Kharkiv National University

What you'll study

The programme builds on foundational concepts in physics and biology to develop quantitative and experimental skills for studying living systems. Core taught topics typically include molecular and cellular biophysics, statistical and thermal physics for biological systems, biomolecular structure and dynamics, electrophysiology, and principles of membrane biophysics. Students also study biophysical methods such as spectroscopy (UV/Vis, fluorescence, NMR basics), X‑ray and electron microscopy fundamentals, optical and atomic force microscopy, and methods for single-molecule measurements.

Complementary modules often cover computational and quantitative approaches: bioinformatics and sequence analysis, mathematical modelling of biological processes, computational biophysics and molecular dynamics, image analysis, and data processing. Practical laboratory training is an important component, with classes and projects giving hands‑on experience in experimental design, instrumentation, data acquisition and statistical analysis.

The degree is research‑focused and culminates in an independent Master’s thesis project carried out under academic supervision. Research projects may be available in areas such as membrane biophysics, protein folding and dynamics, neurobiophysics and electrophysiology, biosensing and biomedical instrumentation, or computational modelling of biological systems.

Typical structure

• Core taught modules in biophysics theory and experimental methods
• Optional/specialist modules in computational methods, imaging or applied biophysics
• Laboratory practicals and short research rotations
• Independent research project and written thesis with oral defence

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a Bachelor’s degree (or recognised equivalent) in physics, biophysics, molecular biology, chemistry, biomedical engineering or a closely related discipline. Strong quantitative skills and prior laboratory experience are advantageous. Candidates with relevant professional experience and appropriate prior coursework may also be considered.

Admission typically requires submission of academic transcripts, a CV, a statement of purpose describing research interests, and academic references. Applicants whose first language is not the programme language may need to demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction; additional language support or course options may be available. Specific entry conditions and assessment of international qualifications are determined by the university admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master’s in Biophysics pursue a range of careers in research, industry and healthcare. Common pathways include:

• Progression to doctoral study (PhD) in biophysics, molecular biology, neuroscience or related fields
• Research and development roles in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including drug discovery and diagnostic development
• Positions in medical physics, imaging and instrumentation, and development of biomedical devices and biosensors
• Data science, computational modelling and bioinformatics roles that apply quantitative skills to biological and medical data
• Academic and teaching positions in higher education and research institutes
• Regulatory, patent and technical consultancy roles where scientific expertise is required

Why study at Kharkiv National University

Kharkiv National University has a long tradition in both the physical and life sciences, providing an interdisciplinary environment well suited to biophysics. The university hosts established departments and research laboratories in physics, theoretical physics, molecular biology and physiology, allowing students to draw on diverse expertise for coursework and thesis supervision.

Facilities supporting the programme typically include teaching and research laboratories equipped for spectroscopy, microscopy and electrophysiology, as well as access to computational resources for modelling and data analysis. The university’s research links with regional institutes and industry partners offer opportunities for collaborative projects and applied research placements.

Students benefit from supervision by experienced academic staff, a programme that emphasises practical skills alongside theory, and a research‑led curriculum that prepares graduates for further study or employment in academic, clinical and industrial settings.