ECTS
120 credits
Duration
2 years
Training Structure
College of Sciences
Language(s) of Instruction
French, English
Overview
In the M1 year, a mandatory core curriculum enables students to acquire and consolidate fundamental knowledge in genetics, genomics, cell biology, and developmental biology. Starting in this first year, students have the option to deepen their knowledge of genetics by selecting three course units in genetics. It should be noted that instruction in the M1 is interdisciplinary, as many course units are shared across different tracks within the Master’s in Biology and Health. This structure allows students to design a personalized track of their choice, such as the molecular bases of hereditary diseases, signaling, structural biochemistry, biostatistics, pathophysiology, or R programming. .
At the M2 level, coursework is very closely linked to research laboratories. A required elective course is supplemented by a thematic track.
This structure fosters interdisciplinary education and promotes international outreach.
As part of the thematic program, a workshop on epigenetics is being organized. This workshop provides an opportunity to bring together internationally renowned scientists and clinicians working on current topics in the fields of genetics and epigenetics (program subject to change). The workshop has two objectives: to provide in-depth training in various areas of genetic research while also facilitating dialogue between students and professionals regarding their career paths.
During this course, lectures are combined with guest seminars led by researchers who have contributed to major advances in the field being covered.
These lectures are then explored in greater depth through article analysis, methodological discussions, and roundtable discussions with specialized researchers. Each student thus benefits from personalized guidance that provides the opportunity for direct interaction with professionals. One day is also devoted to career development.
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Each year, students will take theoretical and practical courses (internships). The program includes:
- 3 required core courses (15 credits), shared with the other specializations in the BioHealth Master’s program:
- 3 courses (15 credits) to be selected from among the elective courses
- A 5-credit English course
- Internships and personal research projects.
The goal of the first year (M1) of this specialization is to consolidate and acquire new fundamental knowledge in genetics, genomics, cell biology, and developmental biology. Building on three required core courses, students will select additional courses totaling 15 credits to create their own personalized curriculum. Elective courses cover various topics such as the molecular basis of diseases, cell signaling, structural biology, statistics, pathophysiology, and R programming.
During the second year (M2), a series of advanced courses exploring major topics in genetics, epigenetics, cell biology, and developmental biology will be taught by scientific and medical researchers from various research institutes and hospitals in Montpellier, as well as by selected international guest speakers.
In this context, a workshop on epigenetics is held every year, featuring leading experts in the field. The goal is to introduce various aspects of epigenetic research through a highly interactive approach. We also set aside time to discuss critical issues related to ethics in science and to choosing career paths in both the academic and private sectors.
During both years, students will be trained to analyze research articles and discuss methodology, working with an academic advisor.
The second semester of each year will be largely devoted to internships in research laboratories. Thus, students will have the opportunity to choose from among research internship projects at one of the many local institutes in Montpellier, elsewhere in France, or abroad.
The Benefits of the Training Program
What sets this program apart is its integration of the latest technologies into the study of the entire organism in vivo, in both normal and pathological contexts.
- A multidisciplinary training program by and for basic or clinical research
- An International Workshop on Epigenetics
- Ensuring students acquire a solid foundation in genetics, epigenetics, genomics, and developmental biology while providing a personalized learning experience.
- Course units in the form of lectures in English taught by experts in each field
- 2 internships in a research team in France or abroad, with a network of host laboratories.
Objectives
The “EpiGenBIo” program aims to train students from science and medical backgrounds in basic research, as well as its potential applications in the fields of medical genetics, biotherapies, and carcinogenesis.
This is a program that provides training in multidisciplinary approaches to the life sciences. Integrated course units in genetics, epigenetics, functional genomics, cell biology, biochemistry, and statistical methods are offered to help students understand major questions in biology—such as the regulation of gene expression and cellular communication at both the cellular and organismal levels—by integrating structural, functional, and evolutionary aspects.
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This is a multidisciplinary program in biological health sciences that aims to examine, at both the molecular and cellular levels, the regulation of gene expression that controls cell fate during development in both normal and pathological contexts.
The main objective of this master’s program is to train students with both scientific and medical backgrounds for basic research in an academic setting, as well as for potential applications in the fields of medical genetics, biotherapy, and oncology.
Expertise and Skills
- Literature Review and Synthesis
- Presenting Scientific Findings Orally and in Writing in English
- Conduct a research project independently, moving through the stages of design, experimentation, and interpretation using the latest tools in the relevant field
- Act Ethically
- Adopt a methodology specific to basic and/or medical research
- Developing a Transdisciplinary Approach
- Teamwork in Compliance with Standards
Organization
Program
Select a program
M1 - Epigenetics, Genetics, and Cell Biology (EpiGenBio)
CHOICE 1
15 creditsChoose any 3 out of 3
Applied Statistics in Biology
5 creditsStructural Biology
5 creditsCellular Communications and Signaling
5 credits
Cell Biology
5 creditsDevelopmental Genetics
5 credits
English_MSDS
5 creditsInternship_FDS
15 creditsCHOICE 3
5 creditsChoose 1 of 4
Long-term internship or internship abroad
5 creditsCell Culture
5 creditsPractical Analysis of Genomic Data in R
5 creditsMedical Genetics and Genetic Counseling
5 credits
TER_FDS
5 credits
M2 - Epigenetics, Genetics, and Cell Biology (EpiGenBio)
Cell Fate & Plasticity
5 creditsTER_FDS_S3
5 creditsCHOICE 1
10 creditsChoose 2 out of 5
Developmental Biology, Stem Cells, and Biotherapy
5 creditsWorkshop on Epigenetics
5 credits
Fictional Research Project_FDS
10 creditsInternship_FDS
20 credits
Admission
Admission Requirements
Applications can be submitted through the following platforms:
French and European students:
- For the M1 program, follow the “My Master’s” procedure on the website:https://www.monmaster.gouv.fr/
- For the M2 program, students must submit their application through the e-candidat portal:https://candidature.umontpellier.fr/candidature
Target Audience
Students with a background in science or the health professions.
Mandatory Prerequisites
Students must have a basic understanding of genetics, cellular biology, and molecular biology.
Students should have a strong foundation in genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology.
Recommended Prerequisites
Fundamentals of Epigenetics - Knowledge in Epigenetics
Functional Genomics
Developmental Biology
Biostatistics or Bioinformatics - Biostatistics or Bioinformatics
And then
Continuing Education
- Doctorate
- Master’s degree designed to provide dual expertise (e.g., bioinformatics, clinical research, clinical trials, MBA in management, etc.).
- Bridge Program with Medical Training Programs
Employment Placement
- Ph.D. student
- Biology Design or Research Engineer
- Clinical Research Associate