cookieImage
2025-2026 / CHIM0752-1

Single-molecule approaches in biology and chemistry

Duration

25h Th

Number of credits

 Master in chemistry, research focus3 crédits 
 Master in chemistry, research focus (AMIS)4 crédits 
 Master in chemistry, research focus (FAME AIS)4 crédits 
 Master in physics, research focus (AMIS)4 crédits 
 Master in physics, research focus (FAME-AIS)4 crédits 
 Master in chemistry, teaching focus (Réinscription uniquement, pas de nouvelle inscription)3 crédits 
 Master in chemistry, professional focus3 crédits 
 Advanced Master in Nanotechnologies4 crédits 

Lecturer

Damien Sluysmans

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The course will be divided in 7 chapters:

Chapter 1: Single-molecule perspectives in sciences

Chapter 2 : SPM techniques for imaging

Chapter 3 : Force spectroscopy with AFM

Chapter 4 : Force Spectroscopy with Optical Tweezers

Chapter 5 : Single-molecule fluorescence techniques

Chapter 6 : Nonequilibrium thermodynamics applied to single-molecule approaches

Chapter 7 : Ongoing research & literature discussion

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

Good understanding of single-molecule approaches, limitations and challenges. Independence in literature comprehension and questioning of recent papers. 

The course is designed as a toolbox for the students: providing basics in all chapters that are illustrated by recent examples in the literature.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Good knowledge in physical chemistry. Basic knowledge in biology and optics. 

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Chapter 1 to 6 (15h) will be given face to face, slides will be available on eCampus.

Chapter 7 will be constructed with the student during a participating class, based on recent papers in the literature.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Blended learning

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
- Microsoft Teams

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

oral exam

Written work / report


Further information:

A recent paper is selected by the student (after approval of the teacher). The oral exam is organized individually: a short presentation of the paper (max 10 slides) followed by a discussion. 

Work placement(s)

Laboratory visits on request

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

On-site 2h sessions

Contacts

Damien Sluysmans, PhD
damien.sluysmans@uliege.be
Lecturer & Research Assistant
 
University of Liège
NanoChem | MolSys Research Unit
Quartier Agora | Allée du Six Août 14 (B18, 0/191)
4000 Liège | Belgium
Tel. +32 4 366 3386

Association of one or more MOOCs


Further information: