The first term of Track 3, “Molecular Science for Pharmaceutical Applications”, of the BIOPHAM Master takes place at the University of Pisa (UNIPI), Italy. It provides an interdisciplinary foundation in physics, materials science, computational methods and scientific communication, with particular emphasis on molecular Science for pharmaceutical applications. The semester combines compulsory and elective courses, allowing students to adapt their training to their academic background and scientific interests.
Students study either Quantum Physics of Matter or Solid State Physics, depending on their previous knowledge of quantum mechanics. Quantum Physics of Matter introduces wave–particle duality, the Schrödinger equation, atomic and molecular structure, spectroscopy and condensed matter physics. Solid State Physics explores crystal structures, electron bands, phonons, diffraction, semiconductors and the electronic, optical and vibrational properties of solids. These courses provide essential theoretical foundations for understanding the microscopic behaviour of materials.
The compulsory course Disordered and Off-Equilibrium Systems examines structural disorder in crystalline, liquid and amorphous materials. Topics include crystal defects, pair-distribution functions, supercooled liquids, the glass transition, molecular relaxation, diffusion, rheology and viscoelasticity. Students also investigate non-equilibrium thermodynamics and experimental techniques such as X-ray and neutron scattering to characterise the structure and dynamics of disordered systems.
In materials science, students select courses according to their interests. Polymer Science and Engineering introduces polymerisation mechanisms, molecular characterisation, amorphous and crystalline polymers, rubber elasticity and polymer processing. Transport Phenomena in Materials addresses heat, mass and momentum transfer, diffusion, convection and fluid flow, combining theoretical descriptions with quantitative modelling and numerical simulations. Mechanical Behaviour of Materials focuses on stress and strain, elasticity, viscoelasticity, plasticity, crystal defects, fracture mechanics, fatigue and creep. Particular attention is given to relationships between microstructure, mechanical properties and material performance.
The compulsory Biofluids and Materials Interaction course establishes connections between materials science and biological environments. It examines the composition and rheology of body fluids, blood circulation, osmosis, diffusion and filtration across biological membranes. Students explore surface and interfacial phenomena, wettability, protein adsorption, hemocompatibility, biomaterial degradation and swelling behaviour. Applications include dialysis membranes, vascular biomaterials, absorbent polymers, pH-responsive hydrogels for targeted drug delivery, diagnostic techniques, microfluidic devices and organ-on-chip systems. The course provides knowledge for designing, characterising and evaluating materials interacting with biological fluids.
Computational training is offered through two alternative courses. Computational Materials Science introduces intermolecular interactions, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, molecular dynamics simulations, force fields, Monte Carlo methods, enhanced sampling techniques and free-energy calculations. Applications include molecular systems such as lipid bilayers and ion channels. The course develops theoretical and computational skills for investigating molecular interactions, structural properties and material behaviour. Alternatively, Bioinformatics provides an introduction to computational approaches in molecular biology using Python. Students learn to access biological databases, analyse molecular sequences, perform alignments and construct phylogenetic trees. These alternatives accommodate different levels of computational experience and scientific interests.
English for Scientific Writing and Communication develops the linguistic and communication skills required in international research environments. Students learn scientific terminology, principles of academic writing, the structure of research articles and techniques for presenting scientific results clearly and effectively. The course also promotes transferable skills, including teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and adaptability. Assessment throughout the semester mainly involves oral examinations, complemented by assignments, practical reports, projects and presentations in selected courses.
Students additionally participate in a compulsory Joint Advanced Winter Course, complementing the scientific and interdisciplinary training provided during the semester.
Overall, the first term combines fundamental physics with experimental, theoretical and computational approaches to materials and biomaterials. It equips students with knowledge of material structure, molecular dynamics, transport phenomena, mechanical behaviour and biological interfaces. This interdisciplinary training provides a scientific foundation for understanding and addressing challenges associated with the design, development, characterisation and application in molecular science for pharmaceutical applications.
