Target level of study
Master's degree
ECTS
120 credits
Duration
2 years
Training structure
Faculty of Science
Language(s) of instruction
French, English
Presentation
Epidemics and outbreaks of diseases linked to pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, eukaryotic parasites) have been on the rise in recent decades. Recent outbreaks of SARS, Ebola, Zika, and highly pathogenic avian influenza have been followed even more recently by the COVID-19 and swine fever epidemics. These outbreaks should not overshadow the resurgence of measles, the antibiotic resistance of tuberculosis bacilli, the increasingly persistent pressure of nosocomial diseases, and the ever-worrying presence of malaria, dengue fever, and anthrax.
This increase in "cases" is the result of complex and multiple phenomena: human density, degradation of natural ecosystems, degradation of biodiversity, overexploitation, intensive farming, urbanization, artificialization of environments, climate change, pollution, globalization of human and commercial exchanges, inappropriate use of antibiotics, inappropriate healthcare, declining vaccination coverage, poverty, etc. These changes and imbalances therefore have diverse and varied origins. The study or management of these epidemic phenomena therefore requires the involvement of a variety of skills and different levels of analysis, and thus an integrative and multidisciplinary approach (ecology, evolutionary biology, microbiology, parasitology, statistics, computer science, geomatics, geography, but also sociology, economics, anthropology, etc.). The eco-evolutionary perspective facilitates this synthesis by placing the analysis of underlying biological phenomena in population, spatial, and temporal contexts.
The advantages of the training program
1/The Eco-EPI program has obtained support from the MUSE e-site through funding for the Eco-Epidemiology of Animal and Human Pathogens Comprehensive and Utilitarian Resources – EpiCURe project (Take Off #3 call for projects: Curriculum – SUPPORTING THE TRANSFORMATION AND/OR CREATION OF CURRICULA). This project consists of implementing a data collection platform established by successive cohorts of students in the program. It will be coupled with a set of web services enabling the stored data to be exploited. Through this cross-disciplinary and decompartmentalized tool, based on the complete M1 and M2 curriculum, students will be able to "take charge" of the scientific content and knowledge to be acquired during their master's degree. This platform will promote the knowledge acquired and synthesized through a cooperative approach by students, the teaching team, researchers, and operational actors in the field. The accumulated knowledge will be preserved, exploited, and disseminated in French and English, beyond the program and the university, giving national and international visibility to the training in Eco-epidemiology of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases and to the training courses associated with the project (Bioinformatics, Geomatics).
2/ In fall 2021, two applications to open apprenticeship programs are planned: one concerning the M2 (Master's 2) degree in the GS program (mainly focused on health monitoring services), and the second as a specific M2 program (focused on pharmacy interns who are heads of clinics and R&D in pharmaceutical companies).
Objectives
The Eco-EPI master's program aims to train experts capable of responding to the challenges posed by the emergence and epidemiological management of human and/or animal pathogens in the context of current and future changes. Once graduated, they will therefore be able to
- future epidemiological researchers who are aware of socio-economic contexts and issues
- future managers who are aware of scientific data.
The "multidisciplinary and integrative scientific approach" that characterizes the program is essential to meeting the challenges facing our contemporary societies. Graduates of this program, whether they are researchers, experts, or managers, will be "engaged" scientists, fully involved in the various stages of these challenges.
Know-how and skills
Graduates with a major in Eco-EPI are able to analyze and study (research) or identify (management) the factors contributing to the emergence of parasitic and infectious diseases, namely:
- ecological cycles and transmission dynamics
- evolutionary and molecular mechanisms promoting epidemics, emergence, and/or host shifts
- eco-environmental factors promoting epidemics and/or emergence
- socio-economic factors contributing to epidemics and/or outbreaks
- the relative risks associated with each of these factors in each case of epidemic and/or emergence
To implement their research or management/monitoring program, they have mastered disciplinary skills and tools in a variety of fields, including
- biological and ecological sciences (including evolutionary biology) focused on diseases caused by pathogens
- Mathematical sciences (statistics and modeling) and computer science focused on the collection and analysis of epidemiological data (databases, GIS, etc.)
-applied human sciences focused on emergence factors, risks, and management: sociology, economics, political governance, law (through organizations and institutions), risk identification and management, etc.
They know how to independently implement a scientific approach, with a forward-looking research or organizational monitoring or control objective, adapting it to a specific context and integrating a variety of information.
They are skilled in project management and collaborative work with a variety of partners and stakeholders.
They are able to disseminate results to different audiences and make recommendations.
See the specific skills for each course for more information.
Organization
Knowledge assessment
Defined at the level of each teaching unit: Final exam, or continuous assessment, or oral, individual or group.
The assessment of internships constitutes a specific form of continuous assessment: - assessment of a report or dissertation - defense before a panel
Special facilities
- M1 specific tofourth-year pharmacy students in the research track, focusing training on skills not covered in their previous curriculum
- Master's degree apprenticeship (currently being set up and awaiting approval): alternating periods of study on campus and internship periods
Open alternately
Under construction
Application in progress. Planned opening date: September 2022
- The Parasitic and Infectious Disease Management and Surveillance course (GS-EPI) will offer a version adapted to M2 learning.
- An M2 program specifically tailored to apprenticeships (Infectious and Parasitic Eco-Epidemiology – apprenticeship), research-oriented, in response to the need for integrative skills among future healthcare professionals (pharmacists, doctors in residency) or future R&D executives in pharmaceutical companies.
Program
The major allows students to specialize in two main areas:
- The Integrative Study of Parasitic and Infectious Emergencies (EI-EPI) program is designed to prepare students for doctoral studies in fundamental, applied, or applied research.
- TheParasitic and Infectious Disease Management and Surveillance program(GS-EPI) has an applied and operational focus, which will offer a Master's 2 (M2) learning pathway in 2022.
These two courses will be supplemented during accreditation by an M2 course specifically tailored to apprenticeships (Infectious and Parasitic Eco-Epidemiology – apprenticeship), research-oriented, in response to the need for integrative skills among future healthcare professionals (pharmacists, doctors in residency) or future R&D executives in pharmaceutical companies.
Year 1 is mainly a year common to both tracks of the major: it has a largely common core curriculum in M1 semester 1 (26 ECTS/30) with a free option allowing students to explore different fields and delve deeper into specific issues.
The choice of specialization is made in the second year of the master's program, but preparations begin in the second semester of the first year with the selection of an option that provides in-depth knowledge in research or management. Preparations also include the selection of an internship topic or an in-depth tutored project.
Regardless of the career objective (research or operational) and therefore the choice of M2, there are four main areas of specialization available. These specializations are not mutually exclusive, but overlap in some areas. They are:
- Zoonoses and animal diseases
- Vector-borne diseases
- Global Changes
- Artificialization, Modern Technologies and Therapies
This specialization is developed starting in M1 S2 through thematic projects, internships, or in-depth tutored projects. It will be further developed through the choice of course units in M2S3 and the M2 internship.
Select a program
Integrative Study of Parasitic and Infectious Emergencies (EI-EPI)
TheIntegrative Study of Parasitic and Infectious Emergencies (EI-EPI) program is part of the Eco-Epidemiology (Eco-EPI ) master's degree, which aims to train experts capable of meeting the challenges posed by contemporary epidemiological phenomena.
Indeed, epidemics and outbreaks of diseases linked to pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, eukaryotic parasites) have been on the rise in recent decades. This phenomenon is the result of complex, multiple factors of various origins: human density, degradation of natural ecosystems, degradation of biodiversity, overexploitation, intensive farming, urbanization, artificialization of environments, climate change, pollution, globalization of human and commercial exchanges, inappropriate use of antibiotics, inappropriate healthcare, declining vaccination coverage, poverty, etc.
The study or management of these epidemic phenomena therefore requires the involvement of a variety of skills and different levels of analysis, and thus an integrative and multidisciplinary approach (ecology, evolutionary biology, microbiology, parasitology, statistics, computer science, geomatics, geography, but also sociology, economics, anthropology, etc.). An eco-evolutionary perspective facilitates this synthesis by placing the analysis of underlying biological phenomena in population, spatial, and temporal contexts.
Management and Monitoring of Parasitic and Infectious Emergencies (GS-EPI)
TheParasitic and Infectious Disease Management and Surveillance (GS-EPI) program is part of the Eco-Epidemiology (Eco-EPI) master's degree, which aims to train experts capable of meeting the challenges posed by contemporary epidemiological phenomena.
Indeed, epidemics and outbreaks of diseases linked to pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, eukaryotic parasites) have been on the rise in recent decades. This phenomenon is the result of complex, multiple factors of various origins: human density, degradation of natural ecosystems, degradation of biodiversity, overexploitation, intensive farming, urbanization, artificialization of environments, climate change, pollution, globalization of human and commercial exchanges, inappropriate use of antibiotics, inappropriate healthcare, declining vaccination coverage, poverty, etc.
The study or management of these epidemic phenomena therefore requires the involvement of a variety of skills and different levels of analysis, and thus an integrative and multidisciplinary approach (ecology, evolutionary biology, microbiology, parasitology, statistics, computer science, geomatics, geography, but also sociology, economics, anthropology, etc.). An eco-evolutionary perspective facilitates this synthesis by placing the analysis of underlying biological phenomena in population, spatial, and temporal contexts.
Infectious and Parasitic Eco-Epidemiology - Learning (Eco-EPI App)
IDIL - Eco-EPI-Epidemiology of Emerging Diseases (Eco-EPIED)
The Eco-EPIED Master's program in Eco-Epidemiology of Emerging Diseases addresses the contemporary challenge of emerging infectious and parasitic diseases in human and animal populations.
In light of the ecological, environmental, and evolutionary analysis of these phenomena, this multidisciplinary program provides a comprehensive approach. It integrates all relevant scientific skills and tools (including biology, statistics, bioinformatics, and concepts from the humanities) in different contexts and concrete public health needs. Eco-EPIED is therefore a One Health program dedicated to research and its practical applications.
Renowned Montpellier-based research units dedicated to the analysis and control of emerging diseases support the program. It also involves experts from international organizations, public health agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and non-governmental organizations.
This interdisciplinary program is primarily open to students with a bachelor's degree in life sciences, health sciences, and those in their fourth year of pharmacy or human medicine. Secondarily, students with a bachelor's degree in Geography and Development, Social Sciences, Health, and Social Sciences (their admission will be validated based on additional training elements indicating their ability to quickly acquire skills in the so-called "hard" sciences). However, all students must have a strong interest in the biology/ecology of pathogens, communicable diseases, and epidemiology. Their academic and non-academic background must demonstrate their openness to a transdisciplinary approach including bioinformatics, statistics, and the humanities. Proficiency in scientific English (level B2) is required. Autonomy and teamwork are also necessary.
Examples of teaching units:
- Ecology and Evolution of Microorganisms and Parasitism
- Transmission: Case Studies
- Risks, Risk Analysis, and Surveillance
- Bioinformatics and Databases
- Study of Variability
Admission
Admission requirements
Applications can be submitted on the following platforms:
French & European students:
- For the M1, follow the "My Master's Degree" procedure on the website: https://www.monmaster.gouv.fr/
- For M2 students, applicants must submit their application via the e-candidat application: 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
Target audience
At the start of the M1 program, students from:
- Life Sciences or Life and Earth Sciences degrees, particularly the following courses: Ecology and Organism Biology, Organism and Population Biology, Environmental Sciences, Microbiology, Cell Biology and Physiology,
- Health Sciences degrees
- Biology and Humanities degrees (Catholic universities)...,
- fourth-year pharmacy or human medicine students.
- Secondarily, students with bachelor's degrees in Geography and Planning, Social Sciences, Health and Social Sciences.[1]. Their admission will be validated based on additional elements in their application indicating their ability to quickly acquire certain elements of the so-called "hard" sciences.
At the entrance to M2:
- by law, students who have obtained the M1 Eco-EPI
- students changing course, from an M1 Biology, Biology-Health, Health, Life Sciences, Public Health, Microbiology, Nutrition and Food Sciences, Biology–Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Environment, Territories, Landscape, Forestry, Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Risks and Environment, Teaching, Education and Training Professions (MEEF),Secondary Education. Their admission will be assessed based on the M1 prerequisites required to continue in M2 Eco-EPI, the consistency between their training project and the objectives of the program, and the number of places available in relation to the program's capacity.
- 6th-year veterinary students with career plans focused on "One Health" epidemiological surveillance or research (under the same conditions as those listed above)
- In continuing education, and especially on a work-study basis (if request approved by the CFA)
- health monitoring service personnel (often with master's degrees focused on the humanities)[2]
- pharmacists, resident physicians in response to the need for integrative skills among future healthcare professionals
- Master's 1 students in Pharmacology, Biotechnology, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, who are planning to become future R&D executives in pharmaceutical companies in the field of infectious and parasitic epidemics.
[1] For a course of study in M2 "Management and Supervision"
[2] For a Master's degree in "Management and Supervision"
Capacity
30 students per academic year
Mandatory prerequisites
Determined by the entry level (see Target audience), the specific terms and conditions related to initial, continuing, or work-study training, and the M2 program being considered or chosen. These are therefore mainly
- a bachelor's degree in biological and environmental sciences, or equivalent, for admission to the first year of the master's program;
- Master's level 1 knowledge in biological and peri-biological sciences, or equivalent, in Master's level 2, including in this case fundamental knowledge of pathogens or infectious and parasitic diseases.
For admission to M1, "knowledge" at the L3 level or equivalent in at least two of these areas
- Organism biology
- Physiology
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Ecology
- Evolutionary biology
- Parasitology
- Microbiology
For admission to M2, knowledge equivalent to M1 level or equivalent is required in the biology of the main pathogenic organisms and in at least two of the following areas:
- Physiology, Immunology
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Infectious process
- Infectious and parasitic diseases
- Antibiotic therapy and anti-infective drugs
- General ecology
- Parasitic ecology
- Microbial ecology
- Health ecology
- Evolutionary biology and/or Conservation biology
- Parasitology
- Microbiology
- Vector entomology
- Descriptive epidemiology (statistics)
- Modeling
- Health risk management
- Public health policy
- Epidemiological surveillance
Recommended prerequisites
For admission to M1,
- Level L1-L2 knowledge in at least one of these areas
- Biostatistics
- IT (databases, GIS)
- Basic knowledge, even self-taught, in one or two of the following areas can be valuable:
- Livestock systems
- Economy
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Land use planning
- Environmental management
- Conservation biology
For admission to M2
- Master's level knowledge in at least one of these areas (Initial training)
- Biostatistics
- IT (databases, GIS)
- Knowledge (professional experience, internships, studies, extracurricular experience) in one or two of the following areas
- Human/animal genetics
- Human or veterinary health
- Biotechnology for diagnostic and prevention tools (treatments, vaccines, etc.)
- Livestock farming and animal production systems
- Economy and globalization of trade
- Citizen science
- Sociology/Anthropology
- Development assistance
- Humanitarian aid
- Land use planning
- Environmental management
And after
Continuing education
For graduates of the Integrative Study of Parasitic and Infectious Emergencies (EI-EPI) program, the main objective is to pursue a thesis in fundamental, applied, or applied research.
Although the primary goal is to enter the workforce with a master's degree, some graduates of the Parasitic and Infectious Disease Management and Surveillanceprogram ( GS-EPI)may choose to pursue a PhD: a finalized research thesis at the intersection of disciplines, in surveillance or management.
Continuing studies abroad
Continuing studies abroad: Yes (see continuing studies)
Professional integration
Professions: Eco-epidemiology researcher and similar roles, eco-epidemiology expert, epidemiological monitoring officer, health monitoring officer, surveillance network coordinator (including animal diseases), epidemiological risk management consultant, etc.
Inclusion: Research organizations/institutes, universities, international organizations, national management and monitoring organizations, monitoring institutes, monitoring networks, pharmaceutical company R&D departments, etc.