 |
Experimental Biophysics | 1 |
Isotopes and Their Applications | 1 |