Bachelor's degree

This compulsory S3 course allows students to consolidate and deepen the foundations of molecular biology and cell biology acquired in L1.

Molecular Biology Section: The molecular and structural bases of nucleic acids will be developed and explored in depth in order to understand the physicochemical properties of nucleic acids, which open up various prospects for technological applications, and the molecular mechanisms of the main stages of molecular biology, such as DNA replication, gene transcription into mRNA, and their translation into proteins. These stages, illustrated by experimental evidence drawn from various historical studies, will be studied in depth in prokaryotes. Comparisons with eukaryotes will also be discussed. The molecular mechanisms of DNA repair will also be described and developed.

Cell Biology section: The major concepts of membrane and cytosolic protein complex formation will be addressed, particularly in the context of cell signaling pathways. The concepts of ligands, receptors, scaffold proteins, signaling enzyme proteins, intracellular second messengers, and response kinetics will be presented. Biochemistry and cell biology techniques used to detect the presence and location of proteins in cells and tissues will be discussed.

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This course is a cross-disciplinary course in L2 SV aimed at providing biology students with a fundamental knowledge base on plant functioning, enabling them to understand current issues in plant agricultural sciences.

The following basic concepts of Plant Physiology/Functional Biology will be studied: 

Essential experimental approaches: plant transgenesis, forward and reverse genetics

basics of autotrophy

mechanisms underlying the major stages of angiosperm development: meristem function, floral transition, fertilization.

auxin, a major hormone for plant development and their response to the abiotic environment

The practical sessions will enable students to manipulate the regulation of plant water nutrition and analyze their mineral nutrition using various biochemical assays (flame photometry, spectrophotometry). 

See the full page

Description of the EU (max. 10 lines):

The aim of this EU is to explain how to measure variation in biology and how it can be represented. It is based on concrete examples from various disciplines of biology (ecology, developmental biology, evolution, genetics, physiology) and provides the statistical tools to measure this variation and the graphical methods to represent it. The statistical concepts of sampling, inference, distribution, central tendency, dispersion, distribution function, parameters, confidence interval, and dependence between variables for different types of variables (binomial, discrete, continuous) are explained using tutorials based on biological problems.

Skills targeted by the EU (see skills reference framework):

- Descriptive analytical tools in biology, introduction to biostatistics through the analysis of biological patterns

See the full page

This course provides students with a fundamental understanding of microbiology. It will detail the structures of microorganisms, prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and viruses. It will provide an overview of the diversity of these microorganisms and describe how they reproduce.

For bacteria, trophic types and factors influencing growth will be developed, as well as the study of growth in non-renewed environments. Genetics and horizontal transfers between bacteria will be addressed.
Some eukaryotic microorganisms will be studied: habitat, lifestyles, ecological role or parasitism, as well as their mode of development.
In virology, the main cycles of virus multiplication will be detailed, and modes of transmission and the concept of viral pathogenesis will be addressed. The principle of antiviral vaccination and antiviral treatments will be presented and illustrated with concrete examples. 
The principle of antiviral vaccination and antiviral treatments will be presented and illustrated using concrete examples.
Practical work will provide an introduction to sterile techniques for handling microorganisms, counting bacteria, and conjugation.

See the full page

This module should enable students to acquire:

Basic concepts in physiology: Concept of homeostasis; levels of organization of the human body; compartments of the internal environment; study of the endocrine system; acid-base and water-mineral balance; anatomical and functional studies of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Basic concepts in immunology:

General overview of the immune system; study of T and B lymphocytes, antigen-presenting cells; study of antimicrobial immunity and complement.

See the full page

This compulsory course allows students to consolidate the fundamentals of biochemistry acquired in the first year by approaching this discipline through a cross-disciplinary study of enzymes involved in cellular metabolism, particularly glycolysis. Several areas of biochemistry will be covered: the fundamentals of Michaelian enzymology and a description of the metabolic reactions involved in glycolysis. Finally, the technical aspect will be addressed through the presentation and analysis of techniques for measuring enzyme activity and purifying, quantifying, and detecting proteins.

See the full page

This second general chemistry course aims to consolidate and deepen students' understanding of reactions in aqueous solution, particularly those involving the formation of metal complexes. The principles of thermodynamics will be presented and applied to the study of chemical equilibria of biological interest. Rather than giving a presentation using mathematical formalism, which would require a much greater number of hours, students will be asked to understand the physical meaning of these principles and the main thermodynamic functions and their applications to chemical systems, often of biological interest. In particular, resting membrane potentials and the use of pH potential diagrams in biology will be presented.

Students will work on course materials (written and audio) ahead of certain lectures and tutorials, enabling them to fully participate in face-to-face teaching in lectures and tutorials, understand the concepts presented, and acquire the necessary skills.

See the full page

See the full page

See the full page

The first part (approximately 1/3) of the module will address (biological) processes with a temporal evolution described by an exponential law (growth or decay).

Radioactivity will be discussed as an illustration of such a process and for its applications in the fields of biology, health, and the environment (dating, tracing, etc.).

The second part (approximately 2/3) of the module will introduce the concepts of fluid and pressure, and present the laws of hydrostatics (fundamental law of fluid statics, Archimedes' theorem).

Fluid dynamics will be introduced, including the concepts of flow, viscosity, sedimentation, and centrifugation, in relation to the Biology-Health sector.

List of Chapter Titles in the Module:

- Exponential variations

- Radioactivity (radioactive decay, activity)

- Fluids: definition, properties, concept of pressure

- Hydrostatics: fundamental law of fluid statics, Archimedes' theorem.

- Elements of hydrodynamics: flows, Bernoulli's theorem

- Viscosity; Sedimentation and centrifugation

See the full page

In a context where nutrition has become the focus of interest for an increasingly wide audience, the objective of this EU is to establish food consumption benchmarks using a scientific approach.

This course introduces students to the basics of food and nutrition by describing nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, fiber, vitamins, and minerals), nutritional requirements, and different food groups. Certain food processes and technologies will also be covered. 

See the full page

This course unit is offered to second-year Life Sciences students who wish to explore or deepen their understanding of how biotechnology can help address current and future challenges in the sustainable production of agricultural and agri-food resources.

Humans use the properties of photosynthetic organisms and microorganisms to obtain and transform multiple resources and services: food products for humans or livestock, therapeutic molecules, construction materials, etc. This use depends on natural conditions and its impact is likely to affect the environment in return, for example through the extraction or deterioration of limited and/or non-renewable resources (water, soil, etc.). It is therefore important, in order for this production of resources to be sustainable, that its organization (the concept of agronomy) incorporates knowledge of these impacts and draws on an understanding of the properties of plants and microorganisms to address these issues. The development and use of new biotechnologies in the fields of applied genetics and plant physiology, the use of microorganisms, and the favorable or unfavorable interactions between these microorganisms and plants are key components of these sustainable agronomy strategies.

See the full page

See the full page

The aim of this teaching unit is to understand animal behavior in an integrative way, in light of Tinbergen's four "whys": from its ontogenesis and neurobiological causes to its evolution and biological functions. In addition to historical, conceptual, and methodological contributions, students will be guided in understanding the diversity of traits involved, as well as the diversity of approaches and associated scientific questions. This teaching unit will thus highlight, through various examples, the diversity of disciplines studying animal behavior: neuroscience, ethology, behavioral ecology, and will enable students to pursue their studies in the appropriate fields: animal physiology and neuroscience/evolutionary biology and ecology/others, etc.

See the full page

See the full page

See the full page

1- Linux basics (1.5 hours lecture + 3 hours tutorial): Basic commands for navigating Linux and understanding the logic of this language. Short exercises on extracting information in bash/shell. Element revisited for the analysis of alignment files.

2- Databases (3 hours of lectures + 4.5 hours of tutorials): knowledge of the main bibliographic and biological databases (NCBI, Ensembl, Galaxie, etc.). Ability to perform relevant and effective queries, exploit, sort, and describe different formats.

3- Sequence analysis (1.5 hours lecture + 4.5 hours tutorial): Sequence alignment and comparison with a brief introduction to phylogenetics (dot plot, Blast, etc.)

See the full page

This compulsory S4 course allows students to consolidate and deepen the foundations of molecular biology and cell biology acquired in L1.

- Cell biology: The course will cover four major topics: 1) The functioning of the cellular cytoskeleton, 2) Cell adhesion, 3) Protein trafficking, 4) Introduction to cell cycle regulation. Cell biology methodologies will also be presented: immunoprecipitation to highlight protein interactions, fluorescence videomicroscopy to track cell distribution dynamics, and evaluation of the importance of proteins of interest in a cellular process using strategies to modulate their expression (RNA interference, overexpression).

- Molecular biology: After acquiring knowledge about transcription and translation mechanisms in semester 3, we will address gene expression regulation: transcriptional regulation (repressors, activators) and attenuation in prokaryotes, and the basics of expression regulation mechanisms in eukaryotes.

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Learn about the major families of plant molecules and their properties, the biosynthesis pathways of these molecules, and the mechanisms regulating biosynthesis in plants and microorganisms. In this module, the major families of molecules derived from secondary plant metabolism (terpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins) are studied through their biosynthesis in plants and the differentiation of structures or groups of specialized cells. Based on this knowledge, biotechnological approaches for metabolic engineering are presented. The role of these molecules in plant life is discussed, as well as their properties used by industry as dyes, flavorings, perfumes, medicines, and biofuels. The use of natural polymers for the manufacture of industrial materials is addressed (paper pulp, rubber, plastics) and the production chains are described. Understanding the major families of plant molecules and their properties, the biosynthesis pathways of these molecules, and the mechanisms regulating these biosyntheses in plants remains a major challenge for the development of biorefineries in Europe.                                              

Keywords: secondary metabolism, metabolic engineering, biomolecule valorization, cellular and metabolic differentiation, regulation of secondary metabolism.

Additional information:

Visits to two analytical platforms are planned at the Montpellier hub (each lasting 1.5 hours).

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The objective of this EU is to understand evolutionary processes at both the micro- and macro-evolutionary scales.

Using examples, manipulations, and accessible modeling, the lessons will aim to present in a concrete and quantitative manner the effects of the four evolutionary forces operating at the individual and population levels (mutation, migration, selection, and drift). The integration of these microevolutionary processes on larger time scales (e.g., differentiation between lineages, speciation) will then be addressed. Finally, the course will include an introduction to phylogenetics tools (reading and constructing trees) for studying macroevolutionary events (diversification, extinction) and tracing changes in character states, in particular by integrating fossil data.

See the full page

This EU is dedicated to biological markers. It is a preliminary introduction to detection and diagnostic techniques. It covers various aspects of biomarking:

Molecular markers/techniques for identification through genomic analysis in medicine and agronomy.

1) Concept of polymorphism and detection technique: RFLP/ER nucleic acid probes

2) RFLP markers and other genetic markers: SNP, STR.

3) Search for new molecular markers: differential screening of cDNA libraries / subtractive libraries / Transcriptomics

4) Other genomic analyses of polymorphism: AFLP / DNA fingerprinting.

Identification techniques in the food industry using immunological techniques

1) Basic concepts in immunological techniques
2) Agglutination reactions
3) Immunoenzymatic assay methods
Case studies of applications in the agri-food industry:
- study of the beet rhizomania diagnostic kit (sandwich ELISA)
- determination of ochratoxin A in cereals (competitive ELISA)
- assessment of fish freshness by histamine determination (competitive ELISA)

Biochemical identification of protein markers and others (metabolites)

1) Fundamentals of chromatography and physical characterization of a spectrum (the interactions involved in each case and the solvents used to implement them).

2) Affinity chromatography

2.1) Principle of this type of analysis

2.2) Search for the best tag for the preparation of a specific gel. 

2.3) Their usefulness for different fields of research investigation.

3) Study of protein-protein, protein-DNA, and other interactions...

4) HPLC, FPLC, and gas chromatography.

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The Physiology of Major Functions course (semester 4) aims to describe the role and interactions of the different systems in the body that work together to maintain a constant internal environment. Acquisition of anatomical and functional knowledge of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and renal systems and their nervous and hormonal controls. Understanding the combined action of these major systems through examples of integrative physiology and pathologies: respiratory and cardiac failure; hemorrhage; exposure to extreme environments.

See the full page

See the full page

This compulsory course will enable students to deepen the skills they acquired in "Biochemistry S3." It will enable them to understand cellular metabolism by:

-understanding bioenergetics in order to study the processes by which living cells convey, transmit, use, accumulate, and release energy;
-the study of catabolism and anabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleotides, amino acids, and the metabolic interactions between these pathways.

- the description of metabolic disorders.

See the full page

In this introductory course to genetic analysis, the objectives are to learn the terms, principles, concepts, and methods used in formal genetics, as well as their fields of application, particularly in human and medical genetics. This course covers the genetics of transmission (Mendelian and non-Mendelian), quantitative genetics, and concepts of population genetics. Throughout the course, close links are established between classical genetics and molecular genetics.

See the full page

This compulsory S3 course allows students to consolidate and deepen the foundations of molecular biology and cell biology acquired in L1.

Molecular Biology Section: The molecular and structural bases of nucleic acids will be developed and explored in depth in order to understand the physicochemical properties of nucleic acids, which open up various prospects for technological applications, and the molecular mechanisms of the main stages of molecular biology, such as DNA replication, gene transcription into mRNA, and their translation into proteins. These stages, illustrated by experimental evidence drawn from various historical studies, will be studied in depth in prokaryotes. Comparisons with eukaryotes will also be discussed. The molecular mechanisms of DNA repair will also be described and developed.

Cell Biology section: The major concepts of membrane and cytosolic protein complex formation will be addressed, particularly in the context of cell signaling pathways. The concepts of ligands, receptors, scaffold proteins, signaling enzyme proteins, intracellular second messengers, and response kinetics will be presented. Biochemistry and cell biology techniques used to detect the presence and location of proteins in cells and tissues will be discussed.

See the full page

This course is a cross-disciplinary course in L2 SV aimed at providing biology students with a fundamental knowledge base on plant functioning, enabling them to understand current issues in plant agricultural sciences.

The following basic concepts of Plant Physiology/Functional Biology will be studied: 

Essential experimental approaches: plant transgenesis, forward and reverse genetics

basics of autotrophy

mechanisms underlying the major stages of angiosperm development: meristem function, floral transition, fertilization.

auxin, a major hormone for plant development and their response to the abiotic environment

The practical sessions will enable students to manipulate the regulation of plant water nutrition and analyze their mineral nutrition using various biochemical assays (flame photometry, spectrophotometry). 

See the full page

Description of the EU (max. 10 lines):

The aim of this EU is to explain how to measure variation in biology and how it can be represented. It is based on concrete examples from various disciplines of biology (ecology, developmental biology, evolution, genetics, physiology) and provides the statistical tools to measure this variation and the graphical methods to represent it. The statistical concepts of sampling, inference, distribution, central tendency, dispersion, distribution function, parameters, confidence interval, and dependence between variables for different types of variables (binomial, discrete, continuous) are explained using tutorials based on biological problems.

Skills targeted by the EU (see skills reference framework):

- Descriptive analytical tools in biology, introduction to biostatistics through the analysis of biological patterns

See the full page

This course provides students with a fundamental understanding of microbiology. It will detail the structures of microorganisms, prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and viruses. It will provide an overview of the diversity of these microorganisms and describe how they reproduce.

For bacteria, trophic types and factors influencing growth will be developed, as well as the study of growth in non-renewed environments. Genetics and horizontal transfers between bacteria will be addressed.
Some eukaryotic microorganisms will be studied: habitat, lifestyles, ecological role or parasitism, as well as their mode of development.
In virology, the main cycles of virus multiplication will be detailed, and modes of transmission and the concept of viral pathogenesis will be addressed. The principle of antiviral vaccination and antiviral treatments will be presented and illustrated with concrete examples. 
The principle of antiviral vaccination and antiviral treatments will be presented and illustrated using concrete examples.
Practical work will provide an introduction to sterile techniques for handling microorganisms, counting bacteria, and conjugation.

See the full page

This module should enable students to acquire:

Basic concepts in physiology: Concept of homeostasis; levels of organization of the human body; compartments of the internal environment; study of the endocrine system; acid-base and water-mineral balance; anatomical and functional studies of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Basic concepts in immunology:

General overview of the immune system; study of T and B lymphocytes, antigen-presenting cells; study of antimicrobial immunity and complement.

See the full page

This compulsory course allows students to consolidate the fundamentals of biochemistry acquired in the first year by approaching this discipline through a cross-disciplinary study of enzymes involved in cellular metabolism, particularly glycolysis. Several areas of biochemistry will be covered: the fundamentals of Michaelian enzymology and a description of the metabolic reactions involved in glycolysis. Finally, the technical aspect will be addressed through the presentation and analysis of techniques for measuring enzyme activity and purifying, quantifying, and detecting proteins.

See the full page

Description*: This second general chemistry course aims to consolidate and deepen the study of reactions in aqueous solution, particularly those involving the formation of metal complexes. The principles of thermodynamics will be presented and applied to the study of chemical equilibria of biological interest. Rather than giving a presentation using mathematical formalism, which would require a much greater number of hours, students will be asked to understand the physical meaning of these principles and the main thermodynamic functions and their applications to chemical systems, often of biological interest. In particular, resting membrane potentials and the use of pH potential diagrams in biology will be presented.

Students will work on course materials (written and audio) ahead of certain lectures and tutorials, enabling them to fully participate in face-to-face teaching in lectures and tutorials, understand the concepts presented, and acquire the necessary skills.

See the full page

See the full page

See the full page

The first part (approximately 1/3) of the module will address (biological) processes with a temporal evolution described by an exponential law (growth or decay).

Radioactivity will be discussed as an illustration of such a process and for its applications in the fields of biology, health, and the environment (dating, tracing, etc.).

The second part (approximately 2/3) of the module will introduce the concepts of fluid and pressure, and present the laws of hydrostatics (fundamental law of fluid statics, Archimedes' theorem).

Fluid dynamics will be introduced, including the concepts of flow, viscosity, sedimentation, and centrifugation, in relation to the Biology-Health sector.

List of Chapter Titles in the Module:

- Exponential variations

- Radioactivity (radioactive decay, activity)

- Fluids: definition, properties, concept of pressure

- Hydrostatics: fundamental law of fluid statics, Archimedes' theorem.

- Elements of hydrodynamics: flows, Bernoulli's theorem

- Viscosity; Sedimentation and centrifugation

See the full page

In a context where nutrition has become the focus of interest for an increasingly wide audience, the objective of this EU is to establish food consumption benchmarks using a scientific approach.

This course introduces students to the basics of food and nutrition by describing nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, fiber, vitamins, and minerals), nutritional requirements, and different food groups. Certain food processes and technologies will also be covered.

See the full page

This course unit is offered to second-year Life Sciences students who wish to explore or deepen their understanding of how biotechnology can help address current and future challenges in the sustainable production of agricultural and agri-food resources.

Humans use the properties of photosynthetic organisms and microorganisms to obtain and transform multiple resources and services: food products for humans or livestock, therapeutic molecules, construction materials, etc. This use depends on natural conditions and its impact is likely to affect the environment in return, for example through the extraction or deterioration of limited and/or non-renewable resources (water, soil, etc.). It is therefore important, in order for this production of resources to be sustainable, that its organization (the concept of agronomy) incorporates knowledge of these impacts and draws on an understanding of the properties of plants and microorganisms to address these issues. The development and use of new biotechnologies in the fields of applied genetics and plant physiology, the use of microorganisms, and the favorable or unfavorable interactions between these microorganisms and plants are key components of these sustainable agronomy strategies.

See the full page

See the full page

The aim of this teaching unit is to understand animal behavior in an integrative way, in light of Tinbergen's four "whys": from its ontogenesis and neurobiological causes to its evolution and biological functions. In addition to historical, conceptual, and methodological contributions, students will be guided in understanding the diversity of traits involved, as well as the diversity of approaches and associated scientific questions. This teaching unit will thus highlight, through various examples, the diversity of disciplines studying animal behavior: neuroscience, ethology, behavioral ecology, and will enable students to pursue their studies in the appropriate fields: animal physiology and neuroscience/evolutionary biology and ecology/others, etc.

See the full page

See the full page

See the full page

See the full page

1- Linux basics (1.5 hours lecture + 3 hours tutorial): Basic commands for navigating Linux and understanding the logic of this language. Short exercises on extracting information in bash/shell. Element revisited for the analysis of alignment files.

2- Databases (3 hours of lectures + 4.5 hours of tutorials): knowledge of the main bibliographic and biological databases (NCBI, Ensembl, Galaxie, etc.). Ability to perform relevant and effective queries, exploit, sort, and describe different formats.

3- Sequence analysis (1.5 hours lecture + 4.5 hours tutorial): Sequence alignment and comparison with a brief introduction to phylogenetics (dot plot, Blast, etc.)

See the full page

This compulsory S4 course allows students to consolidate and deepen the foundations of molecular biology and cell biology acquired in L1.

- Cell biology: The course will cover four major topics: 1) The functioning of the cellular cytoskeleton, 2) Cell adhesion, 3) Protein trafficking, 4) Introduction to cell cycle regulation. Cell biology methodologies will also be presented: immunoprecipitation to highlight protein interactions, fluorescence videomicroscopy to track cell distribution dynamics, and evaluation of the importance of proteins of interest in a cellular process using strategies to modulate their expression (RNA interference, overexpression).

- Molecular biology: After acquiring knowledge about transcription and translation mechanisms in semester 3, we will address gene expression regulation: transcriptional regulation (repressors, activators) and attenuation in prokaryotes, and the basics of expression regulation mechanisms in eukaryotes.

See the full page

This course builds on the Biochemistry S3 course. This course places greater emphasis on practical aspects. The principles of standard biochemistry techniques (protein separation techniques, protein measurement techniques using spectrophotometry, Western Blot/Elisa, etc.) will be covered in class, followed by practical experiments related to these techniques. Students will be required to interpret and analyze the experiments proposed in the practical sessions.

See the full page

The objective of this EU is to understand evolutionary processes at both the micro- and macro-evolutionary scales.

Using examples, manipulations, and accessible modeling, the lessons will aim to present in a concrete and quantitative manner the effects of the four evolutionary forces operating at the individual and population levels (mutation, migration, selection, and drift). The integration of these microevolutionary processes on larger time scales (e.g., differentiation between lineages, speciation) will then be addressed. Finally, the course will include an introduction to phylogenetics tools (reading and constructing trees) for studying macroevolutionary events (diversification, extinction) and tracing changes in character states, in particular by integrating fossil data.

See the full page

The Physiology of Major Functions course (semester 4) aims to describe the role and interactions of the different systems in the body that work together to maintain a constant internal environment. Acquisition of anatomical and functional knowledge of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and renal systems and their nervous and hormonal controls. Understanding the combined action of these major systems through examples of integrative physiology and pathologies: respiratory and cardiac failure; hemorrhage; exposure to extreme environments.

See the full page

See the full page

This course aims to explore in greater depth, in small groups through tutorials and practical sessions, the fundamental molecular and cellular processes covered in the BMC2 and BMC3 courses, approaching them through more concrete concepts. The lessons will be based on real data (experimental results, scientific articles) to explain the main scientific approaches in simple terms and teach students how to analyze and interpret results (Example 1: showing an in cellulo interaction by expressing labeled proteins in cell lines followed by immunoprecipitation and western blot. Example 2: principle of immunofluorescence, intracellular distribution of an antigen. Example 3: in vitro transcription and translation and interaction study by GST pull-down). Practical work will illustrate some of these basic approaches: cell culture, construction of expression vectors, transfection, immunolabeling, fluorescence microscopy.   

See the full page

This compulsory course will enable students to deepen the skills they acquired in "Biochemistry S3." It will enable them to understand cellular metabolism by:

-understanding bioenergetics in order to study the processes by which living cells convey, transmit, use, accumulate, and release energy;
-the study of catabolism and anabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleotides, amino acids, and the metabolic interactions between these pathways.

- the description of metabolic disorders.

See the full page

In this introductory course to genetic analysis, the objectives are to learn the terms, principles, concepts, and methods used in formal genetics, as well as their fields of application, particularly in human and medical genetics. This course covers the genetics of transmission (Mendelian and non-Mendelian), quantitative genetics, and concepts of population genetics. Throughout the course, close links are established between classical genetics and molecular genetics.

See the full page

See the full page

See the full page

1- Linux basics (1.5 hours lecture + 3 hours tutorial): Basic commands for navigating Linux and understanding the logic of this language. Short exercises on extracting information in bash/shell. Element revisited for the analysis of alignment files.

2- Databases (3 hours of lectures + 4.5 hours of tutorials): knowledge of the main bibliographic and biological databases (NCBI, Ensembl, Galaxie, etc.). Ability to perform relevant and effective queries, exploit, sort, and describe different formats.

3- Sequence analysis (1.5 hours lecture + 4.5 hours tutorial): Sequence alignment and comparison with a brief introduction to phylogenetics (dot plot, Blast, etc.)

See the full page

This compulsory S4 course allows students to consolidate and deepen the foundations of molecular biology and cell biology acquired in L1.

- Cell biology: The course will cover four major topics: 1) The functioning of the cellular cytoskeleton, 2) Cell adhesion, 3) Protein trafficking, 4) Introduction to cell cycle regulation. Cell biology methodologies will also be presented: immunoprecipitation to highlight protein interactions, fluorescence videomicroscopy to track cell distribution dynamics, and evaluation of the importance of proteins of interest in a cellular process using strategies to modulate their expression (RNA interference, overexpression).

- Molecular biology: After acquiring knowledge about transcription and translation mechanisms in semester 3, we will address gene expression regulation: transcriptional regulation (repressors, activators) and attenuation in prokaryotes, and the basics of expression regulation mechanisms in eukaryotes.

See the full page

This course aims to broaden the knowledge acquired previously to different areas of microbiology, particularly microbial ecology.

It will address pathogenic relationships, but will also present examples of symbiotic associations. It will discuss the applications of microorganisms in biotechnology. It will describe how antibiotics work and the associated resistance phenomena, as well as their impact.

The EU will address the concept of viral ecology by presenting the place and role of viruses in ecosystems. The case of bacteriophages will be addressed more specifically, and the mechanisms of bacterial resistance to phage infection will be detailed. The different types of viral infection in animals will be presented (acute and persistent infections) and illustrated through the study of the pathogenesis of selected viral infections.

Knowledge about microorganisms will be expanded through the study of Archaea and a model eukaryotic organism, yeast.

The practical work will focus on performing and interpreting an antibiogram, and on titrating bacteriophages.

See the full page

This course builds on the Biochemistry S3 course. This course places greater emphasis on practical aspects. The principles of standard biochemistry techniques (protein separation techniques, protein measurement techniques using spectrophotometry, Western Blot/Elisa, etc.) will be covered in class, followed by practical experiments related to these techniques. Students will be required to interpret and analyze the experiments proposed in the practical sessions.

See the full page

The objective of this EU is to understand evolutionary processes at both the micro- and macro-evolutionary scales.

Using examples, manipulations, and accessible modeling, the lessons will aim to present in a concrete and quantitative manner the effects of the four evolutionary forces operating at the individual and population levels (mutation, migration, selection, and drift). The integration of these microevolutionary processes on larger time scales (e.g., differentiation between lineages, speciation) will then be addressed. Finally, the course will include an introduction to phylogenetics tools (reading and constructing trees) for studying macroevolutionary events (diversification, extinction) and tracing changes in character states, in particular by integrating fossil data.

See the full page

The Physiology of Major Functions course (semester 4) aims to describe the role and interactions of the different systems in the body that work together to maintain a constant internal environment. Acquisition of anatomical and functional knowledge of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and renal systems and their nervous and hormonal controls. Understanding the combined action of these major systems through examples of integrative physiology and pathologies: respiratory and cardiac failure; hemorrhage; exposure to extreme environments.

See the full page

See the full page

This compulsory course will enable students to deepen the skills they acquired in "Biochemistry S3." It will enable them to understand cellular metabolism by:

-understanding bioenergetics in order to study the processes by which living cells convey, transmit, use, accumulate, and release energy;
-the study of catabolism and anabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleotides, amino acids, and the metabolic interactions between these pathways.

- the description of metabolic disorders.

See the full page

In this introductory course to genetic analysis, the objectives are to learn the terms, principles, concepts, and methods used in formal genetics, as well as their fields of application, particularly in human and medical genetics. This course covers the genetics of transmission (Mendelian and non-Mendelian), quantitative genetics, and concepts of population genetics. Throughout the course, close links are established between classical genetics and molecular genetics.

See the full page

This compulsory S3 course allows students to consolidate and deepen the foundations of molecular biology and cell biology acquired in L1.

Molecular Biology Section: The molecular and structural bases of nucleic acids will be developed and explored in depth in order to understand the physicochemical properties of nucleic acids, which open up various prospects for technological applications, and the molecular mechanisms of the main stages of molecular biology, such as DNA replication, gene transcription into mRNA, and their translation into proteins. These stages, illustrated by experimental evidence drawn from various historical studies, will be studied in depth in prokaryotes. Comparisons with eukaryotes will also be discussed. The molecular mechanisms of DNA repair will also be described and developed.

Cell Biology section: The major concepts of membrane and cytosolic protein complex formation will be addressed, particularly in the context of cell signaling pathways. The concepts of ligands, receptors, scaffold proteins, signaling enzyme proteins, intracellular second messengers, and response kinetics will be presented. Biochemistry and cell biology techniques used to detect the presence and location of proteins in cells and tissues will be discussed.

See the full page

See the full page

Description of the EU (max. 10 lines):

The aim of this EU is to explain how to measure variation in biology and how it can be represented. It is based on concrete examples from various disciplines of biology (ecology, developmental biology, evolution, genetics, physiology) and provides the statistical tools to measure this variation and the graphical methods to represent it. The statistical concepts of sampling, inference, distribution, central tendency, dispersion, distribution function, parameters, confidence interval, and dependence between variables for different types of variables (binomial, discrete, continuous) are explained using tutorials based on biological problems.

Skills targeted by the EU (see skills reference framework):

- Descriptive analytical tools in biology, introduction to biostatistics through the analysis of biological patterns

See the full page

This course provides students with a fundamental understanding of microbiology. It will detail the structures of microorganisms, prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and viruses. It will provide an overview of the diversity of these microorganisms and describe how they reproduce.

For bacteria, trophic types and factors influencing growth will be developed, as well as the study of growth in non-renewed environments. Genetics and horizontal transfers between bacteria will be addressed.
Some eukaryotic microorganisms will be studied: habitat, lifestyles, ecological role or parasitism, as well as their mode of development.
In virology, the main cycles of virus multiplication will be detailed, and modes of transmission and the concept of viral pathogenesis will be addressed. The principle of antiviral vaccination and antiviral treatments will be presented and illustrated with concrete examples. 
The principle of antiviral vaccination and antiviral treatments will be presented and illustrated using concrete examples.
Practical work will provide an introduction to sterile techniques for handling microorganisms, counting bacteria, and conjugation.

See the full page

This module should enable students to acquire:

Basic concepts in physiology: Concept of homeostasis; levels of organization of the human body; compartments of the internal environment; study of the endocrine system; acid-base and water-mineral balance; anatomical and functional studies of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Basic concepts in immunology:

General overview of the immune system; study of T and B lymphocytes, antigen-presenting cells; study of antimicrobial immunity and complement.

See the full page

This compulsory course allows students to consolidate the fundamentals of biochemistry acquired in the first year by approaching this discipline through a cross-disciplinary study of enzymes involved in cellular metabolism, particularly glycolysis. Several areas of biochemistry will be covered: the fundamentals of Michaelian enzymology and a description of the metabolic reactions involved in glycolysis. Finally, the technical aspect will be addressed through the presentation and analysis of techniques for measuring enzyme activity and purifying, quantifying, and detecting proteins.

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Description*: This second general chemistry course aims to consolidate and deepen the study of reactions in aqueous solution, particularly those involving the formation of metal complexes. The principles of thermodynamics will be presented and applied to the study of chemical equilibria of biological interest. Rather than giving a presentation using mathematical formalism, which would require a much greater number of hours, students will be asked to understand the physical meaning of these principles and the main thermodynamic functions and their applications to chemical systems, often of biological interest. In particular, resting membrane potentials and the use of pH potential diagrams in biology will be presented.

Students will work on course materials (written and audio) ahead of certain lectures and tutorials, enabling them to fully participate in face-to-face teaching in lectures and tutorials, understand the concepts presented, and acquire the necessary skills.

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1- Linux basics (1.5 hours lecture + 3 hours tutorial): Basic commands for navigating Linux and understanding the logic of this language. Short exercises on extracting information in bash/shell. Element revisited for the analysis of alignment files.

2- Databases (3 hours of lectures + 4.5 hours of tutorials): knowledge of the main bibliographic and biological databases (NCBI, Ensembl, Galaxie, etc.). Ability to perform relevant and effective queries, exploit, sort, and describe different formats.

3- Sequence analysis (1.5 hours lecture + 4.5 hours tutorial): Sequence alignment and comparison with a brief introduction to phylogenetics (dot plot, Blast, etc.)

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This compulsory S4 course allows students to consolidate and deepen the foundations of molecular biology and cell biology acquired in L1.

- Cell biology: The course will cover four major topics: 1) The functioning of the cellular cytoskeleton, 2) Cell adhesion, 3) Protein trafficking, 4) Introduction to cell cycle regulation. Cell biology methodologies will also be presented: immunoprecipitation to highlight protein interactions, fluorescence videomicroscopy to track cell distribution dynamics, and evaluation of the importance of proteins of interest in a cellular process using strategies to modulate their expression (RNA interference, overexpression).

- Molecular biology: After acquiring knowledge about transcription and translation mechanisms in semester 3, we will address gene expression regulation: transcriptional regulation (repressors, activators) and attenuation in prokaryotes, and the basics of expression regulation mechanisms in eukaryotes.

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Learn about the major families of plant molecules and their properties, the biosynthesis pathways of these molecules, and the mechanisms regulating biosynthesis in plants and microorganisms. In this module, the major families of molecules derived from secondary plant metabolism (terpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins) are studied through their biosynthesis in plants and the differentiation of structures or groups of specialized cells. Based on this knowledge, biotechnological approaches for metabolic engineering are presented. The role of these molecules in plant life is discussed, as well as their properties used by industry as dyes, flavorings, perfumes, medicines, and biofuels. The use of natural polymers for the manufacture of industrial materials is addressed (paper pulp, rubber, plastics) and the production chains are described. Understanding the major families of plant molecules and their properties, the biosynthesis pathways of these molecules, and the mechanisms regulating these biosyntheses in plants remains a major challenge for the development of biorefineries in Europe.                                              

Keywords: secondary metabolism, metabolic engineering, biomolecule valorization, cellular and metabolic differentiation, regulation of secondary metabolism.

Additional information:

Visits to two analytical platforms are planned at the Montpellier hub (each lasting 1.5 hours).

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The objective of this EU is to understand evolutionary processes at both the micro- and macro-evolutionary scales.

Using examples, manipulations, and accessible modeling, the lessons will aim to present in a concrete and quantitative manner the effects of the four evolutionary forces operating at the individual and population levels (mutation, migration, selection, and drift). The integration of these microevolutionary processes on larger time scales (e.g., differentiation between lineages, speciation) will then be addressed. Finally, the course will include an introduction to phylogenetics tools (reading and constructing trees) for studying macroevolutionary events (diversification, extinction) and tracing changes in character states, in particular by integrating fossil data.

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The Physiology of Major Functions course (semester 4) aims to describe the role and interactions of the different systems in the body that work together to maintain a constant internal environment. Acquisition of anatomical and functional knowledge of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and renal systems and their nervous and hormonal controls. Understanding the combined action of these major systems through examples of integrative physiology and pathologies: respiratory and cardiac failure; hemorrhage; exposure to extreme environments.

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This compulsory course will enable students to deepen the skills they acquired in "Biochemistry S3." It will enable them to understand cellular metabolism by:

-understanding bioenergetics in order to study the processes by which living cells convey, transmit, use, accumulate, and release energy;
-the study of catabolism and anabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleotides, amino acids, and the metabolic interactions between these pathways.

- the description of metabolic disorders.

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In this introductory course to genetic analysis, the objectives are to learn the terms, principles, concepts, and methods used in formal genetics, as well as their fields of application, particularly in human and medical genetics. This course covers the genetics of transmission (Mendelian and non-Mendelian), quantitative genetics, and concepts of population genetics. Throughout the course, close links are established between classical genetics and molecular genetics.

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Plants interact with a multitude of microorganisms in their environment. These microorganisms act alone or in communities. They can have negative or positive effects on plants, their growth, nutrition, and health. In this module, we will present the different forms that these biotic interactions can take (symbiosis, parasitism, pathogenicity) based on popular biological models (mycorrhizal or nitrogen-fixing symbiosis, diseases caused by different microorganisms). This will also be an opportunity to introduce emerging concepts in the field, such as the microbiome and holobiont.

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1- Linux basics (1.5 hours lecture + 3 hours tutorial): Basic commands for navigating Linux and understanding the logic of this language. Short exercises on extracting information in bash/shell. Element revisited for the analysis of alignment files.

2- Databases (3 hours of lectures + 4.5 hours of tutorials): knowledge of the main bibliographic and biological databases (NCBI, Ensembl, Galaxie, etc.). Ability to perform relevant and effective queries, exploit, sort, and describe different formats.

3- Sequence analysis (1.5 hours lecture + 4.5 hours tutorial): Sequence alignment and comparison with a brief introduction to phylogenetics (dot plot, Blast, etc.)

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This compulsory S4 course allows students to consolidate and deepen the foundations of molecular biology and cell biology acquired in L1.

- Cell biology: The course will cover four major topics: 1) The functioning of the cellular cytoskeleton, 2) Cell adhesion, 3) Protein trafficking, 4) Introduction to cell cycle regulation. Cell biology methodologies will also be presented: immunoprecipitation to highlight protein interactions, fluorescence videomicroscopy to track cell distribution dynamics, and evaluation of the importance of proteins of interest in a cellular process using strategies to modulate their expression (RNA interference, overexpression).

- Molecular biology: After acquiring knowledge about transcription and translation mechanisms in semester 3, we will address gene expression regulation: transcriptional regulation (repressors, activators) and attenuation in prokaryotes, and the basics of expression regulation mechanisms in eukaryotes.

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This course aims to broaden the knowledge acquired previously to different areas of microbiology, particularly microbial ecology.

It will address pathogenic relationships, but will also present examples of symbiotic associations. It will discuss the applications of microorganisms in biotechnology. It will describe how antibiotics work and the associated resistance phenomena, as well as their impact.

The EU will address the concept of viral ecology by presenting the place and role of viruses in ecosystems. The case of bacteriophages will be addressed more specifically, and the mechanisms of bacterial resistance to phage infection will be detailed. The different types of viral infection in animals will be presented (acute and persistent infections) and illustrated through the study of the pathogenesis of selected viral infections.

Knowledge about microorganisms will be expanded through the study of Archaea and a model eukaryotic organism, yeast.

The practical work will focus on performing and interpreting an antibiogram, and on titrating bacteriophages.

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Learn about the major families of plant molecules and their properties, the biosynthesis pathways of these molecules, and the mechanisms regulating biosynthesis in plants and microorganisms. In this module, the major families of molecules derived from secondary plant metabolism (terpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins) are studied through their biosynthesis in plants and the differentiation of structures or groups of specialized cells. Based on this knowledge, biotechnological approaches for metabolic engineering are presented. The role of these molecules in plant life is discussed, as well as their properties used by industry as dyes, flavorings, perfumes, medicines, and biofuels. The use of natural polymers for the manufacture of industrial materials is addressed (paper pulp, rubber, plastics) and the production chains are described. Understanding the major families of plant molecules and their properties, the biosynthesis pathways of these molecules, and the mechanisms regulating these biosyntheses in plants remains a major challenge for the development of biorefineries in Europe.                                              

Keywords: secondary metabolism, metabolic engineering, biomolecule valorization, cellular and metabolic differentiation, regulation of secondary metabolism.

Additional information:

Visits to two analytical platforms are planned at the Montpellier hub (each lasting 1.5 hours).

See the full page

The objective of this EU is to understand evolutionary processes at both the micro- and macro-evolutionary scales.

Using examples, manipulations, and accessible modeling, the lessons will aim to present in a concrete and quantitative manner the effects of the four evolutionary forces operating at the individual and population levels (mutation, migration, selection, and drift). The integration of these microevolutionary processes on larger time scales (e.g., differentiation between lineages, speciation) will then be addressed. Finally, the course will include an introduction to phylogenetics tools (reading and constructing trees) for studying macroevolutionary events (diversification, extinction) and tracing changes in character states, in particular by integrating fossil data.

See the full page

The Physiology of Major Functions course (semester 4) aims to describe the role and interactions of the different systems in the body that work together to maintain a constant internal environment. Acquisition of anatomical and functional knowledge of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and renal systems and their nervous and hormonal controls. Understanding the combined action of these major systems through examples of integrative physiology and pathologies: respiratory and cardiac failure; hemorrhage; exposure to extreme environments.

See the full page

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This compulsory course will enable students to deepen the skills they acquired in "Biochemistry S3." It will enable them to understand cellular metabolism by:

-understanding bioenergetics in order to study the processes by which living cells convey, transmit, use, accumulate, and release energy;
-the study of catabolism and anabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleotides, amino acids, and the metabolic interactions between these pathways.

- the description of metabolic disorders.

See the full page

In this introductory course to genetic analysis, the objectives are to learn the terms, principles, concepts, and methods used in formal genetics, as well as their fields of application, particularly in human and medical genetics. This course covers the genetics of transmission (Mendelian and non-Mendelian), quantitative genetics, and concepts of population genetics. Throughout the course, close links are established between classical genetics and molecular genetics.

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This course is a practical lesson in designing an experiment in scientific ecology: developing a protocol, setting up and monitoring the experiment, analyzing data, and preparing oral and written reports.

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This course is a cross-disciplinary course in L2 SV aimed at providing biology students with a fundamental knowledge base on plant functioning, enabling them to understand current issues in plant agricultural sciences.

The following basic concepts of Plant Physiology/Functional Biology will be studied: 

Essential experimental approaches: plant transgenesis, forward and reverse genetics

basics of autotrophy

mechanisms underlying the major stages of angiosperm development: meristem function, floral transition, fertilization.

auxin, a major hormone for plant development and their response to the abiotic environment

The practical sessions will enable students to manipulate the regulation of plant water nutrition and analyze their mineral nutrition using various biochemical assays (flame photometry, spectrophotometry). 

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Description of the EU (max. 10 lines):

The aim of this EU is to explain how to measure variation in biology and how it can be represented. It is based on concrete examples from various disciplines of biology (ecology, developmental biology, evolution, genetics, physiology) and provides the statistical tools to measure this variation and the graphical methods to represent it. The statistical concepts of sampling, inference, distribution, central tendency, dispersion, distribution function, parameters, confidence interval, and dependence between variables for different types of variables (binomial, discrete, continuous) are explained using tutorials based on biological problems.

Skills targeted by the EU (see skills reference framework):

- Descriptive analytical tools in biology, introduction to biostatistics through the analysis of biological patterns

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This EU is the complementary practical application of EU Description of Variability 1 (HAV312B).

The construction and analysis of datasets is carried out using practical work in the R software, drawing parallels with the tutorials, as well as obtaining graphs and numerical parameters to characterize the samples and their variability.

Skills targeted by the EU (see skills reference framework):

- Descriptive analytical tools in biology, introduction to biostatistics through the analysis of biological patterns

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This course is an introduction to the general concepts of scientific ecology: levels of organization, biodiversity measurement and conservation, biogeography, biotic and abiotic factors affecting biodiversity distribution and dynamics. It also provides an understanding of the methods used in scientific ecology: the value of experimentation, reflection on protocol development, data analysis, and oral and written reports on experiments.

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This teaching unit explores the fungal kingdom in its biological, ecological, and evolutionary dimensions. Through a series of lectures, supplemented by group work sessions (tutorials and practicals), students will familiarize themselves with these organisms, their biological characteristics (particularly with regard to reproduction) and their roles in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. In addition, the place of fungi in human societies (particularly in food and medicine) will be explored as part of this course unit, which also aims to analyze the links between biodiversity and human societies.

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The EU addresses theoretical concepts in plant biology, using the group of Spermatophytes as a model. It aims to define the concepts and specific vocabulary of morphology, anatomy, reproduction, and biological cycles.

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The EU is interested in describing the morpho-anatomical characteristics of the major organizational plans of metazoans found in current and past faunas, as well as explaining their origin and the dynamics of their appearance. It is thus developing a vision of organisms based on paleontology and zoology. It will mainly address the origin of metazoans and the main divisions, namely diploblasts and triploblasts, as well as basic concepts relating to the positioning and phylogenetic relationships between taxa (mono- and paraphyly, evolutionary convergence, etc.). It is traditionally divided into lectures, tutorials that mainly aim to illustrate and support aspects related to the biodiversity of taxa, and practical work in sessions aimed at acquiring skills, particularly and necessarily in dissection.

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EUobjectives: Comparative study of major physiological functions in animals in relation to their environment. Study of structures and functions at various levels of integration, from the organism to the molecule.

Models discussed: mammals compared with other vertebrate models (teleosts, etc.) and invertebrate models (insects, crustaceans, mollusks, etc.).

Description: This course unit will cover certain major physiological functions (respiration, nutrition, excretion, and water and mineral regulation) as well as the basics of immunology and regulatory systems (nervous system and chemical communication). In addition to lectures, students will work in groups on various topics proposed by the instructors. They will present the topics in the form of presentations and summarize the key points to remember in a written summary. Practical work and tutorials will also be offered to illustrate the lectures.

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This course is a cross-disciplinary course in L2 SV aimed at providing biology students with a fundamental knowledge base on plant functioning, enabling them to understand current issues in plant agricultural sciences.

The following basic concepts of Plant Physiology/Functional Biology will be studied: 

Essential experimental approaches: plant transgenesis, forward and reverse genetics

basics of autotrophy

mechanisms underlying the major stages of angiosperm development: meristem function, floral transition, fertilization.

auxin, a major hormone for plant development and their response to the abiotic environment

The practical sessions will enable students to manipulate the regulation of plant water nutrition and analyze their mineral nutrition using various biochemical assays (flame photometry, spectrophotometry). 

See the full page

Description of the EU (max. 10 lines):

The aim of this EU is to explain how to measure variation in biology and how it can be represented. It is based on concrete examples from various disciplines of biology (ecology, developmental biology, evolution, genetics, physiology) and provides the statistical tools to measure this variation and the graphical methods to represent it. The statistical concepts of sampling, inference, distribution, central tendency, dispersion, distribution function, parameters, confidence interval, and dependence between variables for different types of variables (binomial, discrete, continuous) are explained using tutorials based on biological problems.

Skills targeted by the EU (see skills reference framework):

- Descriptive analytical tools in biology, introduction to biostatistics through the analysis of biological patterns

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This course brings together three complementary and fundamental disciplines of Earth sciences: sedimentology, tectonics, and cartography. The different types of sedimentary rocks will be taught in detail in order to interpret their formation context and associated processes. The subjects of ductile and brittle tectonics will also be addressed at different scales in order to establish their formation context, particularly in terms of stress regimes. Practical work on samples will be carried out in parallel to enable students to develop their observation and drawing skills and to make use of the rich collections available in the department. Finally, an introduction to reading and working with geological maps (diagrams, cross-sections) will be provided, applying the concepts of sedimentology and tectonics previously acquired. This course unit should enable students to define the broad outlines of the geological history of a given region.

Hourly volumes:

• CM: 12
• TD: 3
• TP: 21

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This EU is the complementary practical application of EU Description of Variability 1 (HAV312B).

The construction and analysis of datasets is carried out using practical work in the R software, drawing parallels with the tutorials, as well as obtaining graphs and numerical parameters to characterize the samples and their variability.

Skills targeted by the EU (see skills reference framework):

- Descriptive analytical tools in biology, introduction to biostatistics through the analysis of biological patterns

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This course is an introduction to the general concepts of scientific ecology: levels of organization, biodiversity measurement and conservation, biogeography, biotic and abiotic factors affecting biodiversity distribution and dynamics. It also provides an understanding of the methods used in scientific ecology: the value of experimentation, reflection on protocol development, data analysis, and oral and written reports on experiments.

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This teaching unit explores the fungal kingdom in its biological, ecological, and evolutionary dimensions. Through a series of lectures, supplemented by group work sessions (tutorials and practicals), students will familiarize themselves with these organisms, their biological characteristics (particularly with regard to reproduction) and their roles in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. In addition, the place of fungi in human societies (particularly in food and medicine) will be explored as part of this course unit, which also aims to analyze the links between biodiversity and human societies.

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The EU addresses theoretical concepts in plant biology, using the group of Spermatophytes as a model. It aims to define the concepts and specific vocabulary of morphology, anatomy, reproduction, and biological cycles.

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The EU is interested in describing the morpho-anatomical characteristics of the major organizational plans of metazoans found in current and past faunas, as well as explaining their origin and the dynamics of their appearance. It is thus developing a vision of organisms based on paleontology and zoology. It will mainly address the origin of metazoans and the main divisions, namely diploblasts and triploblasts, as well as basic concepts relating to the positioning and phylogenetic relationships between taxa (mono- and paraphyly, evolutionary convergence, etc.). It is traditionally divided into lectures, tutorials that mainly aim to illustrate and support aspects related to the biodiversity of taxa, and practical work in sessions aimed at acquiring skills, particularly and necessarily in dissection.

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EUobjectives: Comparative study of major physiological functions in animals in relation to their environment. Study of structures and functions at various levels of integration, from the organism to the molecule.

Models discussed: mammals compared with other vertebrate models (teleosts, etc.) and invertebrate models (insects, crustaceans, mollusks, etc.).

Description: This course unit will cover certain major physiological functions (respiration, nutrition, excretion, and water and mineral regulation) as well as the basics of immunology and regulatory systems (nervous system and chemical communication). In addition to lectures, students will work in groups on various topics proposed by the instructors. They will present the topics in the form of presentations and summarize the key points to remember in a written summary. Practical work and tutorials will also be offered to illustrate the lectures.

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The EU extends an EU from L2 S3 focusing on describing the morpho-anatomical characteristics of the major organizational plans of metazoans found in current and past faunas, as well as explaining their origin and dynamics of appearance through the acquisition of skills in paleontology and zoology. In S4, it will mainly explore the major subdivisions within protostome organisms, namely lophotrochozoans (annelids, mollusks, brachiopods, etc.) and ecdysozoans (arthropods, nematodes, etc.), while highlighting their phylogenetic relationships and their socio-economic importance or impact. The course is traditionally divided into lectures and tutorials, which will mainly aim to illustrate and support aspects related to the biodiversity of taxa, and practical work in sessions aimed at acquiring skills, in particular and necessarily through the performance of certain dissections.

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The objective of this EU is to understand evolutionary processes at both the micro- and macro-evolutionary scales.

Using examples, manipulations, and accessible modeling, the lessons will aim to present in a concrete and quantitative manner the effects of the four evolutionary forces operating at the individual and population levels (mutation, migration, selection, and drift). The integration of these microevolutionary processes on larger time scales (e.g., differentiation between lineages, speciation) will then be addressed. Finally, the course will include an introduction to phylogenetics tools (reading and constructing trees) for studying macroevolutionary events (diversification, extinction) and tracing changes in character states, in particular by integrating fossil data.

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In this course, students will learn about the links between an individual's genetic heritage and the development of their morphology, physiology, and lifestyle. We will focus on understanding the links between the information carried by the genome and the life cycle of the organism in question, including the cellular characteristics corresponding to the expression of genetic information. This data will be placed in an evolutionary context and will shed light on some major evolutionary transitions, particularly in metazoans.

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Functional ecology aims to provide a solid foundation for understanding how terrestrial ecosystems function, particularly the role played by living organisms in material flows within these ecosystems. The main processes addressed are primary production, consumption relationships (particularly herbivory), and the decomposition and transformation of soil organic matter. For each of these processes, particular attention is paid to (1) the link between the strategies of organisms and their function in the ecosystem, and (2) basing the presentation of concepts on field observations, highlighting characteristics of organisms or the ecosystem that students may encounter during field trips.

This course thus fits between a broader introduction to ecology in S1 (HLBE304) and provides the necessary concepts for the L3 course in community ecology.

The emphasis is on practical aspects, particularly through a series of group practical assignments, in which a simple but scientifically relevant hypothesis will be tested experimentally using an appropriate protocol.

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This course is a natural continuation of the course "Description of Variability" presented in S3. Its objective is to provide the concepts and methods on which modern biostatistics are based, namely the quantification of randomness, which is a ubiquitous issue in the life sciences. This course will serve as an introduction to inferential statistics: parametric and non-parametric tests, linear regression, and analysis of variance. Particular attention will be paid to the conditions for applying these methods, as well as to the concepts of type I and II errors, power, replication, and confidence intervals. Each concept will be illustrated with analyses of real and diverse biological data, contributing to the biostatistical culture that is useful for developing critical thinking with regard to scientific results. Practical work using R will provide training in this reference language and the statistical tools implemented in it, as well as an understanding of what has been seen in class through the application of the methods presented.

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The aim of this course is to introduce the concepts and tools used to observe and describe minerals and magmatic and metamorphic rocks and to understand their formation. The course will begin with an introduction to the concepts of mineralogy (crystallography, crystal chemistry) and the tools needed to identify the minerals that make up magmatic and metamorphic rocks. You will then study the structure and nature of the mantle and the processes involved from the formation of magmas to the eruption of magmatic rocks: partial melting, crystallization, crustal assimilation, and magmatic mixing. You will learn to distinguish between different magmatic series based on their chemical compositions and physical properties. The link between eruptive processes, hazards, and volcanic risks will also be discussed. In the third part, we will introduce the main variables (pressure, temperature, time) and the different geodynamic contexts of metamorphism. We will look at the different metamorphic facies, the structures and textures of metamorphic rocks, and you will learn to recognize mineral reactions and interpret them in terms of metamorphic evolution.

The combined study of magmatic and metamorphic rocks will provide the basis for understanding issues related to the geodynamics of the Earth's interior, geochemical cycles, mineral resources, etc.

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The EU approaches the history of plants, on the one hand diachronically, by studying each of the major geological periods (Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic), and on the other hand, transversally, by delving into certain methods of studying paleoenvironments (macroflora, palynology, climate, geochemistry, biomechanics, etc.).

After an introductory CM, the CMs present, on the one hand, the history of plants by major geological period (CM2-3: Paleozoic; CM4-5: Mesozoic; CM6-8: Cenozoic) and, on the other hand, cross-disciplinary approaches (CM9-10: Isotopic geochemistry; CM11-12: Biomechanics).

The practical assignments illustrate examples of paleoenvironmental reconstruction based on the study of fossil records: PA1, Paleozoic macroflora (Graissessac); PA2-3, Early Pleistocene macroflora (Bernasso); TP4, Recent Pleistocene Pollen (La Gourre); TP5, Holocene Geochemistry.

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The objective of this EU is to understand the mechanisms used by organisms to cope with the constraints of the aquatic environment. Using animal models (mollusks, crustaceans, fish) and plants (macro- and microalgae, aquatic angiosperms), this course will address the various dimensions of the adaptive biology of organisms, ranging from their ability to acclimatize and adapt to change, to their physiological limits and the optimization of phenotypic traits in response to environmental constraints. This course aims to study: 

- major concepts and approaches in ecophysiology;

- ecophysiological responses (from gene expression to organism performance and behavior), using various aquatic ecosystems (intertidal, estuarine, polar, cave-dwelling, and abyssal) as examples;

- the integration of structure-function relationships in a given environmental context.

On a practical level, this course will enable students to study how organisms function using simple physiological measurements and learn how to set up experiments. Presentations of scientific articles selected by the instructors will supplement the knowledge acquired in class. 

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This course presents the biology of parasitic eukaryotic organisms, taking into account their diversity. We will therefore cover both single-celled organisms and vertebrates.

In addition to physiological, anatomical, and morphological aspects, considerable attention will be given to describing their life cycles, which necessarily involve a phase of transmission to an obligate host.

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The objective is to provide students with knowledge about the biology, ecology, and evolution of three taxonomic groups in question. Beyond species identification (which will be covered extensively), this course will address the evolution and systematics of the taxonomic group in question, fundamental ecology (evolutionary and functional ecology), applied ecology (conservation), physiology, legislation, and methods of study and identification.

After a general introductory course, two areas of study will be offered in parallel. One will focus on Mediterranean flora, the other on fauna (amphibians, reptiles, and birds).

Flora

The French Mediterranean coastline is home to more than two-thirds of the flora found in mainland France. This course provides an introduction to this exceptional diversity and the underlying mechanisms. It is designed to enable students to 1. describe a plant in order to identify the characteristics useful for identification, and 2. use different identification tools and understand their strengths and limitations. The course will incorporate innovative teaching approaches, combining the use of traditional tools (paper flora) and digital tools (FloreNum, PlantNet), in order to enable learning tailored to the student's knowledge (from beginner to knowledgeable amateur). Species identification will form the basis for studying their biology and ecology and for addressing the concepts of evolution and phylogeny. To this end, workshops will be held in parallel with practical sessions: 1. construction of a morphological classification to be compared with traditional classifications (morphological and phylogenetic), 2. introduction to the ecology of species through a habitat-based approach, and 3. diachronic study of developmental biology by monitoring the growth of wild species planted under controlled conditions.

Animals

The objective is for students to acquire/deepen their knowledge of the biology of birds, amphibians, and reptiles, which are models of choice in fundamental ecology (ethology, evolutionary ecology, functional ecology), applied ecology (conservation biology), and environmental education/teaching. Beyond species identification, this area of study will address the evolution and systematics of these taxa, their physiology, and their ecological and behavioral characteristics.

Each group (Fauna - Flora) will have 12 hours of fieldwork available (half of which will be shared by both groups) to be carried out according to terms to be defined (four half-day outings or two full-day outings). Practical work may be carried out on university sites (university campus - Labex CEMEB experimental field at CEFE - Botanical Garden) that are suitable for studying the various organisms.

Cross-cutting concept

The EU is organized around a concept common to both TP groups which, through a flipped classroom approach, will enable students to use the species observed to identify key concepts in conservation biology. In S4, the focus will be on distribution (chorology) and the concept of rarity at different spatial scales. These concepts will support methodological questions relating in particular to the estimation of organism abundance. To this end, at the end of the sequence, students will present a taxon of their choice, from among those proposed in the EU, which illustrates the concept of distribution.

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The EU's goal is to bridge the gap between knowledge of biology and physiology on the one hand, and demography and population trends on the other. This approach aims to lay the groundwork for conservation biology by providing information that can be used to predict how animal and plant organisms and populations respond to changes in ecosystems and sources of stress.

Teaching methods:

Tutorials in the form of presentations and discussions of scientific data or in a "flipped" format with small group discussions, independent group projects, and analyses of real-life restoration cases.

TD1: Introduction to the EU: concepts, activities, teaching methods. Setting up the flipped classroom program.

TD2: Ecophysiology and environmental physiology (definitions); case studies (invasive species, reintroductions, ecological developments)

TD3: Analysis of the consequences of major pollution (marine and terrestrial), ecological engineering, passive and active biomonitoring tools.

TD4 to 16: In "reverse" form (students in an "active" position, with additions from the teacher), a series of interventions aimed at implementing

- the links between biology and life strategy on the one hand, and life history traits on the other, using several characteristic examples (animal and plant species, generalist/specialist species, rare species—types of rarity—or widespread or even invasive species);

- the construction of a population's demographics

- changes in the demographics of a population as a result of various disturbances, particularly long-term disturbances affecting the population's ability to evolve.

Two tutorials (3 hours in total): analysis of different conservation and biomonitoring strategies, taking into account knowledge of organism physiology and ecological and behavioral characteristics. Research and analysis of documents, synthesis and oral presentation of studies/debate.

TP: plant ecophysiological analyses, animal ecophysiological analyses using non-invasive approaches (behavior, physiological and bioenergetic analyses).

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The EU approaches the history of plants, on the one hand diachronically, by studying each of the major geological periods (Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic), and on the other hand, transversally, by delving into certain methods of studying paleoenvironments (macroflora, palynology, climate, geochemistry, biomechanics, etc.).

After an introductory CM, the CMs present, on the one hand, the history of plants by major geological period (CM2-3: Paleozoic; CM4-5: Mesozoic; CM6-8: Cenozoic) and, on the other hand, cross-disciplinary approaches (CM9-10: Isotopic geochemistry; CM11-12: Biomechanics).

The practical assignments illustrate examples of paleoenvironmental reconstruction based on the study of fossil records: PA1, Paleozoic macroflora (Graissessac); PA2-3, Early Pleistocene macroflora (Bernasso); TP4, Recent Pleistocene Pollen (La Gourre); TP5, Holocene Geochemistry.

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The aim of this course is to introduce the concepts and tools used to observe and describe minerals and magmatic and metamorphic rocks and to understand their formation. The course will begin with an introduction to the concepts of mineralogy (crystallography, crystal chemistry) and the tools needed to identify the minerals that make up magmatic and metamorphic rocks. You will then study the structure and nature of the mantle and the processes involved from the formation of magmas to the eruption of magmatic rocks: partial melting, crystallization, crustal assimilation, and magmatic mixing. You will learn to distinguish between different magmatic series based on their chemical compositions and physical properties. The link between eruptive processes, hazards, and volcanic risks will also be discussed. In the third part, we will introduce the main variables (pressure, temperature, time) and the different geodynamic contexts of metamorphism. We will look at the different metamorphic facies, the structures and textures of metamorphic rocks, and you will learn to recognize mineral reactions and interpret them in terms of metamorphic evolution.

The combined study of magmatic and metamorphic rocks will provide the basis for understanding issues related to the geodynamics of the Earth's interior, geochemical cycles, mineral resources, etc.

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The objective of this EU is to understand the mechanisms used by organisms to cope with the constraints of the aquatic environment. Using animal models (mollusks, crustaceans, fish) and plants (macro- and microalgae, aquatic angiosperms), this course will address the various dimensions of the adaptive biology of organisms, ranging from their ability to acclimatize and adapt to change, to their physiological limits and the optimization of phenotypic traits in response to environmental constraints. This course aims to study: 

- major concepts and approaches in ecophysiology;

- ecophysiological responses (from gene expression to organism performance and behavior), using various aquatic ecosystems (intertidal, estuarine, polar, cave-dwelling, and abyssal) as examples;

- the integration of structure-function relationships in a given environmental context.

On a practical level, this course will enable students to study how organisms function using simple physiological measurements and learn how to set up experiments. Presentations of scientific articles selected by the instructors will supplement the knowledge acquired in class. 

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This course presents the biology of parasitic eukaryotic organisms, taking into account their diversity. We will therefore cover both single-celled organisms and vertebrates.

In addition to physiological, anatomical, and morphological aspects, considerable attention will be given to describing their life cycles, which necessarily involve a phase of transmission to an obligate host.

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The objective is to provide students with knowledge about the biology, ecology, and evolution of three taxonomic groups in question. Beyond species identification (which will be covered extensively), this course will address the evolution and systematics of the taxonomic group in question, fundamental ecology (evolutionary and functional ecology), applied ecology (conservation), physiology, legislation, and methods of study and identification.

After a general introductory course, two areas of study will be offered in parallel. One will focus on Mediterranean flora, the other on fauna (amphibians, reptiles, and birds).

Flora

The French Mediterranean coastline is home to more than two-thirds of the flora found in mainland France. This course provides an introduction to this exceptional diversity and the underlying mechanisms. It is designed to enable students to 1. describe a plant in order to identify the characteristics useful for identification, and 2. use different identification tools and understand their strengths and limitations. The course will incorporate innovative teaching approaches, combining the use of traditional tools (paper flora) and digital tools (FloreNum, PlantNet), in order to enable learning tailored to the student's knowledge (from beginner to knowledgeable amateur). Species identification will form the basis for studying their biology and ecology and for addressing the concepts of evolution and phylogeny. To this end, workshops will be held in parallel with practical sessions: 1. construction of a morphological classification to be compared with traditional classifications (morphological and phylogenetic), 2. introduction to the ecology of species through a habitat-based approach, and 3. diachronic study of developmental biology by monitoring the growth of wild species planted under controlled conditions.

Animals

The objective is for students to acquire/deepen their knowledge of the biology of birds, amphibians, and reptiles, which are models of choice in fundamental ecology (ethology, evolutionary ecology, functional ecology), applied ecology (conservation biology), and environmental education/teaching. Beyond species identification, this area of study will address the evolution and systematics of these taxa, their physiology, and their ecological and behavioral characteristics.

Each group (Fauna - Flora) will have 12 hours of fieldwork available (half of which will be shared by both groups) to be carried out according to terms to be defined (four half-day outings or two full-day outings). Practical work may be carried out on university sites (university campus - Labex CEMEB experimental field at CEFE - Botanical Garden) that are suitable for studying the various organisms.

Cross-cutting concept

The EU is organized around a concept common to both TP groups which, through a flipped classroom approach, will enable students to use the species observed to identify key concepts in conservation biology. In S4, the focus will be on distribution (chorology) and the concept of rarity at different spatial scales. These concepts will support methodological questions relating in particular to the estimation of organism abundance. To this end, at the end of the sequence, students will present a taxon of their choice, from among those proposed in the EU, which illustrates the concept of distribution.

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The EU addresses the different groups of plants ("algae," "cryptogams," spermatophytes), specifying for each of them their phylogenetic position and nature (monophyletic or paraphyletic group), their origin, and their specific characteristics in terms of morphology, anatomy, reproduction, and ecology.

Four grades present the different groups of plants: Grade 4, diversity of "algae"; Grade 5, biological cycles of "algae"; Grade 6, "cryptogams"; Grade 7, spermatophytes.

Six tutorials cover cross-disciplinary concepts based on oral and written exercises: Tutorial 1, Biological Cycles; Tutorial 2, Endosymbiosis; Tutorial 3, Interactions; Tutorial 4, Adaptation; Tutorial 5, Polyploidy; Tutorial 6, Phylogeny.

Six practical sessions illustrate the concepts covered in lectures and tutorials using living material: PS1, "algae"1; PS2, "algae"2; PS3, "bryophytes"; PS4, "pteridophytes"; PS5, Gymnosperms, vegetative system; PS6, Gymnosperms, reproduction.

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This compulsory S3 course allows students to consolidate and deepen the foundations of molecular biology and cell biology acquired in L1.

Molecular Biology Section: The molecular and structural bases of nucleic acids will be developed and explored in depth in order to understand the physicochemical properties of nucleic acids, which open up various prospects for technological applications, and the molecular mechanisms of the main stages of molecular biology, such as DNA replication, gene transcription into mRNA, and their translation into proteins. These stages, illustrated by experimental evidence drawn from various historical studies, will be studied in depth in prokaryotes. Comparisons with eukaryotes will also be discussed. The molecular mechanisms of DNA repair will also be described and developed.

Cell Biology section: The major concepts of membrane and cytosolic protein complex formation will be addressed, particularly in the context of cell signaling pathways. The concepts of ligands, receptors, scaffold proteins, signaling enzyme proteins, intracellular second messengers, and response kinetics will be presented. Biochemistry and cell biology techniques used to detect the presence and location of proteins in cells and tissues will be discussed.

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This course is a cross-disciplinary course in L2 SV aimed at providing biology students with a fundamental knowledge base on plant functioning, enabling them to understand current issues in plant agricultural sciences.

The following basic concepts of Plant Physiology/Functional Biology will be studied: 

Essential experimental approaches: plant transgenesis, forward and reverse genetics

basics of autotrophy

mechanisms underlying the major stages of angiosperm development: meristem function, floral transition, fertilization.

auxin, a major hormone for plant development and their response to the abiotic environment

The practical sessions will enable students to manipulate the regulation of plant water nutrition and analyze their mineral nutrition using various biochemical assays (flame photometry, spectrophotometry). 

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Description of the EU (max. 10 lines):

The aim of this EU is to explain how to measure variation in biology and how it can be represented. It is based on concrete examples from various disciplines of biology (ecology, developmental biology, evolution, genetics, physiology) and provides the statistical tools to measure this variation and the graphical methods to represent it. The statistical concepts of sampling, inference, distribution, central tendency, dispersion, distribution function, parameters, confidence interval, and dependence between variables for different types of variables (binomial, discrete, continuous) are explained using tutorials based on biological problems.

Skills targeted by the EU (see skills reference framework):

- Descriptive analytical tools in biology, introduction to biostatistics through the analysis of biological patterns

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This course provides students with a fundamental understanding of microbiology. It will detail the structures of microorganisms, prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and viruses. It will provide an overview of the diversity of these microorganisms and describe how they reproduce.

For bacteria, trophic types and factors influencing growth will be developed, as well as the study of growth in non-renewed environments. Genetics and horizontal transfers between bacteria will be addressed.
Some eukaryotic microorganisms will be studied: habitat, lifestyles, ecological role or parasitism, as well as their mode of development.
In virology, the main cycles of virus multiplication will be detailed, and modes of transmission and the concept of viral pathogenesis will be addressed. The principle of antiviral vaccination and antiviral treatments will be presented and illustrated with concrete examples. 
The principle of antiviral vaccination and antiviral treatments will be presented and illustrated using concrete examples.
Practical work will provide an introduction to sterile techniques for handling microorganisms, counting bacteria, and conjugation.

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This module should enable students to acquire: