Physics
Specialization in Physics of Life and Health
The specialization in Physics of Life and Health gives you the opportunity to explore the secrets of life processes with the language of physics. You will dive into the fascinating world of DNA, proteins, cells, tissue mechanics, and diagnostic instruments. You will look to those life processes with the eyes of a physicist and with the help of cutting-edge technologies available in our laboratories. We offer a study and research program tailored for a new generation of scientists who can tackle the complexity of the physics that lies beyond living organisms. After this programme you will continue an exciting carrier in research institutes, hospitals, or industrial environments.
Programme outline
Students can start the Master’s specialization in Physics of Life and Health in September or February each year.
Designing your own programme
This high-level academic programme is tailored to individual students’ interests and centres on the interaction between research and teaching. Students design their own study programme in consultation with the programme coordinator and research supervisors, and submit it to the examination committee for approval.
Thesis
A small literature survey and an extensive one-yar research project form an essential part of the programme. Usually these projects are conducted at one of the associated research groups. Both projects conclude with a thesis and a colloquium.
Course schedule (PDF)
Career perspectives
Graduates of the specialization in Physics of Life and Health can apply for PhD positions at biomedical physics and biophysics research institutes and hospitals around the world. Other career options include scientific positions at various government institutions. Graduates can also join the laboratories of major Dutch-based international corporations (e.g. Philips) or research institutes (e.g. university teaching hospitals). The programme’s emphasis on analytical thinking provides an excellent foundation for a career in software development and IT, investment banking, consultancy or politics. Students with strong writing and communication skills can go on to a career with a newspaper, magazine or science-oriented non-profit organization.
Contact
Dr. Davide Iannuzzi
Phone: +31 20 59 87577
E-mail: d.iannuzzi@vu.nl
View the movie
Current research
Below you find a list of the staff of the VU Physics Department that is involved in the Master’s specialization in Physics of Life and Health, together with their research interests.
Biomedical Photonics
Prof. dr. Johannes F. de Boer, head Physics of Complex Systems:
"The long-term goal of the research is to develop minimally invasive optical imaging and microscopy for 3-dimensional structural and functional mapping of biological tissues. The research focuses on advanced interferometric techniques, development of smart catheters and high resolution microscopy. We collaborate with the VUmc to translate novel diagnostics in endoscopy to a clinical setting to improve the diagnosis of e.g. lung cancer."
Researcher: Prof. dr. Johannes F. de Boer
Section: Head Physics of Complex Systems
E-mail: j.f.de.boer@vu.nl
Phone: +31 20 59 87973
Website: http://www.few.vu.nl/~jfdeboer
Physics of Life processes
Prof. dr. Gijs J.L. Wuite, section Physics of Complex Systems:
"The research in my group focuses on exploring DNA-proteins interactions and biophysical/biomechanical properties of viral capsids & cells. The aim is to work with reveal the physics inside cells in order to quantify how life is sustained. My experimental research line includes physical systems biology, single-molecule biophysics and bionanotechnolgy. We use a variety of techniques such as optical tweezers, AFM and single-molecule fluorescence as well as combinations of these techniques. The data obtained are related to biochemical studies and used for theoretical modeling."
Researcher: Prof. dr. Gijs J.L. Wuite
Section: Physics of Complex Systems
E-mail: g.j.l.wuite@vu.nl
Phone: +31 20 59 87987
Website: http://www.nat.vu.nl/~gwuite/
Fiber-top technology
Dr. Davide Iannuzzi, section Condensed Matter Physics:
"Fiber-top sensors are a new class of all-optical miniaturized tools obtained by carving micromechanical devices out of the cleaved end of an optical fiber. Our group is pioneering this technology, focusing most of the research on the development of methods and instruments for medical applications and new experiments in biophysics."
Researcher: Dr. Davide Iannuzzi
Section: Condensed Matter Physics
E-mail: d.iannuzzi@vu.nl
Phone: +31 20 59 87577
Website: http://www.nat.vu.nl/CondMat/iannuzzi/
Single-molecule biophysics
Dr. ir. Erwin J.G. Peterman, section Physics of Complex Systems:
"My research focuses on quantifying motion, conformation and other dynamics of biomolecules on the single-molecule level. Special focus is on kinesin motor proteins that transport cargo within our cells and the interaction of proteins with DNA. The techniques used in my lab are single-molecule fluorescence microscopy and optical tweezers."
Researcher: Dr. ir. Erwin J.G. Peterman
Section: Physics of Complex Systems
E-mail: e.j.g.peterman@vu.nl
Phone: +31 20 59 87576
Website: http://www.few.vu.nl/~erwinp
Photonics in neurobiology
Prof. dr. Marloes Groot, section Elementary events in biophysics:
"The ability to look at living organisms with microscopic resolution has been of tremendous importance for understanding biological structure and function. We use nonlinear optical techniques to obtain images in deep-tissue with sub-cellular resolution. This part of the research is performed within the Neuroscience campus Amsterdam."
Researcher: Prof. dr. Marloes Groot
Section: Elementary events in biophysics
E-mail: m.l.groot@vu.nl
Phone: +31 20 59 82570
Website: http://www.nat.vu.nl/en/research/physics-life-health/ElementaryEventsinBiophysics/staff/groot/index.asp
