ECTS
120 credits
Duration
2 years
Training Structure
College of Sciences
Language(s) of Instruction
French, English
Overview
This course covers the major physiopathological functions of the nervous system. It focuses on fundamental aspects of neurobiology and neurophysiology, and addresses the molecular, cellular, and integrated aspects of neuronal communication and the integration of synaptic signals that underlie an individual’s behavior. These various aspects are examined in the context of both normal and pathological functioning of the nervous system. The course will cover the latest conceptual and technological advances in neuroscience, as well as recent progress in the understanding and treatment of major neurological and psychiatric disorders. Particular attention will be given to explaining and presenting the crucial interconnections between basic, translational, and clinical research in the development of innovative therapies.
90–100%
Success Rate
Objectives
The Neuroscience track aims to train students from various backgrounds (biologists, chemists, physicians, pharmacists, engineers) in the various aspects of neuroscience research, both theoretically and practically. At the end of the two-year program, students—regardless of their prior education—should be able to join a research laboratory as a doctoral student or engineer.
Expertise and Skills
Knowledge
- General knowledge of biology, ranging from the molecular and structural levels to the integrated level
- In-depth knowledge of neuroscience
- Knowledge of methodological approaches specific to the neurosciences
- Knowledge of research laboratory practices
Expertise
- Be able to participate in and lead a laboratory research project
- Know how to search for information in computer databases: bibliographic data, gene sequences, transcript sequences, protein sequences, signaling pathways, anatomical locations, and functional roles
- Be able to analyze experimental data, formulate hypotheses, and propose ways to test them
- Understand research methods in neuroscience, their scope of application, their advantages, and their limitations
- Be able to summarize and extract key information from a scientific article in English
- Use one's knowledge to propose a pathophysiological hypothesis based on clinical manifestations
- Be able to make connections between neuroscience and other biological disciplines
- Be able to prepare oral presentations and written scientific reports using appropriate computer tools
Interpersonal Skills
- Complete work on time - Take a multidisciplinary, integrated approach
- Be able to work independently, adapt to new situations, take appropriate initiative, and consistently produce quality work
- Be able to self-assess and reflect on one's own performance in order to learn
- The ability to communicate, 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 regarding the handling of living organisms
- Respect others, respect the equipment, and respect the organisms we are working on
The skills that students enrolled in the Master's in Biology and Health (Neuroscience Track) are expected to acquire are:
Subject-Specific Skills:
- Have a general understanding of biology, ranging from the molecular and structural levels to the integrated level
- Understand the relationships between genes and behavior, as well as the molecular adaptations that enable organisms to adapt to environmental stresses
- Understand the neurobiological foundations of emotions
- Understand the synaptic plasticity mechanisms involved in learning
- Understand the major processes involved in the development of the nervous system
- Understand the pharmacology of the major neurotransmission systems
- Understand the main diseases affecting the nervous system
- Understand cellular interactions, particularly between neurons and glial cells
- Understand the molecular and cellular networks involved in sensory perception
- Understand the neurobiological basis of key cognitive functions
- Understand the relationship between neuroscience and endocrinology
- Understand the practices followed in research laboratories
Organization
Special Features
Special accommodations may be considered on a case-by-case basis, primarily for students enrolled in medical or pharmacy programs.
Program
Courses are organized into elective modules common to the various tracks of the Master’s in Biology and Health, as well as into specific modules for the Neuroscience track. The latter are organized as thematic weeks covering the main disciplinary fields related to neuroscience (neuron-glial interaction, cognition, sensory perception, etc.). Assessments are conducted through written and oral exams.
Select a program
M1 - Neuroscience
Neurobiology of Behavior
5 creditsNeuropsychopharmacology
5 creditsDevelopmental Neurobiology
5 creditsCHOICE 1
15 creditsChoose any 3 out of 3
Applied Statistics in Biology
5 creditsCell Biology
5 creditsCellular Communications and Signaling
5 credits
English_MSDS
5 creditsInternship_FDS
15 creditsOPTION 2
5 creditsChoose 1 out of 5
Long-term internship or internship abroad
5 creditsImmunopathology
5 creditsPhysiology Lab Sessions
5 creditsSensory Experience
5 creditsSensory Experience
5 credits50h
TER_FDS
5 credits
M2 - Neuroscience
Integrated Neuropathology
5 creditsCommunication Networks
5 creditsFrom the Molecule to the Cell
5 creditsTER_FDS_S3
5 creditsCHOICE 1
10 creditsChoose 2 out of 6
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
The Neuroscience track is designed for students in the fields of science, medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, chemistry, and engineering. It is intended for students who wish to continue their studies by pursuing a university dissertation in the field of neuroscience and neuroendocrinology.
Mandatory Prerequisites
A bachelor's degree in biology is required. Students from other fields of study (such as chemistry, engineering, etc.) must contact the program coordinators in advance.
Recommended Prerequisites
- Good knowledge of physiology
- A solid understanding of the fundamental principles of neuroscience
- Proficiency in English
And then
Continuing Education
- Doctorate
- Other vocational training programs
Continuing Your Education Abroad
- Doctorate
- Other (MBA, etc.)
Employment Placement
This program also aims to train skilled professionals for academic research, the pharmaceutical industry, and biotechnology companies. Its goal is to provide training through and for research in the field of neuroscience. It draws on the expertise of specialists from research units in Montpellier and throughout France.