Molecular Scale Biophysics

Molecular Scale Biophysics is a multidisciplinary programme, 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.

This programme has been developed at the interface between the different biochemistry programs of the CIVIS partner universities. Researchers and teaching-researchers Aix-Marseille, Stockholm, Sapienza Rome, Université Libre de Bruxelles are involved.

During the virtual mobility part, lectures and tutorials are developed and presented by the different international partners to illustrate various 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 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 is the 5th edition of this BIP. The feedback from students and teachers is always positive - it is a great opportunity to learn new techniques, build an international network, work with experts on high-end instrumentation. We thrive to improve it every year, based on students comments and evaluation of the course.

We are looking forward to welcoming you for the 2027 edition in beautiful Marseille. 

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.

The physical component (one-week Summer School) will provide hands-on training on these biophysical techniques.

This programme will equip 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;
• have acquired theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills in the preparation of samples and acquisition of data using current research technology;
• learn how to use and develop research projects using state-of-the-art technology;
• understand the current challenges and main approaches used to study macromolecules structure and function;
• have participated in networking activities to develop personal international professional contacts;
• have received feedback on their presentation skills;
• have learnt and practice in a multi-cultural learning environment.

Specific skills and competencies:

• 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.

The physical mobility section of the BIP will take place between 31 May - 4 June 2027, at the IM2B Institute in Marseille (France), and will include:

• 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 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 to further promote networking.

Students will be evaluated based on:

• homework assignments, problem sets, and quizzes: 50%
• poster presentation: 20%
• practical write-up: 15%
• trainee interviews/oral examination/participation/online engagement: 15%

Motivation Letter

Level of english (According to CEFR)

CV

Student applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria, which should be clearly stated in the required documents (CV and/ or motivation letter):

• academic background: how it relates to the subject of this course (ex. a degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics, or Biology);
• relevant coursework: matches or supports the course scientific and technical focus (ex: which specific courses are 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 this international experience will benefit the students career plan;
• clarity and formatting: CV and motivation letter should be clear, free of typos, and highlight the relevant information outlined above.

Instructors include researchers, teacher-researchers, and engineers from:

• Aix-Marseille University: James Sturgis, Elsa Garcin, Marlène Martinho, Stéphane Grimaldi, Emilien Etienne, Deborah Byrne, Arnaud Aymes, Eric Pilet, Pascale Barbier, François Devred, Ignacio Casuso, Felix Rico, Claire Valloteau, Lorena Redondo-Morata, Nicolas Buzhinsky; 
• Sapienza University Rome: Roberto Contestabile, Martino Luigi Di Salvo; 
• Stockholm University: Andreas Barth; 
• University Libre of Brussels: Jehan Waeytens.

Blended Intensive Programme

This CIVIS course is a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP): a new format of Erasmus+ mobility which combines online teaching with a short trip to another campus to learn alongside students and professors across Europe.

GDPR Consent

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