Constraining galaxy physical properties from multi-wavelength observations: where do we stand?

After a brief introduction on galaxy spectral synthesis, I will
describe different approaches which have been developed over the past
several years to interpret the ultraviolet, optical and infrared
emission from galaxies in terms of constraints on physical parameters,
such as star formation history, metallicity and dust content. I will
emphasize recent progress in constraining the content and spatial
distribution of dust from the integrated spectral properties of
galaxies. I will also investigate in a quantitative way the relative
merits of different types of photometric and spectroscopic
observations to constrain galaxy physical parameters. Finally, I will
conclude by mentioning some current challenges of the spectral
synthesis of galaxies.