Molecular Scale Biophysics
Dive into the fascinating world of biological macromolecules with a cutting-edge biophysics program that blends high-impact experimental technologies, cross-disciplinary innovation, and international scientific collaboration.
← Back to courses- CIVIS focus area
- Health
- Open to
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- Master's
- PhD candidates/ students
- Field of studies
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- Medicine and Health
- Type
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- Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP)
- Course dates
- 16 February - 5 June 2026
- Apply by
- 30 October 2025 Apply now
Molecular Scale Biophysics is a multidisciplinary program focused on understanding macromolecules structure and function using a broad range of experimental approaches, including spectroscopic methods (FTIR, EPR, fluorescence, rapid kinetics), hydrodynamic methods (analytical ultracentrifugation, DLS), thermodynamic methods (ITC, DSC, DSF) and atomic force microscopy.
The program is divided in a virtual mobility part and a physical mobility part.
During the program virtual mobility part, lectures and tutorials are developed and presented by the different international partners to illustrate different biophysical techniques available at the research centres. The presentations and approaches will center on technique-specific instrumentation and study system-independent aspects of the techniques through real-life illustrations.
During the program physical mobility part, students will work at the IM2B research institute (Marseille) where they will have direct access to state-of-the art instrumentations. Practical aspects of selected techniques will be studied with students having the opportunity to use various techniques and analyze data they have acquired in a research context. This part will be taught both by local teachers and teachers from partner universities.
This program has been developed at the interface between the different biochemistry programs of the CIVIS partner universities. Researchers and teaching-researchers from various CIVIS universities (Aix-Marseille, Stockholm, Sapienza Rome, Université Libre de Bruxelles) participate in this program.
Main topics addressed
The virtual component will provide theoretical knowledge of the various biophysical techniques used to study biological macromolecules:
- spectroscopic methods: Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, fluorescence, rapid kinetics, Fourier Transform Infra-Red;
- hydrodynamic methods: analytical ultracentrifugation, dynamic light scattering;
- thermodynamic methods: isothermal calorimetry, Differential scanning calorimetry, differential scanning fluorescence, Microscale thermophoresis;
- atomic force microscopy.
Physical component (Summer School) will provide hands-on training on these biophysical techniques.
Learning outcomes
This program will equip the students with tools and knowledge needed to address challenges in health by integrating biology, physics, and technology. It will train and allow them to pursue a career where they can make meaningful contributions to health-related issues.
By the end of this course, the students:
- will be able to develop, implement, and analyze studies of molecular interactions using several complementary biophysical techniques;
- will have acquired theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills in the preparation of samples and acquisition of data using current research technology;
- will learn how to use and develop research projects using state-of-the-art technology;
- will understand the current challenges and main approaches used to study macromolecules structure and function;
- will have participated in networking activities to develop personal international professional contacts;
- will have received feedback on their presentation skills;
- will have learnt and practice in a multi-cultural learning environment.
| Dates: 16 February - 5 June 2026 | Total workload: 160 hours |
| Format: Blended | ECTS: 6* |
| Location: Marseille, France | Language: English (B2) |
| Contact: elsa.garcin@univ-amu.fr |
*recognition of ECTS depends on your home university
Physical mobility
The physical mobility section of the BIP will take place between 1-5 June 2026, at the IM2B Institute in Marseille (France), and will include the following activities:
- lectures and a refresher course on techniques that will be employed by the students during the week and on the biological study system they will be investigating. This will reinforce their theoretical knowledge of biophysical techniques and their application to biological research;
- practical workshops in small groups using state-of-the-art equipment to obtain and analyze data. This will give students a better appreciation of sample requirements, technical needs and practical aspects of the different methods. Students will benefit from privileged access to experts in these various techniques;
- guided data analysis sessions to help students organize and present data;
- a poster session to broaden students understanding of current research themes, to practice scientific communication, and to build a professional network;
- an outing in beautiful Marseille is planned to further promote networking.
Virtual part
The virtual component (16 February-24 April 2026) will offer multiple resources to optimize student engagement and understanding of the various biophysical techniques to study macromolecule structure and function.
The component is split in modules corresponding to the different biophysical techniques, including spectroscopic methods (FTIR, EPR, fluorescence, rapid kinetics), hydrodynamic methods (analytical ultracentrifugation, DLS), thermodynamic methods (ITC, DSC, DSF) and atomic force microscopy.
Classes will take place twice a week (on Mondays and Thursdays, between 6-7:30 PM CET).
This component will contain recorded videos (self-paced learning), online lectures, and problem-solving tasks.They will provide theoretical knowledge of the various biophysical techniques.
The problem-solving activities will challenge students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios, helping them to think critically and understand the strengths and weaknesses of each technique in the context of understanding molecular function of biological systems.
To maximize student engagement and learning throughout the virtual component, online quizzes will be implemented on Moodle, Wooclap and Kahoot will be used during online lectures. In addition, homework assignments will be given after each module. The detailed schedule will be available at a later date.
Assessment
Students will be evaluated based on:
- homework assignments, problem sets, and quizzes: 50%
- poster presentation: 20%
- practical write-up: 15%
- trainee interviews/ oral examination: 15%
The programme is open to Master and PhD students at CIVIS member universities with theoretical knowledge or training background in areas related to molecular biophysics (biology, biochemistry or physics).
Specific skills:
- theoretical knowledge of various biophysical techniques: understand the basics of what the method measures, know how and when to use the method to make measurements, interpret simple results;
- experimental knowledge: how to operate instruments, sample preparation, limitations of the method, know what to do with data obtained.
Soft skills:
- critical thinking and understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each technique in the context of understanding molecular function of biological systems;
- communication skills (poster session and practical write-up);
- international collaboration and multicultural interactions;
- building an international network with peers and experts.
NB: Visiting Students - Erasmus Funding Eligibility
To be eligible for your selected CIVIS programme, you must be a fully enrolled student at your CIVIS home university at the time you will be undertaking the programme. Applications for this course are only available for the 11 CIVIS member universities in Europe.
Partner universities:
- Aix-Marseille Université (France)
- Sapienza Università di Roma (Italia)
- Stockholm University (Sweden)
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (Belgium)
Professors:
Instructors include researchers and teacher-researchers from Aix-Marseille University - James Sturgis, Elsa Garcin, Marlène Martinho, Stéphane Grimaldi, Frédéric Biaso, Emilien Etienne, Marianne Ilbert, Sébastien Dementin, Deborah Byrne, Eric Pilet, Pascale Barbier, François Devred, Ignacio Casuso, Felix Rico, Claire Valloteau, Lorena Redondo-Morata, Nicolas Buzhinsky, from La Sapienza University Rome - Roberto Contestabile, Francesco Malatesta, Martino Luigi Di Salvo, from Stockholm University - Andreas Barth, and University of Brussels -Jehan Waeytens.
Send your application by filling in the online application form by 30 October 2025, and also including:
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Level of English, according to CEFR
Student applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria, which should be clearly stated in the required documents:
- academic background: how it relates to the subject of this course (exemple Biochemistry, biophysics, Biology degree);
- relevant coursework: matches or supports the course scientific and technical focus (which specific courses related to the material taught in this BIP);
- motivation to follow the course: how will this course benefit the student in his/ her research, degree, future career plans;
- international exposure or mobility: if applicable, previous travel or multicultural experience. How will this international experience benefit the students career plan;
- clarity and formatting: CV and motivation letter are clear, free of typos, and highlight the relevant information outlined above.
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