Training structure
Faculty of Science
Language(s) of instruction
French
Presentation
The Life Sciences degree is a generalist course, which covers all the disciplines involved in the study of living organisms: animal and plant biology, cellular and molecular biology, developmental biology, genetics, plant and animal physiology, immunology, ecology, evolutionary biology, etc...
The theory is complemented by laboratory work (in vitro cultures, dissections, etc.) and/or field work (sampling, etc.).
The curriculum includes a methodology component: scientific method and reasoning, data analysis, scientific report writing, observation drawings, acquisition of techniques and tools (e.g. microscope).
Complementary disciplines necessary for the training of any scientist are also taught: mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer science, as tools for the biologist, earth sciences, and general and scientific English.
The training begins in L1 within a single Life Sciences - Health and Environment (LSHE) portal, with options that allow students to customise their course. Specialisation courses are then offered from L2 onwards or in L3.
The training, which lasts three years, includes lectures, practical work and generally an internship organised in the form of teaching units (UE). Each unit is assessed in the form of a continuous assessment and/or a final examination at the end of the semester. The licence entitles the holder to 180 credits.
Graduates will be able to work in various fields: agri-food, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, environment, research, teaching, etc.
Objectives
A generalist and multidisciplinary course, the aim of the life sciences degree is to provide a complete training in the field of life sciences. The curriculum combines both fundamental and theoretical teaching and the learning of methodological tools.
The SV degree provides an integrated view of biology. It focuses on the environment, biodiversity, biomedical research, plant improvement and health, and understanding the fundamental mechanisms of life.
The specialisation in courses allows students to orient themselves towards the different fields of biology.
Know-how and skills
- Disciplinary competences
- Mobilise the fundamental concepts and technologies of molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, microbiology, physiology, immunology, classification of living organisms, developmental biology and evolution to deal with a problem in the field or to analyse a research or presentation document.
- Mobilise the fundamental concepts of ecology and ecosystems to situate biological and physiological issues.
- Identify and carry out independently the different stages of an experimental approach.
- Identify, choose and apply a combination of analytical tools (current techniques, instrumentation) adapted to characterise organisms (from the biomolecule to the individual in all its complexity) and their functioning at the different levels of analysis (intracellular metabolism, biology and physiology of complex organisms, interactions between individuals and groups, interactions with the environment)
- Interpret experimental data to consider modelling.
- Validate a model by comparing its predictions with experimental results and assess its limits of validity.
- Identify sources of error to calculate the uncertainty of an experimental result.
- Manipulate fundamental mechanisms at the microscopic scale, model macroscopic phenomena, relate macroscopic phenomena to microscopic processes.
- Use data acquisition and analysis software with a critical mind.
- Mobilise the concepts and tools of mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer science in the context of life science problems.
- Identify the specific regulations and implement the main preventive measures in terms of health and safety.
- Pre-professional skills
- To situate one's role and mission within an organisation in order to adapt and take initiatives.
- To identify the process of production, dissemination and valorisation of knowledge.
- Respect the principles of ethics, deontology and environmental responsibility.
- Work in a team as well as independently and responsibly in the service of a project.
- To identify and situate the professional fields potentially related to the achievements of the mention as well as the possible paths to access them.
- Characterise and develop one's identity, skills and professional project in relation to a context.
- To step back from a situation, to evaluate oneself and to question oneself in order to learn.
- Cross-cutting and language skills
- Use digital reference tools and IT security rules to acquire, process, produce and disseminate information and to collaborate internally and externally.
- Identify and select a variety of specialist resources to document a topic.
- Analyse and synthesise data for use.
- Develop a critical argument.
- Be able to use the different registers of written and oral expression of the French language with ease.
- Be able to use written and oral comprehension and expression in at least one modern foreign language.
International dimension
It is possible to do part of your studies abroad under the ERASMUS programme and various other programmes (e.g. ERASMUS-MUNDUS, BCI (Quebec), etc.). To do this, you need to make arrangements in advance and prepare your application well.
Organization
Control of knowledge
Final tests, continuous testing
Programme
The first year, L1 Life Science Health Environment (LSE), is a common core year during which the fundamental subjects for learning biology are taught (basic notions of biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics), as well as the scientific method and reasoning. It is possible to choose options (1 in the first semester, 2 in the second) to personalise the course. It is also possible to enter preparatory courses for health studies (medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, dentistry, etc., L1 LAS), or to prepare for competitive exams in agronomy or veterinary schools (PCAV course).
In thesecond year (L2), it is possible to keep a generalist aspect in biology, with options to start a specialisation, or to integrate a specialised course in scientific ecology and evolutionary biology (BE course).
During the3rd year, it is possible to specialise by integrating 8 other courses: animal physiology and neurosciences (PAN course), biochemistry (Bioch course), molecular biology and cell biology (BMC course), microbiology (Mic course), plant biology and agri-environment (BiPA), Biotechnologies, biotraceability and bioresources (BBB course), or teaching professions (BioME course, but also SVT-CME course within the ST degree).
The list of Teaching Units for each year and portal can be found on the website of the Faculty of Science
NB: there are constraints on places in the courses and for certain optional courses, linked to our capacity (staff and premises).
It is also possible to do additional UEs (with a maximum of 36 ECTS per semester) or in certain cases to have an associative commitment validated as an additional UE.
Internships and tutored projects :
It is possible from L1 onwards to do internships on a voluntary basis, during teaching periods or during school holidays. It is even highly recommended to have done one or more during your degree in order to maximise your chances of continuing to a Master's degree.
Several EU courses offer long workshops or projects.
Select a programme
L1 - Life Sciences, Health and Environment (LSHE)
The L1 Life Sciences - Health, Environment (SVSE ) is the first year of the Life Sciences degree. It allows students to tackle the basics of the study of living organisms at different levels: animal and plant biology, cellular and molecular biology, developmental biology, genetics, plant and animal physiology, ecology, evolutionary biology, etc. L1 also allows students to strengthen and/or brush up their knowledge of the complementary disciplines necessary for the training of any scientist: mathematics, physics, chemistry, earth sciences and English. These subjects are taught as tools for the biologist. Students can also choose options to personalise their course.
L1 SVSE also includes an important methodological component: scientific method and reasoning, data analysis, scientific writing of reports, observation drawings, acquisition of techniques and tools (microscope, for example).
Specialisation courses are then offered from L2 onwards or in L3.
The training is carried out in the form of lectures, tutorials and practical work. Each unit is assessed by continuous assessment and/or a final exam at the end of the semester. The L1 SVSE gives the right to 60 ECTS credits and allows access to the L2 SV, with different access procedures depending on the course.
English S1
1 creditFrom organisms to ecosystems
2 creditsScience for the environment
4 credits36hComputational methods
4 creditsFrom molecule to cell
4 creditsPhysical approaches to life
3 creditsGeneral Chemistry 1 (SVSE)
4 creditsCHOICE1
4 creditsChoice of 1 of 5
Geology
4 creditsExperimental chemistry
4 creditsBiomechanics
4 creditsBiotechnology
4 creditsScientific reinforcement
4 credits
From cells to organisms
4 credits33h
Biochemistry and molecular biology of the cell 2
2 creditsLife cycle 1
4 creditsScientific reasoning
4 creditsEnglish S2
2 creditsBiochemistry and molecular biology of the cell 1
4 creditsOrganic chemistry
4 creditsCritical thinking
2 creditsCHOICE1
4 creditsChoice of 1 of 7
Life Cycle 2
4 creditsChemistry for Biologists 1
4 creditsIntroduction Animal Behaviour Study Appr Neuro Ecol Etho
4 creditsEarth evolution and regional geological history
4 creditsPlanetology and exobiology
4 creditsExploration of the brain
4 creditsBetter use of cognitive resources for learning
4 credits
CHOICE2
4 creditsChoice of 1 of 7
Physics of biological processes
4 creditsDiscovering physiology
4 creditsDiscovering naturalist activities and biodiversity
4 creditsEvolution of life, climate and oceans
4 creditsIntegrated Biology of Marine Mammals
4 creditsRemediation in mathematics S2
4 creditsBasic computer concepts and tools: PIX
4 credits
L1 - SVSE menu APP-Bio
The APP-Bio course of the Life Science Licence is entirely in Problem Based Learning and Project from L1 to L3. It is a student-centred, active pedagogy course that emphasises transversal skills as much as disciplinary skills in Biology. These skills will be developed through team activities and independent personal work. The student will have to formulate and verify hypotheses based on concrete transdisciplinary cases in the framework of each Biology unit, by seeking information from scientifically reliable references. A progressive autonomy in the sorting of information sources will be acquired during the 3 years.
The teaching is mainly in the form of tutorial sessions and practical work, limiting scientific conferences or consolidation courses to 3 hours per week. Three times a week the group is supervised by a tutor who reviews the students' learning and guides them in their learning. Assessments are aligned to learning outcomes. Many self-assessments will be available each week. The Biology courses are organised in a sequential manner by integrating elements of complementary disciplines (Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, English...): You only have one Biology course at a time as soon as it is finished, you finish the assessments and move on to the next one. Each year, a professionalization or pre-professionalization unit allows you to validate your progress in cross-disciplinary skills as well as in the year's disciplinary knowledge. The course ends with a multidisciplinary team project in science popularisation and a two-month personal project or internship.
General chemistry in PPA
2 creditsGeneral physics in PPA
2 creditsEnglish S1 in PPA
1 creditComputational mathematics in PPA
4 creditsFrom the organism to the ecosystem in PPA
3 creditsFrom the Molecule to the Cell in APP
6 creditsFrom the cell to the organism in PPA
6 creditsIntroduction to Experimental Science
4 creditsEnvironmental Science in PPA
2 credits
Genetics and Molecular Biology in APA
6 creditsOrganic Chemistry in PPA
4 creditsPre-professionalization in Biology (0.5 SPS)
2 creditsBiochemistry in PPA
2 creditsEnglish S2 in APP
2 creditsLife cycle in PPA
8 creditsStatistics in Biology in PPA
6 credits
L1 - SVSE PCAV
English S1
1 creditFrom organisms to ecosystems
2 creditsScience for the environment
4 credits36hComputational methods
4 creditsChemistry for Agro Vet 1
2 creditsFrom molecule to cell
4 creditsPhysical approaches to life
3 creditsBiology for Agro Vet 1
2 creditsGeneral Chemistry 1 (SVSE)
4 creditsFrom cells to organisms
4 credits
CHOICE 1
4 creditsChoice of 1 of 7
Life Cycle 2
4 creditsChemistry for Biologists 1
4 creditsIntroduction Animal Behaviour Study Appr Neuro Ecol Etho
4 creditsEarth evolution and regional geological history
4 creditsPlanetology and exobiology
4 creditsExploration of the brain
4 creditsBetter use of cognitive resources for learning
4 credits
Biochemistry and molecular biology of the cell 2
2 creditsChemistry Agro Vet 2 (specific) - PCAV
2 creditsLife cycle 1
4 creditsScientific reasoning
4 creditsEnglish S2
2 creditsCHOICE 2
4 creditsChoice of 1 of 7
Physics of biological processes
4 creditsDiscovering physiology
4 creditsDiscovering naturalist activities and biodiversity
4 creditsEvolution of life, climate and oceans
4 creditsIntegrated Biology of Marine Mammals
4 creditsRemediation in mathematics S2
4 creditsBasic computer concepts and tools: PIX
4 credits
Biochemistry and molecular biology of the cell 1
4 creditsOrganic chemistry
4 creditsCritical thinking
2 credits
L1 - SVSE SANTE
English S1
1 creditFrom organisms to ecosystems
2 creditsComputational methods
4 creditsHealth minor SPM
12 creditsEU General human physiology
5 creditsEU Humanities and Social Sciences
5 creditsEU Medicines and other health products
2 credits
From molecule to cell
4 creditsPhysical approaches to life
3 creditsGeneral Chemistry 1 (SVSE)
4 creditsFrom cells to organisms
4 credits
Biochemistry and molecular biology of the cell 2
2 creditsLife cycle 1
4 creditsScientific reasoning
4 creditsEnglish S2
2 creditsBiochemistry and molecular biology of the cell 1
4 creditsOrganic chemistry
4 creditsExploration of the brain
4 creditsCritical thinking
2 credits
Admission
Conditions of access
The life sciences degree is open to holders of the baccalaureate and a DAEU B (diploma of access to university studies - scientific option).
Registration is possible with a baccalaureate or equivalent, or as part of a reorientation. In all cases, the application is made via the Parcoursup platform. For the SVSE portal (excluding APP, LAS PCAV and Kiné), the capacity of reception, excluding repeaters, is 480 students each year. The number of applications received via Parcoursup exceeds 6000 candidates.
Students wishing to do the APP-Bio course should apply directly to the APP-Bio L Life Sciences course in Parcoursup, 40 places are open (1500 applications).
Students wishing to do the SVSE LAS course will apply directly to the SVSE LAS course in Parcoursup, 80 places are open (3000 applications).
Students wishing to do the SVSE PCAV course will apply directly to the SVSE PCAV course in Parcoursup, 30 places are open (3000 applications).
Students wishing to do the SVSE Kiné course will apply directly to the SVSE Kiné course in Parcoursup, 20 places are open (3000 applications).
How to register
Parcoursup
Recommended prerequisites
A general baccalaureate with scientific options, in particular SVT in the first and last years, is strongly recommended to have every chance of success. For baccalaureate holders without scientific options or holders of technological baccalaureates, an upgrade is recommended.
And then
Further studies
The vast majority of students, depending on their chosen pathway, go on to the many professional or research Masters in life, health and environmental sciences. They can also go on to Masters courses that prepare them for teaching competitions.
The training also allows integration into engineering schools and the pursuit of studies in the medical or pharmaceutical fields. It gives access to the B competitive entrance exams to the grandes écoles (ENSA: École nationale supérieure d'agronomie; ENV: École nationale vétérinaire).
Further study abroad
It is possible to do part of your studies abroad under the ERASMUS programme and various other programmes (e.g. ERASMUS-MUNDUS, BCI (Quebec), etc.). To do this, you need to make arrangements in advance and prepare your application well.
Gateways and reorientation
Throughout the three years of the Bachelor's degree, there are many gateways from and to other Bachelor's degree courses and other courses (IUT, BTS, CPGE, engineering schools, etc.). Specific courses also allow students to move on to health studies (medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, dentistry, etc.), see LAS.
A specific pathway (PCAV) is offered from L1 for those who wish to prepare for the competitive engineering school exams (Polytechnic common exam, agronomic and veterinary school exams).
There are also gateways in L3 to professional licences (biotechnology, plant production, health products and cosmetics, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, health).
Professional integration
Those who choose the vocational route immediately after their diploma are mainly destined for jobs in the field of research and development (R&D), in scientific animation or in naturalist expertise. For example, in the pharmaceutical or agri-food industry, they hold positions as study managers, biologists, quality-safety officers; in scientific animation, positions as project managers for museums, departmental or regional nature parks, animators; they may become technicians to carry out impact studies or censuses.
The SV degree also gives access to state and local civil service competitions (categories B or C).