Biological phenomena and systems represent a new paradigm of complex, active, and self-regulating matter governed by laws that remain largely unknown. To study them, we must use the most innovative physical principles, methods, and techniques. The Physics & Engineering of Living Matter (PhELM) Master's Program will prepare you for fundamental and applied research in the physics of living matter.

The objective of your training will be to acquire the disciplinary skills and attitude of a physicist in the study of complex matter and biological systems and also to learn to interact and collaborate with scientists from other disciplines (biology, chemistry, medicine, electronics, bioinformatics, etc.) in research at the interface between physics and biological sciences.

You will learn about the advanced physical technologies used in public research laboratories and companies operating in the biotechnology, diagnostic and medical industries.

You will benefit from an interdisciplinary teaching team and a well-established network of research institutions in Montpellier, France, and abroad.

In conclusion, the PhELM curriculum offers you high-level training in a rapidly growing interdisciplinary field to discover the physical principles and methods to study life and its evolution.

Learn the basics of new non-invasive experimental techniques, visualization, and super-resolution microscopy. Discover how individual molecules manipulation experiments work. Be trained in biomimetic, microfluidic, bio-synthetic approaches, and the principles of large physics instruments for exploring the properties of matter. These cutting-edge technologies link physics to different disciplines: quantitative, computational, integrative, and systems biology, bioinformatics, and bioengineering.

Train in experimental techniques and develop the most sought-after skills by participating in practical work carried out by renowned experts in the field. To learn and master the analytical, numerical, and simulation calculation tools, from physics, mathematical, and computer sciences, necessary for the modeling of complex systems, the analysis of experimental data, and the implementation of quantitative and predictive models of the studied phenomena.

Explore new concepts in fundamental physics: molecular motors and switches, thermodynamics of small systems, active systems, stochastic systems, regulation, information, evolution, etc.

During your internship project immersed in a research laboratory, you will learn the techniques and daily life of research, the values of teamwork, and the importance of scientific discussion and interdisciplinary dialogue.