Biophysics is the study of the living universe. The field is expanding at a rapid pace, and opportunities exist in research and clinical environments around the world. Biophysics contains many different areas ranging from molecules to proteins to organisms. With such a diverse range of topics, the laws of physics that apply to each topic is equally varied. Therefore, biophysics brings together many different topics of physics to bear into on the investigation of biological matter. Co-op will enable students to explore the variety of those topics, while at the same time developing effective lab skills, and acquiring beneficial research experience.
Application Deadlines
| Apply in Year | Application Deadline Date |
|---|---|
| 3 | Wednesday, October 1, 2025 |
Application requirements
- Have a minimum cumulative average of B- (68%)
- Be a full-time UBC (Vancouver) student in good academic standing in mathematics, English and the sciences
- Demonstrate good communication skills, and a responsible, mature attitude
- Demonstrate leadership, teamwork and time management
- Demonstrate interest in your chosen field
- Be flexible and willing to accept a work placement outside the Lower Mainland
NOTE: Being eligible does not automatically guarantee your acceptance into the Co-op Program.
Work terms schedules
| Year | Fall | Winter | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Study Term 1 | Study Term 2 | - |
| 2 | Study Term 3 | Study Term 4 | - |
| 3 | Study Term 5 | Study Term 6 | Work Term 1 |
| 4 | Work Term 2 | Work Term 3 | Work Term 4 |
| 5 | Study Term 7 | Study Term 8 | - |
The above schedule is highly recommended by the Co-op Program in order for students to complete their program within the shortest time frame. Alternate scheduling is available in consultation with your Co-op Coordinator.
Sample Jobs and Companies
UBC Centre for Brain Health
Research Assistant Co-op The laboratory investigates lipoprotein biology in the brain and how this relates to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Traumatic Brain Injury as well as cerebrovascular dysfunction. Our group has established a transformative Traumatic Brain Injury model, is developing human vascular models of the blood brain barrier, and has made key contributions to the understanding of the role of apolipoproteins in Alzheimer’s Disease. The student will work closely with our drug discovery group in validating and characterizing small molecule modulators of apoE function for ultimate development as candidate therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease. Laboratory work will encompass mammalian cell culture techniques including culture of primary cells, and a range of assays including cell viability and apoptosis assays, ELISAs, phagocytosis assays, analysis of mRNA and protein expression using quantitative real-time PCR, western blot and ProteinSimple.
UBC Faculty of Medicine
Neurology Co-op This position will involve investigating an advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique specific to myelin, to characterize how the values depend on the signal-to-noise ratio and other MR physics-related factors. This will require learning basic MRI physics as well as background on this specific MRI technique, and analysing data acquired under different circumstances. Modelling may also be performed. Tools will include Matlab and python (provided). There may be opportunities to collect new MRI data as well.