Separative chemistry, materials and processes (MAT P2)

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The aim of this solution chemistry course is to introduce the various concepts needed to study the complex liquid mixtures used in separative chemistry. The proposed approach is mainly thermodynamic. In particular, we explain the role of concentration effects, beyond the ideal laws valid only for dilute solutions.

CM: 12 H

TD: 8 H

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This lecture, entirely provided in English, gives a basic introduction into crystallography and electron diffraction for beginners. X-ray diffraction is an important characterization technique in modern chemistry the majority of crystalline structures in inorganic and organic solids have been solved by this method. It is therefore of importance for all students to have an understanding of its basic concepts and instrumentation. The course provides explanations and principles of X-ray diffraction together with the geometry and symmetry of X-ray patterns. Beside interaction principles of X-rays and matter, it treats how to obtain quantitative intensities for single crystal and powder diffraction patterns. It naturally includes the understanding of lattice planes and the reciprocal lattice concept together with the Ewald sphere construction. Further on it gives a basic understanding of the Fourier transform relation between the crystalline structure and the diffracted intensities as well as the reciprocal lattice concept.

Electron diffraction is a complementary technique to X-rays that provides information in terms of symmetry and geometry on the materials studied. In this course, we will therefore approach the description of the method for obtaining electron diffraction pattern and their interpretation. We will be able to obtain the lattice parameters, the reflection conditions as well as the groups of possible spaces.

This lecture also serves as the introductory part to the lecture Electron Microscopy and Crystallography II

CM:14

TD :6

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- Thermodynamics of single-component systems.

- Basic thermodynamics of multicomponent systems. Chemical potential, Gibbs-Duhem relationship, variance.

- Thermal analysis techniques used to construct binary/ternary diagrams: ATG, ATD and DSC

- Construction and interpretation of binary phase diagrams based on thermodynamic quantities. Diagrams of Gibbs free enthalpy, pressure and temperature as a function of binary mixture composition. Liquid-liquid, liquid-vapor, solid-liquid mixtures.

- Phase transformation: first- and second-order transitions, critical points. Examples.

- The supercritical state: definition, thermodynamic properties, wide-ranging industrial applications.

- Construction and interpretation of ternary phase diagrams: variance, definitions of ternary eutectic, first- and second-order peritectic, isothermal section, study of alloy cooling.

Hourly volumes* :

CM :13

TD:7

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This teaching unit covers the basic elements needed to understand natural and artificial radioactivity phenomena. The aim is to introduce all the concepts linked to parentage phenomena, natural radioactive families and their associated environmental consequences, dating methods, radionuclide production methods and their use in various fields, as well as anthropogenic contributions. Examples from industry, nuclear energy, radiochemistry, geochemistry and nuclear medicine will support the basic concepts covered.

Hourly volumes* :

CM: 12h

TD : 8h

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Polymers are all around us: we eat them, we wear them, we build extremely complex structures from them. From mature technologies to the most innovative materials, polymers are a crucial building block in the construction of tomorrow's world. In this course, we will look at a number of aspects, including the controlled synthesis of polymers and cross-linked materials, surface modification by polymers, a number of characterization tools adapted to polymers and, finally, a final section developing the latest advances involving polymers.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM: 13h

            TD: 7h

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A general approach to the aqueous solution chemistry of actinide elements will be developed through notions of thermodynamics and kinetics, redox potentials, hydrolysis and complexation. Concrete examples from industry, recycling and the environment will be used to support these concepts.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM : 11h

            TD: 9h

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Module HAC720C covers "advanced inorganic materials" in 5 main parts. Part¹ is dedicated to general information on inorganic materials, covering structure-properties relationships; particular attention is paid to chemical bonding, the real crystal and the polycrystalline solid; the different classes of inorganic materials are described. Part ² covers ceramic materials (definitions and properties) and their synthesis (raw materials including clays, shaping, drying and debinding, sintering); a distinction is made between traditional ceramics and technical ceramics (synthesis routes for oxide and non-oxide ceramics). Part³ deals with glasses (classification and synthesis routes) and glass ceramics (devitrification and soft chemistry); their properties and applications are also covered. Part⁴ is devoted to metals: properties of metals and metal alloys; metal nanoparticles; and catalytic materials. Part ⁵ is devoted to inorganic materials developed for energy; ceramics (oxides and non-oxides; nanostructured) and metal hydrides are described (properties and synthesis) through several examples and in the context of their applications (accumulators, hydrogen storage and carbon dioxide capture).

Hourly volumes* :

CM: 13h

TD: 7h

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This course provides basic knowledge and cross-disciplinary skills in the field of colloids and interfaces, which are common to the various courses in the Chemistry Master's program (Chemistry of Materials, Separative Chemistry, Materials and Processes, ICAP Cosmetics Engineering, Chemistry of Biomolecules). It is also offered to international students enrolled in the SFRI program at the University of Montpellier, where the course is taught in English. An introductory presentation covering the basic concepts and notions will enable students to discover and better understand the main physico-chemical properties of colloidal dispersions, associative colloids and solutions of macromolecules, as well as the parameters and phenomena governing stability in colloidal dispersions and mixed solution-colloid systems. This will be followed by interdisciplinary hands-on teaching based on the flipped classroom principle, to help students build and deepen their knowledge through individual and group analysis of various applications of colloidal and interfacial phenomena and systems.

Hourly volumes* :

CM: 7

TD : 13

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RMN :

Liquid-phase NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) is an essential spectroscopic analysis method for chemists, enabling them to determine the structure of small organic molecules or macromolecules in solution, to study dynamic phenomena... The aim of this course is to understand the phenomena involved in this technique and to relate them to the different structural information accessible by this method. The aim is to be able to exploit the spectral data obtained from this analysis to elucidate the structure and stereochemistry of organic molecules or polymer structures, or to monitor reactions.

X-ray diffraction :

X-ray diffraction is a powerful, non-destructive technique not only for characterizing the crystalline structure of materials, but also for providing crystallographic and structural information such as lattice parameters and atomic positions. This includes all crystallized materials such as ceramics, materials for the storage and transformation of energy and information, as well as organic molecules and metal complexes (interatomic distances and angles, stereochemistry (chirality, stereoisomerism...), intra- and intermolecular bonds...). The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to crystallography and diffraction, with the aim of understanding the operation and characteristics of an X-ray diffractometer, as well as interpreting diffraction patterns (structural analysis, lattice parameters).

Hourly volumes* :

            CM: 10

            TD : 10

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This course covers the fundamental concepts and practical tools of chemometrics through : - statistical data analysis ;

• probability laws ;
• confidence interval estimation ;
• parametric and non-parametric tests.

An introduction to experimental design will be offered at the end of the module.

Hourly volumes* :

CM: 7h

TD: 13h

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The program focuses on describing the principles and applications of the main methods for structural characterization of solids, thin films, surfaces and interfaces, as well as several examples of applications in materials chemistry. It includes the following techniques.

• Introduction to solid-state NMR (NMR signal, Interactions in solid-state NMR, Magic angle rotation, NMR sequences, Cross-polarization, Instrumentation, etc.).
• Electron microscopy: principles and applications of scanning and transmission electron microscopy and correlated techniques (EDS microanalysis).
• Spectroscopic methods: Raman spectroscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray spectroscopy (XAS, XRF, etc.), Mössbauer spectrometry.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM: 10 h

            TD: 10 h

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This teaching unit is dedicated to deepening the foundations of organic chemistry and coordination chemistry covered in L3, and acquiring notions linked to molecular engineering and molecular chemistry. The course comprises lectures and tutorials. Students will work in advance of certain lectures and tutorials, with course documents provided, to ensure that the lectures and tutorials enable them to play a full part in the course, understand the concepts presented and the skills to be acquired. A progression program and activities will be proposed. For students who have not seen the basics of coordination chemistry and organic chemistry, documents will be made available.

Coordination chemistry: The course will cover various aspects of transition metal and lanthanide complexes, molecular materials (polynuclear complexes and coordination polymers with extended structures (MOFs, etc.)), their properties and applications. Structural aspects, bonding description, properties, as well as stability and reactivity aspects will be covered. Emphasis will be placed on the complexation effect and stability of metal, lanthanide and actinide complexes with certain ligands, with a view to applications in the biomedical field (imaging and therapy), decontamination (nuclear field), etc. The electronic (relaxivity, magnetism) and optical (absorption, luminescence) properties of these complexes will be discussed and put into the context of applications in various fields, such as imaging, electronics, sensors, etc.

Organic Chemistry: This course builds on the knowledge acquired in the Bachelor's degree, and will involve a reasoned study of the main reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry, providing a common foundation for all students in the Chemistry Master's program. The main processes (substitution, addition, elimination, transposition...) and their essential characteristics and applications to mechanistic sequences will be examined. The course is designed to provide students with general tools for analyzing mechanisms (ionic, radical, concerted) in order to grasp their variety.

Hourly volumes* :

CM: 13 H

TD: 7 H

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The professional project bridges the gap between traditional practical work and the internship in a laboratory or company. It is carried out in the form of a tutored project, which puts students in a professional situation through collaborative (group) work based on the realization of a project in response to a problem set by a company, community, association or academic. It is part of the Chemistry Master's core curriculum, and is carried out under the responsibility of a member of the teaching team (academic or industrial). Carried out throughout the semester, this project aims to link and anchor the knowledge and know-how acquired during the Bachelor's degree and the early Master's program, through a professional setting. These situations will be directly linked to the Master's course chosen by the students. In addition to their chemistry-disciplinary skills, students will also acquire the interpersonal, organizational and communication skills intrinsically linked to project management, which will equip them for their future professional life.

Responding to a research problem: example of the synthesis of new phosphorescent materials.

Hourly volumes* :

CM: 5h

TD: 5h

Practical work: 40h

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This teaching unit covers the various aspects of radiochemistry and indicator chemistry. After describing the chemical properties of radioelements and discussing the scaling factors involved in the use of radioelements/radionuclides at the indicator scale, the notions of microcomponent and macrocomponent will be addressed, along with the kinetic and thermodynamic consequences on reaction development. Secondly, the various radiochemical methods currently in use will be introduced: extraction and purification methods, use of radioactive cows, electroplating, syncrystallization or entrainment precipitation methods, isotope labelling and dilution.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM: 12h

            TD : 8h

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An internship lasting 2 to 4 months must be carried out in a research laboratory or company specializing in extractive or separative chemistry, recycling chemistry, radiochemistry, materials chemistry or process chemistry. Students will have the opportunity to carry out this end-of-study internship in academic research laboratories or industrial establishments. Subject to prior approval by the teaching staff (internship subject in line with Master's courses and suitable environment/means), students may seek a host team in an academic environment in the institutes of the Chemistry Pole of the University of Montpellier, in academic laboratories outside the University of Montpellier (in France or abroad) or in the private sector (in France or abroad). 

This 2 to 4 month internship can start at the beginning of May, and will be preceded by the submission of a bibliographical report on the internship topic, and an oral defense before a jury.

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This teaching unit is shared with MI students in the Chemistry Master's courses: ICAP P1, ICAP P2, MAT P1, MAT P2, BM (semester S2). The following topics will be covered:

• The 12 Principles of Green Chemistry and units of measurement in Green Chemistry ;
• Synthesis strategies for sustainable chemistry ;
• Alternative or eco-compatible solvents for synthesis and extraction;
• Non-conventional activation techniques and applications.

CM: 13

TD: 7 H

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In the first part of this teaching unit, a general approach to radiation-matter interactions will be developed, covering the different interactions and associated detection methods. The second part of the course will develop the concepts of radiation protection through the effects of radiation on living matter, as well as the appropriate means of protection for humans and the environment.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM: 12h

            TD : 8h

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The goal of this course is to enable students with a chemistry background to understand the fundamentals of process engineering.

The course consists on two main parts that are illustrated by the same process.

In the first part of the course, a drying process will be used to introduce the most common heat and mass transfer phenomena found in process engineering, from which the dimensionless numbers can be derived. In the second part, the thermodynamic properties of the air/water vapour mixtures will be used to derive basic dimensioning rules for the same drying process.

This course will be entirely taught in English.

Hourly volumes* :

CM: 10

TD : 10

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Hybrid" materials are a new family of materials, combining organic ligands with inorganic entities, and are increasingly being studied at both fundamental and application levels.

In this course, two main categories of hybrid materials will be discussed:

• Coordination Networks and Metal-Organic Frameworks
• Organosilicon/carbon materials

CM: 10 h

TD: 10 h

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A general approach to containment materials will be developed during this teaching unit, covering the properties required for use, the different classes of containment matrices and the associated synthesis methods. Structure-property relationships in relation to the containment of radionuclides and/or toxic chemical elements will also be described. Materials covered will include glass, glass-ceramics and ceramics.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM: 12h

            TD : 8h

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A general approach to liquid-liquid extraction will be developed through notions of thermodynamics and kinetics, with a view to understanding the mechanisms responsible for extraction as well as the processes taking place at the liquid-liquid interface. Fundamental aspects of other types of extraction (liquid-solid, supercritical fluid, distillation) will also be covered.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM: 12h

            TD : 8h

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In this teaching unit, a general approach to high-temperature chemistry in non-aqueous solvents will be developed through notions of chemical reactivity, and the physico-chemical and thermochemical properties of oxides, salts or molten metals. A number of case studies will be covered, particularly in connection with the fuel cycle and recycling chemistry.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM: 12h

            TD : 8h

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In small groups or on a one-to-one basis, this course will cover pedagogical tools and best practices relating to communication and professional integration, through :

• assessments of knowledge, skills, competencies, attitudes and motivations;
• awareness of job search techniques ;
• CV and cover letter writing ;
• rules of oral and written communication ;
• mock job interviews.

Students will be able to take part in role-playing exercises directly linked to the sectors targeted by their career paths.

Practical work: 20h

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This teaching unit covers the various aspects of the current fuel cycle and future nuclear cycles. Concepts relating to the upstream part of the cycle (mineral resources, uranium extraction and purification, isotopic enrichment), the passage of fuel through nuclear reactors and then the downstream part of the cycle (reprocessing of spent fuel, recycling of recoverable materials and remanufacturing of fuel, management of ultimate nuclear waste) will be covered. This will be followed by several aspects of future nuclear fuel cycles, including the use of non-conventional resources, advanced separation concepts and the development of fourth-generation reactors.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM: 15h

            TD: 5h

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A general approach to the coordination chemistry of f-elements will be developed through the concepts of atomistics, oxidation state and coordination polyhedra, with the aim of highlighting the specific characteristics of f-elements. Direct comparisons will be made with the coordination chemistry of transition elements, and applications to nuclear chemistry will be discussed.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM: 12h

            TD : 8h

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This course covers the concepts needed to understand the consequences of irradiation on ceramic materials (fuels, specific containment matrices). In the case of nuclear fuel materials, the aim is to analyze degradation phenomena within materials (point defects, extensive defects) and the associated consequences for long-term behavior under storage or disposal conditions. In this context, irradiation/leaching couplings will also be addressed.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM: 12h

            TD : 8h

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The program focuses on an experimental approach to basic knowledge of radiochemistry, separative chemistry and conversion processes. This knowledge will be applied to specific examples.

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A general approach to the supramolecular chemistry of the f elements will be developed through notions of molecular recognition, specific physico-chemical properties of lanthanides and actinides and supramolecular materials.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM: 12h

            TD : 8h

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This course covers various aspects of measuring radionuclides in solution, as well as the analytical strategy required for reliable measurement. All radiochemical techniques will be introduced, including isotopic labelling and dilution, and separation and purification methods prior to radioactive measurement. An important part of this teaching unit will also cover the choice of instrumental techniques according to the radionuclide under consideration, the expression of a counting result taking into account measurement uncertainties, and the statistical approach associated with nuclear counting.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM: 12h

            TD : 8h

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This modeling course aims to introduce modern material modeling methods that can be used to study separative chemistry and complex media. The idea is to present the different scales of description used to describe chemistry, from molecular simulations to thermodynamic models such as those used in chemical engineering. Particular interest is shown in statistical thermodynamics, which provides a link between these scales of description.

Hourly volumes* :

CM: 12 H

TD: 8 H

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This teaching unit covers various aspects of nuclear fuel synthesis and remanufacturing. Following a description of the different categories of nuclear fuel, the manufacturing processes used on an industrial scale will be discussed. The various methods of fuel reprocessing (recycling), conversion and remanufacturing will be described. The constraints involved in optimizing new fuel materials for Generation III and IV reactors will be discussed, highlighting the changing constraints on materials and their environment.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM: 12h

            TD : 8h

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This course covers the concepts needed to understand the dissolution or leaching/alteration of ceramic materials. In the case of nuclear fuel materials, the aim is to analyze degradation phenomena under aggressive conditions, representative of a recycling or reprocessing stage, as well as those linked to alteration under "softer" conditions, representative of direct storage in a deep geological formation.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM: 12h

            TD : 8h

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This teaching unit covers the concepts essential for understanding the upstream part of the nuclear power cycle, and sheds light on the position of nuclear energy in today's energy mix. The concepts covered range from uranium extraction/concentration in conventional and non-conventional mines to nuclear fuel fabrication, covering isotope conversion and enrichment techniques.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM: 12h

            TD : 8h

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The aim of this separative chemistry course is to introduce the various concepts needed to study separative chemistry. The idea is to present the role of the various interactions present in complex media and their role in separation. Experimental measurement of these different effects, their practical representation, and the link with interfacial phenomena are also covered.

Hourly volumes* :

CM: 12 H

TD: 8 H

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This teaching unit covers various aspects relating to the synthesis, characterization and long-term behavior of glass matrices. The first aspect concerns the methodology used to study the long-term behavior of glass matrices under weathering conditions, with particular emphasis on the initial characteristics of the materials, the key phenomena governing their behavior and suitable predictive models. This will be followed by a discussion of leaching and irradiation aging of glassy materials. These concepts will be supported by a case study on the long-term behavior of nuclear glass.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM: 12h

            TD : 8h

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This teaching unit will cover the various techniques available for dismantling and decontaminating nuclear facilities. After describing the issues and operations involved in dismantling facilities, and the measurement tools available (imagers, gamma spectrometers, etc.), the decontamination processes available will be presented, depending on the nature of the objects to be decontaminated (conventional decontamination processes or complex fluid processes). Several innovative techniques for decontaminating contaminated surfaces will be presented (conventional decontamination processes, micellar solutions, gels, foams, supercritical fluids).

Hourly volumes* :

            CM: 12h

            TD : 8h

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This teaching unit focuses on membrane separation and liquid-liquid extraction processes. The section on membrane separation processes will deal first with classic liquid phase separation processes (microfiltration, ultrafiltration, etc.) and gas treatment. More innovative processes, such as membrane contactors and reactors, will be covered in a second section. The section on liquid-liquid extraction processes begins with a general overview, and then moves on to the PUREX process for reprocessing spent fuel. A final section will deal with methods for modeling liquid-liquid extraction operations.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM: 12h

            TD : 8h

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The aim of this teaching unit is to gain a better understanding of the chemical behavior of radionuclides under environmental conditions. To this end, the notion of speciation in different environmental compartments will be introduced, as well as the various techniques that can contribute to global analysis. The focus will be on X-ray absorption, X-ray fluorescence imaging, transmission electron microscopy and SIMS. Speciation results will then be correlated with potential environmental impacts.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM: 12h

            TD : 8h

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Scientific information: The aim of this course is to familiarize students with the search for and management of scientific information. Recent bibliographic research tools will be explained and used in lectures and practical work (electronic documentation: Scifinder / Isis / Belstein). Training in the functionalities of the Zotero tool and in the use of the electronic laboratory notebook will also be provided. The writing and use of scientific publications will also be covered.

Bibliographic project: Scientific information research tools will be applied to a concrete case. The pedagogical team will propose a bibliographical subject related to the student's chosen field of study. This bibliographical subject may, where appropriate, be defined in agreement with the host organization where the internship is to be carried out.

For this personal project, students will have access to all the bibliographic sources of the university or company hosting them. Bibliographic work may be combined with the English teaching unit to prepare an oral presentation at an international conference.

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The 4-6 month internship must be carried out in a research laboratory or company specializing in extractive or separative chemistry, recycling chemistry, radiochemistry, materials chemistry or process chemistry. Students will have the opportunity to carry out this end-of-study internship in academic research laboratories or industrial establishments. Subject to prior approval by the teaching staff (internship subject in line with Master's courses and suitable environment/means), students may seek a host team in an academic environment in the institutes of the Chemistry Pole of the University of Montpellier, in academic laboratories outside the University of Montpellier (in France or abroad) or in the private sector (in France or abroad). 

This internship, lasting 4 to 6 months, can start at the beginning of March, and will be preceded by the submission of a bibliographical report on the internship topic and an oral defense before a jury.

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