The student handbook contains all the information on how to obtain a degree in the Biophysics Graduate Program. This comprises how to develop a plan for coursework, how to choose a research advisor, how to take the general exam, and how to submit and defend the final thesis. Students are encouraged to read through the student handbook at the beginning of their career in the Biophysics Graduate Program and revisit it often as they progress toward their degree. This page describes the 2005 version of the handbook. Students who joined the program in 2008 or later should refer to this page. You can find the handbook here as an HTML, PDF, or Word document.

In addition to a wealth of useful information on the Biophysics Graduate Program, the handbook also contains several forms. These are summarized here.

Pre-contract Word PDF	The pre-contract defines how a student will fulfill (or already has fulfilled) the minimum general course requirements of the program. It has to be filled out before the first quarter of classes in the program.
Schedule planning worksheet Word PDF	The schedule planning worksheet is the first plan for an individualized curriculum. It has to be filled out by the student and one of the directors during the first quarter of classes in the program.
Rotation report Word PDF	The rotation report form has to be filled out and signed by a student and a rotation advisor before each rotation in order to clarify the mutual expectations for the rotation. It has to be finalized and submitted to the program at the end of the rotation.
PhD contract Word PDF	The PhD contract is the document defining how a student will approach the PhD. It has to be filled out by the student and his/her research advisor as soon as the advisor is chosen.
Timetable Word PDF	The timetable summarizes when which contract or examination is due and how students are supposed to be financially supported during which quarter.
Biosketch Word PDF	The biosketch form can be used to provide information on research and educational acchievements.
Preproposal assurance letter Word PDF	The preproposal assurance letter has to be sent by the advisor to the program in order to assure that a sufficient part of the preproposal component of the general exam is the student's own creative work.
Leave of absence Word PDF	The leave of absence form has to be filed by each funded student who needs to temporarily leave the University (e.g., because of sickness).
Agreement to advise Word PDF	This form has to be filed when an advisor takes on a student in order for this advisor to demonstrate her/his commitment to fund and advise the student.