ECTS
60 credits
Duration
1 year
Training Structure
College of Sciences
Language(s) of Instruction
French
Overview
The Biochemistry track of the Bachelor’s in Life Sciences is a program at the intersection of biology and chemistry. The various courses offered over the three years of the bachelor’s program are designed to prepare students for a career but, above all, to enable them to pursue graduate studies in a master’s program or at an engineering school.
At the University of Montpellier, the Biochemistry program allows students to continue their studies primarily in the Master’s in Biology and Health or in Pharmaceutical Sciences. This rigorous program is both broad in scope—covering numerous disciplines within biology (biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, genetics, microbiology, etc.)—and more specialized (structural biology, enzymology, biomolecular chemistry, and mathematics for biology).
Program available through Accès Santé (L.AS).
Objectives
The main objectives are (i) to provide a solid foundation for further study in all the disciplines covered, (ii) to guide students toward independence by the end of the three-year program, and (iii) to foster and develop critical and scientific thinking. To achieve these objectives, the curriculum alternates between instruction in theoretical and fundamental concepts and hands-on learning. Finally, upon completion of this program, the level of scientific knowledge attained enables students to enter a master’s program, an engineering school, or any other program requiring a three-year college degree.
Expertise and Skills
The program offers general theoretical instruction in biochemistry, biology, and chemistry, as well as
the corresponding practical training.
The program is tailored to the needs of academic and industrial research laboratories.
The skills to be acquired during this program are based on
- fundamental knowledge in biochemistry (metabolic, cellular, and structural),
in enzymology, molecular biology, genetics, systems biology, etc.
- practical expertise in biochemistry and microbiology
- the ability to analyze and synthesize scientific data
The comprehensive set of skills acquired at the interface between biology and chemistry enables students to adapt
to broader, interdisciplinary scientific contexts.
Program
Structural Biochemistry
4 creditsEnzymology
5 creditsCommunication Skills and Scientific English
4 creditsEnglish S5
2 creditsMolecular Biology
5 creditsFunctional Genetics
5 creditsIntegrated Cellular Metabolism
5 credits
Structural Biology and Interactions
5 creditsMathematics for Biology
Biochemistry Lab Sessions
6 creditsMolecular Engineering
Advanced Cell Biology 2: Key Concepts
5 creditsSystems Biology
3 creditsProject or Internship
3 credits
Admission
Admission Requirements
Have completed the second year of a bachelor's degree
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
Target Audience
L2 certification or equivalent
Capacity
Our capacity (in terms of logistical and human resources) is 40 students in the third year of the Biochemistry track.
Mandatory Prerequisites
For admission to the third year of a bachelor's degree program:
Applications are submitted through the Faculty of Sciences’ e-Candidat portal after successful completion of the first year of the L2 program or its equivalent.
For students with backgrounds other than the L2 SVSE program at the University of Montpellier (CPGE, DUT, etc.), we require a strong foundation in the core disciplines: biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and chemistry. BTS students are encouraged to apply for the L2 program.
The registration process is completed through the Faculty of Sciences’ e-Candidat portal.
Admission is not automatic: it is determined on a case-by-case basis by an academic committee. Our enrollment capacity (logistical and staffing resources) is 40 students in the third year (L3) Biochemistry track.
For students with backgrounds other than the L2 SVSE program at the University of Montpellier (CPGE, DUT, etc.), we require a strong foundation in the core disciplines: biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and chemistry. BTS students are encouraged to apply for the L2 program.
The registration process is completed through the Faculty of Sciences’ e-Candidat portal.
Admission is not automatic: it is determined on a case-by-case basis by an academic committee. Our enrollment capacity (logistical and staffing resources) is 40 students in the third year (L3) Biochemistry track.
Recommended Prerequisites
A strong background in the core disciplines—biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and chemistry—is a recommended prerequisite for admission to the third year (L3) of the SVSE program, Biochemistry track.
And then
Continuing Education
At the University of Montpellier, the Biochemistry track within the SVSE bachelor’s degree program allows students to continue their studies primarily in a master’s program in Biology and Health, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or any other master’s program at a French or foreign university.
It is also possible to enroll in engineering schools specializing in biotechnology, schools in the Polytech network, and the grandes écoles.
Employment Placement
Although the L3 Biochemistry program is primarily designed to prepare students for further studies beyond the Bac+3 level, the SVSE Bachelor’s degree can be valuable in both academic and industrial research as a technician or engineering assistant in the fields of biology, biochemistry, and at the interface of biology and chemistry.