Training Structure
College of Sciences
Language(s) of Instruction
French
Overview
The Microbiology track of the Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences is a multidisciplinary scientific program focused on the study of microorganisms in the broadest sense (prokaryotes, viruses, and eukaryotic microorganisms). Students will conduct an in-depth study of their structures and functions, as well as their modes of reproduction. Genetics, the molecular mechanisms involved, and their regulation will be examined for various microorganisms. Their roles in the environment and the various modes of interaction between microorganisms and their hosts will be addressed. Their applications in biotechnology, their impact on animal and plant diseases, and their interactions with immune defense mechanisms will be studied. Methods for combating pathogens will also be covered in detail.
This “Microbiology” course aims to highlight the great diversity of the microbial world as well as the many applications of this discipline, particularly in the fields of health and the environment.
Objectives
This undergraduate program is a general bachelor’s degree designed primarily to prepare students to continue their studies at the master’s level (or equivalent). Specialization will occur progressively from the first year (L1) through the third year (L3), with a greater emphasis on microbiology-specific coursework in the third year (L3).
Throughout the program, students will acquire a solid foundation in the fundamental disciplines of biology: cell biology, molecular biology, animal and plant physiology, biochemistry, genetics, and immunology.
This foundation of knowledge enables students to pursue, primarily, master’s programs in microbiology—both in the field of microbial ecology and in microbiology applied to health—as well as a master’s program in immunology. However, most master’s programs in health biology or biotechnology are also open to them, as are certain MEEF master’s programs.
Courses are taught through lectures, tutorials, and laboratory sessions. The latter enable students to acquire the practical skills needed to handle microorganisms, as well as all the biochemical and molecular techniques required for their study. The courses are designed to help students develop a scientific approach.
Students are required to complete projects—most often in groups—that involve the use of communication tools (summary reports, posters, slide shows, etc.), including giving oral presentations in French or English.
A microbiology program would allow the institution to establish itself at the regional level (there are no other such programs in the region) while addressing a national priority (microbiology is a rapidly expanding field). The presence of numerous research laboratories in this field provides significant support in terms of education and career opportunities.
Expertise and Skills
- Subject-Specific Skills:
- Understandthe structure of prokaryotic versus eukaryotic cells, the acellular structure of viruses, and have a basic understanding of scale
- Understand the tree of life and the role of microorganisms in the living world: environment, interactions, pathogens (bacteria, malaria, etc.)
- Understand the trophic types of bacteria
- Understanding how and under what conditions bacteria multiply
- Understand the molecular mechanisms of genetic transfer
- Have a basic understanding of microbial ecology: diversity, symbiosis, and the gut microbiota
- Understand, in virology, replication cycles, viroids, and prions
- Understand methods for controlling microorganisms: antibiotics, antivirals, vaccines
- Understand the concepts of bacterial immunity and CRISPR
- In virology: understanding the regulatory mechanisms of lysogeny and the lytic-latent viral cycle
- Take a practical approach to the diversity of prokaryotic microorganisms
- Learn about the life cycles of parasites
- Understand how yeast reproduces
- In Genetics: understanding regulatory systems, two-component systems, and mobile elements
- Understand the basics of bacterial metabolism
- Understand the factors and mechanisms underlying pathogenicity (bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.), as well as the mechanisms by which viruses and bacteria evade the immune system and methods of infection control
- Explore the diversity of the bacterial world through models of cell differentiation
- Take a practical approach to the diversity of eukaryotic microorganisms
- Understanding how viruses evolve and emerge
- Understand the specific characteristics of virus-host interactions
- Understand the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of parasites
- Expertise:
- know how to work under sterile conditions, use a microscope, and follow safety rules
- knowing how to culture a bacterium, knowing how to propagate a bacteriophage, knowing how to perform a conjugation between bacteria
- know how to identify a bacterium
- know how to prepare and quantify viruses and analyze the quality of the preparations
- be able to apply the fundamental concepts of microbiology and the classification of living organisms to address a problem in the field
- analyze and synthesize data for use
- be able to validate a model by comparing its predictions with experimental results and assess the limits of its validity
- be able to use data acquisition and analysis software with a critical mindset
- Apply concepts and tools from computer science to address issues in the life sciences
- Be able to use the various styles of written French with ease
- Use standard digital tools and IT security policies to collect, process, produce, and disseminate information, as well as to collaborate internally and externally
- Identify and select various specialized resources to research a topic
- Be able to use the various registers of written and spoken French with ease.
- Be able to easily use written and oral comprehension and expression in at least one modern foreign language
- Interpersonal Skills:
- Understand one's role and mission within an organization in order to adapt and take initiative, and know how to listen and engage in constructive dialogue
Work both as part of a team and independently and responsibly to support a project
Organization
Program
The “Microbiology” track of the Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences (L2 and L3) is spread over 4 semesters, each consisting of course units (UE) worth ECTS credits (30 per semester).
It follows the Bachelor’s program in Life Sciences, Health, and the Environment (SVSE). Throughout the three-year bachelor’s program, there are numerous pathways to and from other bachelor’s programs and academic tracks (IUT, BTS, CPGE, engineering schools, etc.).
The list of course units is available on the Faculty of Sciences website.
Cellular and Molecular Biology 2
4 creditsFundamentals of Plant Physiology
Description of Variability 1
2 creditsMicrobiology 1
4 creditsFundamentals of Animal Physiology and Immunology
Biochemistry, 3rd Semester
4 creditsChemistry for Biologists 2
3 creditsEnglish S3
2 creditsEU SV Selection
Choose 1 out of 5
Fluid Biophysics
3 creditsFood-Nutrition-Health
3 creditsBiotechnology and the Challenge of Sustainable Agriculture
3 creditsBiochemistry
3 creditsAnimal Behavior - Ethology
3 credits
Optional
ASTRE's Scientific Approach to the Ecological Transition
2 credits
Choose 1 of 3
CHOICE HAV401V
3 creditsCHOICE HAV415V
3 creditsEnglish S4
2 creditsBioInfo
2 creditsCellular and Molecular Biology 3
4 creditsMicrobiology 2
Introduction to Evolution
2 creditsPhysiology of Major Body Functions
4 creditsPersonal and Professional Project
2 creditsMetabolic Biochemistry
Genetics 1
Symbiotic and Pathogenic Interactions in Plants
3 credits
CHOICE HAV417V
3 creditsEnglish S4
2 creditsBioInfo
2 creditsCellular and Molecular Biology 3
4 creditsMicrobiology 2
Introduction to Evolution
2 creditsBiological Investigations
3 creditsPhysiology of Major Body Functions
4 creditsPersonal and Professional Project
2 creditsMetabolic Biochemistry
Genetics 1
Admission
Admission Requirements
De facto enrollment for students who have completed a first-year degree (L1) in SVSE at the Faculty of Science (FdS) of the University of Montpellier, or who have completed an equivalent first-year degree (L1) at another university (or equivalent higher education program: preparatory school, possibly a DUT, or even a BTS).
Applications can be submitted through the following platforms:
- French and European students: Follow the application process on the University of Montpellier's e-candidat portal: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
Registration Procedures
For students from outside our university, the registration process is completed through the Faculty of Sciences’ e-candidat portal.
Admission of non-UM applicants is not automatic: it is decided on the basis of their application materials by an academic committee.
Mandatory Prerequisites
To enroll in the L2 program, you must have completed an L1 degree in Life Sciences or an equivalent program.
And then
Continuing Education
Continuation of studies in the third year (L3) of the Microbiology track. Students may change tracks with the approval of the track coordinators.
Continuing Your Education Abroad
It is possible to complete part of your studies abroad through the ERASMUS program and various other programs (such as ERASMUS-MUNDUS, BCI (Quebec), etc.).
Transition Programs and Reorientation
Students may switch majors between their second and third years, provided they meet the necessary prerequisites.
Employment Placement
After completing their bachelor’s degree, most students go on to pursue a master’s degree. After earning a master’s degree, at least half of the students go on to pursue a doctoral degree or continue their studies in another program. About 10% enter the workforce directly within a year of completing their master’s degree, and 50% do so within three years, primarily in a field related to their degree.