The course will focus on the physics relevant for active matter, starting from the understanding of the mechanisms regulating the processes in "model" biological systems to get to the characterization of "bio-inspired" systems and biomimetic materials, introducing new models and approaches of strong relevance in materials science.
Attention will be given to structures, symmetries, molecular interactions, self-assembly processes, mechanical and mechano-sensitive properties of biological systems relevant in the development of innovative actuators and materials.
The most recent imaging techniques in the field of fluorescence and super-resolution optical microscopy will be covered, along with their applications to the study of processes and of the molecular interactions in relevant biological systems.