• Training structure

    Faculty of Science

  • Language(s) of instruction

    French

Presentation

The Microbiology course in the Life Sciences bachelor's degree is a multi-disciplinary scientific program focusing on microorganisms in the broadest sense (prokaryotes, viruses, eukaryotic microorganisms). Their structures and functions will be studied in depth, as will their mode of multiplication. Genetics, the molecular mechanisms involved and their regulation will be examined for the various microorganisms. Their role in the environment and the different modes of interaction between microorganisms and their hosts will be addressed. Their use in biotechnology, their impact on animal and plant pathology and their interactions with immune defense mechanisms will be studied. The means of combating pathogens will also be detailed.  

This "Microbiology" pathway is designed to show the great diversity of the microbial world and the many applications of this discipline, particularly in the fields of health and the environment.

Read more

Objectives

This initial training is a general bachelor's degree, with the primary aim of leading students to extend their studies with a master's degree (or equivalent). Gradual specialization will take place from L1 to L3. Specific microbiology courses are more important in L3.

In the course of their studies, students will acquire a solid grounding in the fundamental disciplines of biology: cell biology, molecular biology, animal and plant physiology, biochemistry, genetics and immunology.

This knowledge base enables students to move on to Microbiology masters programs, both in microbial ecology and in microbiology applied to health, as well as to Immunology masters programs. However, most biology-health and biotechnology masters degrees are also open to them, as are certain MEEF masters degrees.

Teaching takes the form of lectures, tutorials and practical work. The latter enables students to acquire the know-how required for the specific handling of microorganisms, as well as all the biochemical and molecular techniques needed to study them. The courses are designed to ensure that students acquire a scientific approach.

Students are required to carry out projects, usually in groups, involving the use of communication tools (summary reports, posters, slide shows, etc.), and in particular oral presentations, in French or English.

A training program in Microbiology enables us to position ourselves at regional level (there is no other in the region) by responding to a national priority (Microbiology is a rapidly expanding discipline). The presence of numerous research laboratories in this field is an important support for training and job opportunities.

Read more

Know-how and skills

  • Disciplinary skills :

- Knowledge of prokaryotic/versus eukaryotic cell structure, cell-free structure of viruses, notions of scale.

- Understand the tree of life and the place of microorganisms in the living world: environment, interactions, pathogens (bacteria, malaria, etc.).

- Understanding the trophic types of bacteria

- Knowing how and under what conditions bacteria multiply

- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of gene transfer

- Understanding of microbial ecology: diversity, symbioses, intestinal microbiota

- Virology knowledge of multiplication cycles, viroids and prions

- Knowledge of microorganism control methods: antibiotics, antivirals, vaccines

- Knowledge of Immunity in bacteria, CrispR

- Virology: understanding the mechanisms of lysogenesis/lytic cycle/viral latency regulation

- A practical approach to the diversity of prokaryotic microorganisms

- Knowing how parasites live

- Knowing how yeast multiplies

- Genetics: knowledge of control systems, 2-component systems and moving parts

- Understand the basic principles of bacterial metabolism

- Know the factors and mechanisms of pathogenicity (bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.), as well as the escape mechanisms of viruses and bacteria, and infection control.

- Understanding the diversity of the bacterial world with cell differentiation models

- A practical approach to the diversity of eukaryotic microorganisms

- Understanding how viruses evolve and emerge

- Understanding the specifics of virus/host interactions

- Understanding the mechanisms of parasite pathogenesis

  • Know-how :
    • know how to work sterile, use a microscope, know safety rules
    • know how to grow a bacterium, know how to multiply a bacteriophage, know how to conjugate bacteria
    • how to identify bacteria
    • know how to prepare and quantify viruses and analyze preparation quality
    • be able to mobilize the fundamental concepts of microbiology and the classification of living organisms to deal with a problem in the field
    • analyze and synthesize data for further processing
    • know how to validate a model by comparing its predictions with experimental results and appreciate its limits of validity
    • use data acquisition and analysis software with a critical eye
    • Mobilize computer science concepts and tools to address life science issues
    • Use the different registers of written expression in the French language with ease
    • Use digital reference tools and IT security rules to acquire, process, produce and distribute information, and to collaborate internally and externally
    • Identify and select various specialized resources to document a subject
    • Use the different registers of written and oral expression of the French language with ease.
    • Fluency in written and spoken comprehension and expression in at least one modern foreign language
  • People skills :
  • Situate your role and mission within an organization so you can adapt and take the initiative, and know how to listen and exchange constructively 

Work as part of a team as well as independently and responsibly in the service of a project

Read more

Organization

Program

The "Microbiology" pathway in the Life Sciences bachelor's degree (L2 and L3) is divided into 4 semesters, each comprising teaching units (UE) validated by ECTS credits (30/semester).

It follows on from the L1 Science de la Vie Santé Environnement (SVSE). Throughout the three-year Bachelor's degree, there are numerous gateways to and from other Bachelor's degree courses and other curricula (IUT, BTS, CPGE, engineering schools, etc.).

The list of Teaching Units can be consulted on the website of the Faculty of Science

Read more
  • Cellular and Molecular Biology 2

    4 credits
  • Basics of plant physiology

  • Description of variability 1

    2 credits
  • Microbiology 1

    4 credits
  • Fundamentals of Animal Physiology and Immunology

  • Biochemistry S3

    4 credits
  • Chemistry for biologists 2

    3 credits
  • English S3

    2 credits
  • UE choice SV

    • Your choice: 1 of 5

      • Fluid biophysics

        3 credits
      • Food-Nutrition-Health

        3 credits
      • Biotechnologies and the challenge of sustainable agronomy

        3 credits
      • Life chemistry

        3 credits
      • Animal behavior - Ethology

        3 credits
  • Optional

    • Basic computer concepts and tools: PIX

      4 credits
  • Choice: 1 of 3

    • CHOICE HAV401V

      3 credits
      • English S4

        2 credits
      • BioInfo

        2 credits
      • Cellular and Molecular Biology 3

        4 credits
      • Microbiology 2

      • Introduction to evolution

        2 credits
      • Physiology of major functions

        4 credits
      • Personal and Professional Project

        2 credits
      • Advanced cellular and molecular biology

      • Metabolic biochemistry

      • Genetics 1

    • CHOICE HAV415V

      3 credits
      • English S4

        2 credits
      • BioInfo

        2 credits
      • Cellular and Molecular Biology 3

        4 credits
      • Microbiology 2

      • Introduction to evolution

        2 credits
      • Physiology of major functions

        4 credits
      • Personal and Professional Project

        2 credits
      • Metabolic biochemistry

      • Genetics 1

      • Symbiotic and Plant Pathogen Interactions

        3 credits
    • CHOICE HAV417V

      3 credits
      • English S4

        2 credits
      • BioInfo

        2 credits
      • Cellular and Molecular Biology 3

        4 credits
      • Microbiology 2

      • Introduction to evolution

        2 credits
      • Biological investigations

        3 credits
      • Physiology of major functions

        4 credits
      • Personal and Professional Project

        2 credits
      • Metabolic biochemistry

      • Genetics 1

Admission

Access conditions

Enrolment is open to students who have obtained an L1 SVSE at the FdS of the University of Montpellier, or from an equivalent L1 obtained at another university (or equivalent higher education: preparatory school, possibly DUT, or even BTS).

Read more

How to register

For students from outside our university, the registration procedure is carried out via the Faculty of Science's e-candidat portal.

Acceptance of non-MU candidates is not automatic: it is decided on the basis of applications by a pedagogical committee.

Read more

Necessary prerequisites

To join the L2 course, it is necessary to have obtained an L1 Life Sciences or equivalent.

Read more

And then

Further studies

Continuation of studies in L3 Microbiology pathway. Possibility of changing course with the agreement of the course leaders.

Read more

Studying abroad

It is possible to spend part of your studies abroad under the ERASMUS program and various other programs (e.g. ERASMUS-MUNDUS, BCI (Quebec), etc.).  

Read more

Bridges and reorientation

It is possible to change course between L2 and L3, provided that the student meets the necessary prerequisites.

Read more

Professional integration

After a bachelor's degree, most students go on to a master's degree. After a Master's degree, at least half the students go on to do a thesis, or continue their studies in another field. Around 10% go directly into employment within a year of completing their Master's degree, and 50% after 3 years, mainly in a field related to their training.

Read more