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Be at the forefront of new biological knowledge that revolutionises the way we cure disease, develop technologies and create renewable energy sources.

Biophysics sits at the crossroads of biology, physics and chemistry. You’ll apply core principles from physics and chemistry to understand how complex biological systems work.

Discover how nerve cells communicate, and use scientific techniques to explore the structures of proteins, viruses and other complex molecules.

Study computer modelling techniques and key methods of mathematical analysis to examine the relationships between the physical properties and how molecules, cells and core systems within the human body function.

Learn from internationally recognised researchers and see first-hand how recent Nobel Prize-winning technologies like cryo-electron microscopy and optical tweezers impact modern biophysics research.

You'll investigate how biological knowledge leads to innovations in drugs, vaccines, diagnostics, tissue engineering and biofuels.

Highlights

1 in Queensland for biological sciences

QS World University Rankings 2026

1 in Queensland for physics and astronomy

QS World University Rankings 2026

Career possibilities

Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

  • Biochemistry and molecular biology researcher
  • Solution designer
  • Biopharmaceutical scientist
  • Research scientist
  • Bioengineer
  • Biomedical researcher
  • Policy adviser
  • Bioprocess scientist

Average annual salary range

Biomedical Engineer

$80K–$100K

seek.com.au

Average annual salary range

Research Analyst

$105–$120K

seek.com.au

Next steps after graduation

Biophysics is used throughout the global biotechnology, biomanufacturing and pharmaceutical industries, and within private and public research organisations.

Studying biophysics gives you interdisciplinary training, meaning you can adapt to a variety of working environments, from universities and research centres to industry and government.

When you graduate, you'll be in high demand by employers for your advanced technical, communication, independent thinking and problem-solving skills.

Find out more about careers that started in science

How you'll learn

Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.

  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Laboratory work

What you'll study

At UQ, subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study:

  • Molecular Biophysics [Core course]
  • Research Frontiers in Biophysics [Core course]
  • Biochemistry & Molecular Biology [Elective]
  • Electromagnetism & Modern Physics [Elective]
  • Genes, Cells & Evolution [Elective]

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