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Biophysics is a scientific field at the interface between physics, chemistry and biology.
It combines elements of these sciences and investigates the structure, properties, function and dynamics of living matter. The goal is the elucidation of the fundamental processes of life. Biophysics uses a physical approach combined with concepts and methods from chemistry and biology.

Experimental setups use methods of all three scientific fields. Biophysics is a quantitative science: Its purpose is the reproducible quantitative description of processes in nature and the discovery of quantitative correlations between different phenomena. To achieve this goal the use of mathematical methods is highly necessary.

Biophysics differs from physics by its direct reference to living nature. But it also differs from chemistry and biology by its physical approach to describe the investigated objects. It uses modern methods from experimental and theoretical sciences in particular molecular spectroscopy, laser physics, optics and imaging technics.

The main topic of biophysics is the investigation of phenomena of basic and complex processes of life. The results are used for commercial and technical applications. Thus, biophysicists should be able to assess potential consequences of these applications in the social environment.
Often the results of biophysical research are important for (but also influenced by) other sciences like medicine or biochemistry.

For further information (in particular answers to frequently asked questions), please have a look at the topic "MORE INFORMATION" on the right.