The third term of Track 3, “Molecular Science for Pharmaceutical Applications”, of the BIOPHAM Master takes place at the University of Silesia in Katowice (USK), Poland. It provides advanced interdisciplinary training combining pharmaceutical sciences, polymer chemistry, materials physics, experimental characterisation and data-driven approaches. The semester integrates theoretical knowledge, laboratory experience and transferable skills, with particular emphasis on understanding and improving the properties, stability and performance of pharmaceutical materials.
Animal Models in Contemporary Pharmacy introduces the use of experimental models in pharmaceutical research, drug development and preclinical testing. Students investigate the role of animal models in understanding disease mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and toxicity. Topics include rodent models of metabolic, cardiovascular and neurological diseases, transgenic animals and alternative models such as fruit flies and C. elegans. Particular attention is given to experimental design, ethical considerations, regulatory requirements and the principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (3Rs). Laboratory activities introduce basic techniques used in preclinical research and the interpretation of experimental results.
Polymers and Biopolymers for Pharmaceutical Applications focuses on designing, synthesising and characterising polymeric materials used as pharmaceutical excipients and drug carriers. Students investigate polymer structure, molecular weight, architecture, drug–polymer interactions, biodegradation and biocompatibility. Particular emphasis is placed on improving the solubility, stability and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs through advanced drug delivery systems, including micelles, nanoparticles, hydrogels and implants. The course introduces conventional and controlled polymerisation techniques, complemented by laboratory training in polymer synthesis, purification and characterisation using nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry. Students also acquire practical skills in formulation preparation and Good Laboratory Practice.
The Specialized Laboratory provides hands-on training in advanced experimental techniques for studying pharmaceutical materials and formulations. Students perform measurements using differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, broadband dielectric spectroscopy, high-pressure dielectric spectroscopy and electron spectroscopy. These methods are applied to investigate thermal properties, phase transitions, polymorphism, molecular mobility, physical stability and drug–excipient compatibility. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is introduced for analysing surface chemical composition. Students develop practical skills in sample preparation, experimental measurements, data analysis and scientific reporting.
Dielectric Spectroscopy in the Study of Dynamics of Biological Systems explores the interaction of electric fields with biological and pharmaceutical materials. Topics include dielectric polarisation, relaxation phenomena, electrical conductivity and the dielectric properties of heterogeneous systems. Students investigate the behaviour of cells, tissues, proteins, blood and biopolymers under static and alternating electric fields. The course also introduces dielectrophoresis and its applications to biological systems. Particular attention is given to broadband dielectric spectroscopy as a tool for understanding molecular dynamics and interpreting relaxation processes.
Application of Vibrational Spectroscopy in Therapeutic Substance Studies introduces infrared absorption and Raman spectroscopy as complementary techniques for pharmaceutical characterisation. Students investigate the physical principles of molecular vibrations and their interactions with electromagnetic radiation. Applications include drug identification, purity assessment, crystalline structures, polymorphism, tautomerism and interactions between active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients. Laboratory sessions provide practical experience in spectroscopic measurements and interpretation of experimental spectra, developing skills essential for pharmaceutical analysis and quality control.
Machine Learning and Data-Driven Techniques with Applications in Bioscience introduces computational methods for analysing complex scientific datasets and developing predictive models. Students learn data preprocessing, feature engineering, supervised and unsupervised learning, classification, clustering and model evaluation. Applications include bioinformatics, biochemical engineering, polymeric biomaterials, biomechanics and mechanobiology. Through practical exercises and project-based activities, students develop skills in implementing machine learning algorithms, interpreting experimental data and addressing scientific problems using predictive and data-driven approaches.
Two complementary courses, General Academic Module (Humanities) and General Academic Module (Social Sciences), broaden students’ interdisciplinary perspectives and transferable skills. They introduce concepts and methodologies from the humanities and social sciences, encouraging critical reflection, scientific communication, creativity and the integration of different approaches to complex problems. These courses also promote awareness of the cultural and societal dimensions of scientific research and professional practice.
Students additionally participate in a compulsory Joint Advanced Winter Course, complementing the scientific and interdisciplinary training provided during the semester.
Overall, the third term provides advanced theoretical, experimental and computational skills for understanding and developing pharmaceutical materials. By combining polymer science, molecular dynamics, advanced spectroscopy, pharmaceutical research and machine learning, it prepares students for research and development activities in pharmaceutical sciences, materials science and biomedical applications.
