M2 - Integrative Biology of Interactions (B2I)

"This EU initiative provides an overview of the range of research questions and research models in the field of integrative biology of interactions in Montpellier and Perpignan;

It takes the form of a series of lectures given by researchers and faculty members in the field, as well as roundtable discussions that facilitate exchanges with researchers and among students. "

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"This course is designed to immerse students in a joint research unit (UMR) whose work focuses on interactions. Through meetings with the unit’s leadership and various categories of staff (researchers, IT personnel, doctoral students, and postdoctoral researchers) and by reviewing the literature on a specific topic under close scrutiny, students will gain an understanding of how a UMR operates, the diversity of careers in research, and the processes involved in conducting and publishing research."

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Scientific activities are increasingly structured around projects organized to achieve specific objectives within a limited timeframe. Designing and presenting a project have therefore become essential skills, both in the recruitment process and in professional practice. The objective of this course unit is to introduce students to the design and presentation of a scientific project by drafting a proposal for funding a three-year project. This project may be fictional or directly related to the student’s career goals upon completion of the master’s program. The work completed should demonstrate the project’s scientific merit and originality in relation to the state of the art, the methodology to be implemented, the projected timeline, and a rational plan for the necessary human and financial resources. The proposal will be the subject of individualized feedback, enabling each student to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their proposal.

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The objective of this course unit is to facilitate the implementation of the projects defined as part of the M1S2 B2I course unit.

Summary of the learning unit:

- Independent work supervised by a group of students: readjustment of project objectives and methodology as needed; data collection; ecological and/or evolutionary analyses and interpretations in accordance with the tentative schedule established in M1S2; presentation of results at a joint symposium for the various tracks.

Assessment Procedures:

As with the M1 course, this course is based on a problem-based learning approach. Students are therefore assessed on an ongoing basis based on their progress in completing their project (40% of the grade), and then at the end of the semester on their ability to present and discuss their project results during an oral presentation at a general project presentation session (60% of the overall grade).

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- Summer school on topics related to “Integrative Biology of Interactions.”

- Presentations by unit directors and/or team leaders on the scientific activities of partner laboratories focused on topics related to “Integrative Biology of Interactions.” Presentation of internship opportunities.

- Student presentations on their academic background and their M1 internship (5–10 minutes per student) (grade assigned by the committee following these presentations).

- One-on-one meetings with students to help them refine their internship search based on their individual interests.

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The goal of this course unit is to support students as they finalize their career plans and prepare for life after the master’s program.

The EU is organized around the entire program, with regular discussion sessions between the teaching staff and students.

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The M2 individual internship lasts approximately 5 to 6 months and, depending on the student’s track, must be completed in a research laboratory or a non-academic organization. It allows students to gain in-depth professional experience in the field of biodiversity, evolution, or ecology. It may be conducted at a local, national, or international organization on a topic approved by the faculty to ensure it aligns with the specific objectives of the student’s track of study.

Evaluation: The internship is evaluated during a public defense before a panel, during which the content of the thesis and the quality of the student’s responses to the panel’s questions are assessed. The student’s conduct and initiative during the internship are evaluated by the internship supervisor.

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