Intended Level of Study
5 years of post-secondary education
ECTS
180 credits
Duration
3 years
Training Structure
Polytech Montpellier
Overview
Please note: The content of this course is provided for informational purposes only (based on the 2020–2021 academic year); the curriculum is subject to change for the 2021–2022 academic year.
The Biological and Agri-Food Engineering (GBA, formerly STIA) program trains generalist engineers (bac+5) for careers in the agri-food and biotechnology sectors, equipping them with an awareness of sustainable development and the ability to adapt to different corporate cultures.
The Benefits of the Training Program
ALL OF THE SCHOOL'S TRAINING PROGRAMS ARE SUPPORTED BY A NETWORK OF STRONG PARTNERSHIPS WITH:
- the industrial sector (800 internships, 200 industrial projects, and 50 apprenticeship contracts per year),
- academic research (14 affiliated research laboratories),
- International partnerships (more than 100 partner universities worldwide).
Professionals in the food and organic sectors play an important role in GBA training:
- They help update the curricula,
- they teach classes and give lectures,
- They participate in seminars and roundtables organized by the school,
- They also help supervise engineering students during their internships and industrial projects.
The school is an associate member of the Terralia and Qualiméditerranée competitiveness clusters. It has also signed an agreement with LRIA and Ecotrophélia France.
Expertise and Skills
Upon graduating from school, the GBA engineering student:
- Has acquired a solid foundation in biology, biochemistry, physical chemistry, nutrition, biological engineering, and process engineering;
- Has a good understanding of bioprocesses and food technologies related to the design and sanitary, organoleptic, and nutritional quality of food and biological matrices;
- Is able to manage the technical, human, and economic aspects of a project in the field of biological and food products and processes, and to propose optimizations and innovations in compliance with regulations and in line with sustainable development principles.
He is qualified to perform the following duties:
- Research and Development (R&D) Engineer
- Production Engineer
- Quality, Safety, and Environment (QSE) Engineer
- Sales and Technical Engineer
- Supply Chain Engineer
- Marketing Engineer
Organization
Internships, supervised projects
Engineering students complete several internships at companies or in research laboratories:
- a one-month internship at the end of thethird year;
- a 2- to 3-month internship at the end of the4th year;
- a 5- to 6-month internship at the end of the5th year.
In5th grade, they undertake a capstone industry project (300 hours) that places them in a professional setting and allows them to develop their independence.
Program
MAIN SUBJECTS TAUGHT
- Biology and Microbiology
- Biochemistry and Physical Chemistry
- Nutrition
- Biological Engineering
- Process Engineering
- Food Technologies
- Decision-making methods and tools
- Computer Science
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Modern Languages
A complete list of course units (UE) and available class hours is available at www.polytech-montpellier.fr, under the “Education” section / “Biological and Agri-Food Engineering” / “Curriculum”
SPECIALIZATION IN THE5TH YEAR
GBA students can specialize in technological innovation and industrial optimization, quality, safety, and the environment, or production management.
They can also complete theirfifth year abroad at partner European and international universities.
Select a program
Biological and Agri-Food Engineering
Training of general engineers for careers in the agri-food and biological engineering sectors (biotechnology, cosmetics, nutritional health). Graduates of the GBA program are capable of successfully carrying out projects involving the production of food and biological products, developing innovative products or processes, and optimizing and ensuring the reliability of processes used in these sectors while complying with regulations and protecting the environment. They are committed to sustainable developmentand able to adapt to different corporate cultures.
Admission
Target Audience
In3rd grade
- For students in preparatory classes for the grandes écoles (CPGE): admission through the POLYTECH entrance exam.
- For holders of a Bachelor's degree (L2), Master's degree (L3), DUT, BTS, or equivalent foreign degree: admission based on application materials and an interview.
- For PeiP2 students: after the program has been approved and national ranking has been determined.
In4th grade
For holders of an M1 or equivalent foreign degree: selection based on application materials and an interview.
Professional Training Contract
Students admitted to the initial training program may complete theirfifth year under a professional training contract.
Continuing Education
The Biological and Agri-Food Engineering program is also available as a continuing education program leading to a degree, under certain conditions, to employees who can demonstrate at least three years of professional experience in the field.
For more information: www.polytech-admission.org
And then
Employment Placement
- The food and organic industries: approximately 65% of new hires.
- The pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries: approximately 15% of new hires.
- Retail and distribution: approximately 10% of new hires.