ECTS
60 credits
Duration
1 year
Training Structure
College of Sciences
Language(s) of Instruction
French
Overview
The Biotechnology and Traceability track within the Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences program is a multidisciplinary program with a strong focus on biotechnology and nanobiotechnology dedicated to traceability: detection and diagnosis. The past few decades, with their share of viral pandemics, have highlighted the public health challenges associated with rapid and reliable diagnosis. Fundamental biology has provided a wide range of biomarkers. Biotechnologies ranging from genetic engineering to immunotechnology have yielded numerous practical applications in the field of traceability. Today, this multidisciplinary convergence is leading to the development of new microdevices—biosensors—that will be capable of meeting the needs of future generations.
Program available through Accès Santé (L.AS).
Objectives
This Life Sciences Bachelor’s degree program is an introductory program that leads to a general bachelor’s degree, enabling students to continue their studies toward a master’s degree (or equivalent) in biology, with specializations in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, microbiology, biotechnology, cancer, and more. The curriculum is focused on developing scientific methods and knowledge. As with all tracks within the Life Sciences program, special attention is given to instruction through tutorials, lab work, hands-on activities, and experimentation. The track emphasizes a participatory approach centered on student projects: these projects provide ample opportunity for students to work independently while collaborating in groups. These projects will enable students to develop a high level of proficiency in communication tools (summary reports, posters, slide presentations, etc.), particularly in delivering oral presentations in French or English.
After the first year (L1) of the General Life Sciences bachelor’s program, which will provide a solid foundation of knowledge, students will begin to specialize starting in the second year (L2). The following two years (L2 and L3) are closely linked, with L3 building on the knowledge gained in L2. L2 will be the year dedicated to acquiring molecular tools for traceability: biomarkers. The third year focuses on acquiring detection tools, leading to an introduction to biosensors. This track offers specialization in biochemistry and molecular biology, as well as elements of chemistry and electronics. It enables students to pursue careers in all fields of biotechnology, molecular chemistry, and nanobiotechnology.
Expertise and Skills
- Expertise :
- Be able to apply concepts and tools from various disciplines to analyze a document, an observation, or the results of an experiment;
- Be able to develop a logical argument using critical thinking (identifying limitations, analyzing the literature, defending a point of view through a well-structured and logical argument, etc.);
- Be able to search for and extract information critically, prioritize information sources and assess their reliability, and synthesize the information;
- Be able to prepare original (non-plagiarized) scientific oral presentations and written reports, using illustrations and language appropriate for the target audience, with the help of appropriate computer tools;
- Be able to identify a scientific research question, propose and implement an observational approach, a sampling plan, or an experimental design, and analyze the resulting data using computer tools for data entry, analysis, and storage;
- Knowing how to research information to develop a training plan, knowing how to write a resume and a cover letter, and knowing how to use professional networking tools;
- The ability to successfully carry out a project as part of a team.
- Interpersonal Skills:
- Be able to work independently, adapt to new situations, and take appropriate initiative;
- Be able to self-assess and question oneself in order to learn;
- Knowing how to position oneself within a group for the purpose of carrying out a project, and knowing how to listen and engage in constructive dialogue;
- Comply with legal, ethical, and professional standards regarding the use and production of documents (plagiarism, sources, copyright, citations, and data fabrication);
- Comply with legal, ethical, and professional standards governing the handling of living organisms (animal husbandry and experimentation, field sampling);
- Respect others, and respect the equipment and organisms you are working with.
- Skills:
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences program, with a concentration in Biotechnology and Traceability, must acquire:
- Basic disciplinary skills: General biology focusing on the organization of organisms, the structure of biological macromolecules, genetics, (organic) chemistry, mathematics, and cell biology.
- relevant fields of study: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology (in the traditional sense of the term): genetic engineering, processing (fermentation, drying, etc.),
Be able to apply the various approaches and tools used in biology: observation, sampling, experimentation, and statistical analysis.
Know how to apply descriptive and analytical tools
- Cross-disciplinary skills: Bioethics, Legislation, and Communication.
Program
Structural Biochemistry
4 creditsRegulations / Legislation
3 creditsImmunology (from the immune response to infections to autoimmune diseases)
4 creditsEnglish S5
2 creditsInnovative Approaches in Metabolic Engineering
3 creditsMolecular Biology
5 creditsIntroduction to Nanobiotechnology
5 creditsBiotechnology S5
4 credits
Admission
Admission Requirements
Students who have successfully completed their second year of a Life Sciences degree program or its equivalent
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
And then
Continuing Education
The Bachelor’s Degree in SV (Biotechnology and Traceability Track) is a general degree program. Career opportunities upon graduation depend on the student’s skills. For the majority of students, this will lead to continued study at the Master’s level. The generalist and multidisciplinary nature of this track allows students to pursue a wide range of programs at the University of Montpellier (UM) or elsewhere. A Master’s program at UM that is perfectly suited to the profile of students in this track is the IBION-Tec track within the Master’s in Biology and Agrosciences, which leads to careers in biomolecular engineering and nanobiotechnology in the fields of health and/or agro-environment.
Employment Placement
Placement rates are satisfactory, given that the majority of students apply for admission to a master’s program. Each year, approximately 30% of students enroll in the BIOTIN (Health) master’s program, 30% in the IBION-Tec (formerly Dtec-Bio) master’s program, while the rest pursue other master’s programs, 50% of which are at UM. Upon completing their Master’s degree, students typically pursue either a position in the private sector as a research engineer or a CIFRE doctoral fellowship, or a postgraduate doctoral program at a public research institute.