ECTS
60 credits
Duration
1 year
Training structure
Faculty of Science
Language(s) of instruction
French
Presentation
The Biology and Ecology (BE) program within the Life Sciences (SV) bachelor's degree is a multidisciplinary scientific program focused on the study of organisms (of all types: animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, etc.), their evolution, and their ecology, in the scientific sense of the term, i.e., the scientific study of the relationship between organisms and their environment, as well as the interactions they develop between themselves and with their environment. bacteria, etc.), their evolution, and their ecology, in the scientific sense of the term, i.e., the scientific study of the relationship between organisms and their environment, as well as the interactions they develop with each other (societal or political ecology and environmentalism are not central to the program, although they are sometimes addressed in classes). The fourth major discipline of our program is the acquisition and mastery of the mathematical and statistical tools essential to ecology and evolutionary biology. Finally, the choice of specific teaching units allows you to specialize in paleontology or paleoecology through the study of Earth sciences.
Average success rate in L2 80%
Success rate
Objectives
This initial training is therefore a general bachelor's degree whose primary purpose is to encourage students to continue their studies with a master's degree (or equivalent) in the disciplines of organismal biology, evolutionary biology, or ecology, as well as related disciplines (scientific communication, ecosystem management, epidemiology, history of science and epistemology, etc.). The courses focus on the acquisition of scientific methods. As in all SV programs, particular attention is paid to tutorials, practical work, hands-on activities, experimentation, and fieldwork (within the logistical limits of our large student numbers). The courses also give students a great deal of autonomy to carry out several projects, most often in groups, involving a high level of communication skills (summary reports, posters, slideshows, etc.), and in particular the delivery of oral presentations in French or English.
A significant proportion of teaching units are geared towards these disciplines from the first year of the Bachelor's degree (L1) in Life Sciences, Health and the Environment (SVSE), but the course does not really begin until the second year (L2). Furthermore, L2 and L3 (third year) are closely linked, with L3 building on the knowledge acquired in L2. All groups of organisms and all environments will be covered during the three years of the bachelor's degree, although the courses also draw on knowledge of model species. The teaching teams aim to reflect real diversity in order to better understand living organisms, drawing in particular on the local biological wealth (organisms present on campus, in the Montpellier metropolitan area, and in Mediterranean ecosystems). The courses draw on and open up related disciplines such as physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, ecotoxicology, and immunology.
Know-how and skills
The skills that students pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences with a BE track must acquire are:
1) Disciplinary skills:
- Understand the different levels of organization of living things (ranging from organisms to the biosphere) and their interactions;
- Understanding the processes that drive biodiversity;
- Understanding current and past biodiversity;
- Understand the biodemographic and adaptive strategies of organisms in relation to their resources, interactions, and the characteristics of their living environment.
- Know how to implement the various approaches and tools used in evolutionary biology and ecology: observation, sampling, experimentation, and statistical analysis.
- Know how to implement tools for describing biodiversity, from genes to the biosphere;
- Know the applications of organismal biology, evolutionary biology, and ecology (health, agronomy, conservation, restoration).
2) cross-functional skills:
- Knowledge:
- Understand the process of knowledge formation in different disciplines (hypotheses, experimental results, controversial findings, mathematical theorems, scientific facts).
- Know-how:
- Know how to use concepts and tools from different disciplines to analyze a document, an observation, or the results of an experiment.
- Be able to develop a logical argument with a critical mind (limitations, comparison with the bibliography, defending a point of view using a structured and logical argument, etc.);
- Know how to search for and extract information critically, prioritize information sources and identify their reliability, and synthesize them;
- Know how to develop original oral presentations and written scientific reports (without plagiarism), using illustrations and language appropriate for the target audience, with the help of suitable IT tools;
- Be able to propose a scientific problem, propose and implement an observation procedure, a sampling plan, or an experimental procedure, and analyze the resulting data using computer tools for data entry, analysis, and storage.
- Knowing how to search for information to develop a training plan, knowing how to write a resume and cover letter, and using professional networking tools;
- Knowing how to successfully complete a project within a group.
- Interpersonal skills:
- Be able to work independently, adapt to new situations, and take appropriate initiative;
- Being able to self-assess and question oneself in order to learn;
- Knowing how to position oneself within a group for the purpose of implementing a project, knowing how to listen and engage in constructive dialogue;
- Comply with legal, ethical, and professional rules governing the use and production of documents (plagiarism, sources, copyright, and citations, falsification of data);
- Comply with legal, ethical, and professional conduct rules for handling living organisms (animal breeding and experimentation, field sampling);
- Respect others, respect the equipment and the organizations you work with.
Organization
Knowledge assessment
Continuous assessment (including reports and oral exams) and/or final exam at the end of the semester
Special facilities
The significant amount of practical work and projects, as well as the fieldwork, mean that this course cannot be offered as a distance learning program.
Program
The BE track of the Life Sciences bachelor's degree (L2 and L3) is spread over four semesters, each comprising teaching units (UE) validated by ECTS credits. It follows on from the L1 Life Sciences, Health and Environment (SVSE) program. Throughout the three years of the bachelor's degree, there are numerous pathways to and from other bachelor's degree programs and other courses (IUT, BTS, CPGE, engineering schools, etc.). The teaching units below therefore constitute the standard program, which may vary depending on any changes of direction, which will only be possible if approved by an educational committee.
The list of teaching units can be found on the Faculty of Science website.
There are space limitations for certain optional courses.
It is also possible to take additional course units (up to a maximum of 36 ECTS per semester) or, in certain cases, to have community service validated as an additional course unit.
Choose 1 from 1
S3L2SVBE
30 creditsChoose one of two options:
Profile 2 BE
Experimental ecology and scientific approach
4 creditsFundamentals of Plant Physiology
Description of variability 1
2 creditsDescription of variability 2
2 creditsEnglish S3
2 creditsFundamental ecology: concepts and methods
3 creditsEcology, Diversity, and Evolution of Fungi
2 creditsFundamentals of plant biology
3 creditsDiversity and evolution of present and past metazoans N1
3 credits0hComparative animal physiology
4 credits
Profile 1 BE
Fundamentals of Plant Physiology
Description of variability 1
2 creditsSedimentary geology, tectonics, and mapping
4 creditsDescription of variability 2
2 creditsEnglish S3
2 creditsFundamental ecology: concepts and methods
3 creditsEcology, Diversity, and Evolution of Fungi
2 creditsFundamentals of plant biology
3 creditsDiversity and evolution of present and past metazoans N1
3 credits0hComparative animal physiology
4 credits
ASTRE's scientific approach to ecological transition
2 credits
S4L2SVBE
30 creditsDiversity and evolution of present and past metazoans N2
Introduction to Evolution
2 creditsFrom genotype to phenotype
4 creditsFunctional ecology
4 creditsQuantification of risk
4 creditsPersonal and Professional Project
2 creditsCHOICE2
4 creditsChoose 1 out of 7
Materials of the Earth
4 creditsHistory of plants and natural environments
4 creditsEcophysiology of Aquatic Organisms
4 creditsParasitic Eukaryotes
4 creditsNaturalist specialization 1
4 creditsFundamentals of Conservation Biology and Physiology
4 creditsModeling living organisms: theory
4 credits
Choose 1 out of 6
History of plants and natural environments
4 creditsMaterials of the Earth
4 creditsFundamentals of Conservation Biology and Physiology
4 creditsEcophysiology of Aquatic Organisms
4 creditsParasitic Eukaryotes
4 creditsNaturalist specialization 1
4 credits
English S4
2 creditsPlant diversity
Admission
Admission requirements
Enrollment is possible for students who have completed a first year of undergraduate studies (L1) in the SVSE program (formerly Monod) at the Faculty of Science (FdS) of the University of Montpellier, or an equivalent first year of undergraduate studies outside the Faculty of Science of the University of Montpellier (or equivalent higher education: preparatory class, rarely DUT/BUT, exceptionally BTS). In all cases, including for L1 SVSE (formerly Monod) from the FdS in Montpellier or students from institutions that have an agreement with the FdS, the registration procedure is carried out via the Faculty of Science's e-candidat portal.
Acceptance is not automatic, regardless of your previous academic background: it is decided on the basis of your application by an educational committee, and depends on available places.
For students coming from a program affiliated with the FDS (e.g., CPGE or PASS): admission to L2 BE is not automatic either; it also requires an application (e-candidat) evaluated by an academic committee.
The BE program is a general program in Life Sciences, which is primarily theoretical (although practical applications are an important part of the training). This program prepares students to pursue a Master's degree.
The main disciplines of this program are evolutionary biology and scientific ecology ,, organismal biology, as well as mathematics and statistics. NB: This program involves the handling and dissection of animal and plant organisms. The committee will therefore evaluate the candidate's academic record to assess their ability to succeed in this program.
In addition, applicants for the L2 BE program must clearly state their motivation in the mandatory questionnaire to be attached to their application, as well as what they wish to do after completing their bachelor's degree, so that the committee can best assess the suitability of the program in relation to their academic and professional goals.
The program is in high demand and our capacity is limited to a maximum of 160 students, including repeat students. In previous years, we have received more than 400 applications for the second year, and we have accepted 130 to 150 students from the first year of SVSE (formerly Monod), and therefore 10 to 30 external students (excluding the first year of FDS). On average, more than 70% of these external students selected came from other universities (SV and SVT Bachelor's degrees outside Montpellier). We therefore encourage students from BTS, DUT/BUT, or those changing course, to apply for admission to L1 via ParcoursSup at the same time.
For all applicants (including L1 SVSE and approved training programs), based on application, via E-candidat: https://candidature.umontpellier.fr/candidature/
International students from outside the EU: follow the "Études en France" procedure: https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/etudesenfrance/dyn/public/authentification/login.html
Target audience
Students in the fields of evolutionary biology,ecological science , and related scientific disciplines ,, and organismic biology. Students or professionals transitioning into these fields
Capacity
160 students, including repeat students
Mandatory prerequisites
To be eligible for the L2 program, applicants must have obtained an L1 degree in Life Sciences or equivalent.
Recommended prerequisites
A solid foundation in scientific ecology and organismal biology is strongly recommended for admission to the second year. A reasonable level of mathematics is also required.
And after
Continuing education
The SV BE Bachelor's degree is a general degree: although there are career opportunities available to graduates depending on their interests and skills, the majority of students choose to continue their studies with a Master's degree. The generalist and multidisciplinary nature of the SV BE Bachelor's degree allows students to pursue a wide range of courses.
1- Towards research careers:
Currently, many students pursue their studies at the Master's level in a specialized field, and, where applicable, they continue on to doctoral studies. The level of training provided by the SV BE bachelor's degree allows students to enter a wide range of master's programs in the fields of scientific ecology, evolutionary sciences, or epidemiology (e.g., BEE, GE, and EcoEPI master's degrees from the Biology and Ecology department).
2-Towards careers in biodiversity and natural resource management:
The second opportunity, which is currently taking off, is to continue on to a master's degree with a specialization in a "professional" master's program, among the programs offered in ecology, mainly in Montpellier, in the very broad field of applied ecology, aquatic bioresources, and land management.
3- Towards careers in teaching, training, and scientific communication:
The third career path, which is also expanding, is to continue studying for a master's degree with a specialization in scientific communication and outreach. The initial training should enable students to approach this specialization with a very good scientific foundation and a broad view of different disciplinary fields. The SV BE bachelor's degree, with its educational approaches, is an excellent springboard to these careers.
Another career path is teaching in primary or secondary schools, in conjunction with the INSPE (Education Professions Program). At the master's level, teaching in the fields of Life and Earth Sciences remains the responsibility of the teaching departments of the Faculty of Sciences, which ensures continuity within the teaching team.
NB: However, the BE degree is not the most appropriate route for those wishing to become teachers, which is the logical continuation of the Earth Sciences degree with a focus on SVT-CME for the MEEF2nd degree or the Science & Technology degree for the MEEF1st degree.
Continuing studies abroad
It is possible to study abroad as part of the ERASMUS program and various other programs (e.g., ERASMUS-MUNDUS, BCI (Quebec), etc.).
Gateways and reorientation
Access to the BE program from other SV programs will require returning to L2 and will be subject to approval by the program directors (based on application).
Similarly, a BE student who wishes to switch to another SV program must obtain approval from the program directors (based on their academic record) and consider returning to L2.
Professional integration
Employment rates are quite good, with 58% of students from our programs finding employment within six months of completing their master's degree (excluding those pursuing a PhD or further studies), and among these, nearly two-thirds have a management or engineering position (2018 figures).