M2 - Physics and Engineering of Living Matter (PhIMV)

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The word “biomimicry” comes from ancient Greek: bios (bios), meaning “life,” and mimesis, meaning “imitation.”

This term refers to the study of extracellular and intracellular biological phenomena using in vitro experimental techniques designed to reproduce—that is, to “mimic”—the characteristics of these phenomena, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

The biomimetic method approaches biological complexity “by subtraction”: by assembling new minimal systems (with a small number of parameters) under highly controlled conditions using abottom-up approach; by identifying the essential components; and by controlling the system’s parameters.

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This course introduces and develops various methods for modeling biological systems: from the physics of individual molecules to the physical study of systems and populations of objects (e.g., proteins) or organisms (bacteria).

These methods (both analytical and numerical) stem primarily from statistical physics, the theory of stochastic processes, and nonlinear physics.

Examples of studies are also provided based on the material covered in other modules in the M1 and M2 programs to contextualize the various examples within the framework of physical theory and quantitative experimentation on living matter.

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Polymer physics—to which this course serves as an introduction—focuses on the physical properties of covalently bonded chain-like assemblies ranging from a few dozen to a few million elementary molecules: polymers or macromolecules.

These synthetic or natural molecules can be observed in the solid state, liquid state, in solution, in a colloidal state, or confined to an interface.

Their highly distinctive physical properties have led to the development of specific theoretical tools and the emergence of this new branch of physics with numerous applications.

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English tutorial course for students in the Master 2 Physics program who are preparing for a career in an English-speaking professional environment in a contemporary context.

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This module gives students the opportunity to learn about the unique aspects of the professional world and to prepare to enter it under the best possible conditions, particularly through sharing experiences with professionals in the field. Students practice successfully completing the job application process in a systematic manner by thoroughly analyzing job postings, crafting targeted resumes and cover letters, and preparing for job interviews (through role-playing and simulations).

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This course unit provides an introduction to the field of complex fluids and active matter, with applications in both the physical chemistry of soft matter and the physics of living systems and biological objects.

It is common to both the PhyMV and SoftMat tracks.

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An internship lasting at least 5 months in a laboratory, designed to provide immersion in the world of research—both basic and/or applied—and to potentially prepare students for a doctoral dissertation. This internship may be completed in research laboratories and technical facilities in France or abroad.

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