Intended Level of Study
5 years of post-secondary education
ECTS
120 credits
Duration
2 years
Training Structure
College of Sciences
Language(s) of Instruction
French, English
Overview
Epidemics and disease outbreaks caused by 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, even more recently, been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and the African swine fever outbreak. These events should not overshadow the resurgence of measles, the antibiotic resistance of the tuberculosis bacillus, the increasingly persistent threat of healthcare-associated infections, or the continuing concern posed by malaria, dengue, and anthrax…
This increase in “cases” is the result of complex and multifaceted phenomena: population density, degradation of natural ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, overexploitation, intensive livestock farming, urbanization, land development, climate change, pollution, globalization of human and commercial exchanges, inappropriate use of antibiotics, inadequate healthcare, declining vaccination coverage, poverty … These changes and imbalances therefore stem from diverse and varied sources. The study or management of these epidemic phenomena therefore requires the integration of diverse expertise and different levels of analysis—hence an integrative and multidisciplinary approach (Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Microbiology, Parasitology, Statistics, Computer Science, Geomatics, Geography, as well as Sociology, Economics, Anthropology…). An eco-evolutionary perspective facilitates this synthesis by situating analyses of the underlying biological phenomena within population, spatial, and temporal dimensions.
The Benefits of the Training Program
1/The Eco-EPI track has received support from the MUSE website through funding for the project “Eco-Epidemiology of Animal and Human Pathogens: Comprehensive and Utilitarian Resources—EpiCURe” (Take Off Call for Proposals #3: Curricula—SUPPORTING THE TRANSFORMATION AND/OR CREATION OF CURRICULA). This project involves the implementation of a data collection platform built by successive cohorts of students in the specialization. It will be integrated with a suite of web services designed to analyze the stored data. Through this cross-disciplinary and integrative tool, concretely grounded in the complete curriculum for the M1 and M2 programs, students will be able to “take ownership” of the scientific content and knowledge to be acquired during their master’s program. This platform will highlight the knowledge acquired and synthesized through a collaborative approach involving students, the teaching staff, researchers, and practitioners in the field. The accumulated knowledge will be preserved, utilized, and disseminated in French and English, extending beyond the program and the university, thereby providing national and international visibility to the Eco-Epidemiology of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases program and to the programs associated with the project (Bioinformatics, Geomatics).
2/ In the fall of 2021, two applications to launch apprenticeship programs are planned: one for the M2 track in the GS program (focused primarily on health surveillance services), and the second as a specific M2 track (aimed at pharmacy residents, clinical directors, and R&D professionals at pharmaceutical companies).
Objectives
The Eco-EPI master’s program aims to train experts capable of addressing the challenges posed by the emergence and epidemiological management of human and/or animal pathogens in the context of current and future changes. Upon graduation, they will therefore be
- future epidemiologists who are aware of the socio-economic contexts and issues
- future managers who are knowledgeable about scientific data.
The “multidisciplinary and integrative scientific approach” that characterizes the program is essential for addressing the challenges facing our contemporary societies. Graduates of this track—whether they become researchers, experts, or managers—will be “engaged” scientists, playing a full and active role in various stages of addressing these challenges.
Expertise and Skills
Graduates of the Eco-EPI track 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
- the evolutionary and molecular mechanisms that contribute to epidemics, the emergence of new diseases, and/or changes in hosts
- eco-environmental factors that contribute to epidemics and/or the emergence of new diseases
- socioeconomic factors that contribute to epidemics and/or disease outbreaks
- the relative risks associated with each of these factors in each case of an epidemic and/or outbreak
To carry out their research or management/monitoring programs, they possess disciplinary expertise 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 social sciences focused on the factors underlying emergence, risks, and management: sociology, economics, political governance, law (as it pertains to organizations and institutions), risk identification and management…
They are able to independently apply a scientific approach—whether for prospective research or for organizational monitoring or control purposes—by adapting it to a specific context and incorporating a variety of information.
They are skilled in project management and collaborating with a variety of partners and stakeholders.
They are able to communicate findings to various audiences and make recommendations.
See the specific skills listed for each track for more information
Organization
Knowledge Assessment
Determined at the level of each course: Final exam, or continuous assessment, or oral exam, individual or in groups.
The evaluation of internships constitutes a specific form of ongoing assessment: - evaluation of a report or thesis - oral defense before a panel
Special Features
- An M1 program specifically forfourth-year pharmacy students in the research track, designed to focus their training on skills not covered in their previous coursework
- Master's degree (M2) through an apprenticeship program (currently being organized and awaiting approval): alternating periods of study on campus and periods of internship
Open on an alternating basis
Under construction
Application in progress. Scheduled to open in September 2022
- The "Management and Monitoring of Parasitic and Infectious Outbreaks" (GS-EPI) track will offer a version tailored to the M2 program
- An M2 program specifically designed for the work-study track (Infectious and Parasitic Eco-Epidemiology – work-study), with a research focus, in response to the need for interdisciplinary skills among future healthcare professionals (pharmacists, medical residents) and future R&D executives at pharmaceutical companies.
Program
The major offers two main tracks for specialization:
- The Integrative Study of Parasitic and Infectious Emergencies (EI-EPI) program is designed to prepare students for doctoral studies in basic, applied, or applied research;
- The"Management and Monitoring of Parasitic and Infectious Emergencies" (GS-EPI) program has an applied and operational focus and will offer a Master's 2 (M2) track in 2022
During the accreditation process, these two programs will be supplemented by a research-oriented Master’s program (M2) specifically designed for the apprenticeship track (Infectious and Parasitic Eco-Epidemiology – Apprenticeship), in response to the need for integrative skills among future healthcare professionals (pharmacists, resident physicians) and future R&D executives at pharmaceutical companies.
Year 1 is primarily a year common to both tracks of the program: it features a curriculum that is largely common to both tracks in the first semester of the M1 (26 ECTS out of 30), with an elective option that allows students to explore various fields and delve deeper into specific issues.
Students choose their track during the M2, but they begin preparing for it as early as the second semester of the M1 by selecting a specialization that provides in-depth training in either research or management. They also prepare by selecting a topic for their internship or Advanced Supervised Project.
Regardless of the career goal (research or professional practice) and, consequently, the choice of M2 program, there are four major areas of specialization. These specializations are not entirely separate from one another but overlap in certain areas. They include
- Zoonoses and Animal Diseases
- Vector-borne diseases
- Global Changes
- Urbanization, Modern Technologies, and Therapeutics
Students begin exploring this specialization in the second semester of the first year of the master’s program through thematic projects, an internship, or an in-depth supervised project. They will further develop this specialization through their course selections in the third semester of the second year of the master’s program and the second-year internship.
Select a program
Integrative Study of Parasitic and Infectious Outbreaks (EI-EPI)
TheIntegrative Study of Parasitic and Infectious Outbreaks (EI-EPI) track is part of the Eco-Epidemiology (Eco-EPI ) master’s program, which aims to train experts capable of addressing the challenges posed by contemporary epidemiological phenomena.
Indeed, epidemics and disease outbreaks linked to pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, eukaryotic parasites) have been on the rise in recent decades. This phenomenon is the result of complex, multifaceted factors with varied origins: human population density, degradation of natural ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, overexploitation, intensive livestock farming, urbanization, land development, climate change, pollution, the globalization of human and commercial exchanges, inappropriate use of antibiotics, inadequate healthcare, declining vaccination coverage, poverty …
The study or management of these epidemic phenomena therefore requires the involvement of a wide range of expertise and different levels of analysis—and thus an integrative and multidisciplinary approach (ecology, evolutionary biology, microbiology, parasitology, statistics, computer science, geomatics, geography, as well as sociology, economics, anthropology, and more). An eco-evolutionary perspective facilitates this synthesis by situating analyses of the underlying biological phenomena within population, spatial, and temporal contexts.
Management and Monitoring of Parasitic and Infectious Emergencies (GS-EPI)
The“Management and Monitoring of Parasitic and Infectious Emergencies” (GS-EPI) track is part of the Eco-Epidemiology (Eco-EPI ) master’s program, which aims to train experts capable of addressing the challenges posed by contemporary epidemiological phenomena.
Indeed, epidemics and disease outbreaks linked to pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, eukaryotic parasites) have been on the rise in recent decades. This phenomenon is the result of complex, multifaceted factors with varied origins: human population density, degradation of natural ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, overexploitation, intensive livestock farming, urbanization, land development, climate change, pollution, the globalization of human and commercial exchanges, inappropriate use of antibiotics, inadequate healthcare, declining vaccination coverage, poverty …
The study or management of these epidemic phenomena therefore requires the involvement of a wide range of expertise and different levels of analysis—and thus an integrative and multidisciplinary approach (ecology, evolutionary biology, microbiology, parasitology, statistics, computer science, geomatics, geography, as well as sociology, economics, anthropology, and more). An eco-evolutionary perspective facilitates this synthesis by situating analyses of the underlying biological phenomena within population, spatial, and temporal contexts.
Infectious and Parasitic Eco-Epidemiology - Learning (Eco-EPI App)
IDIL—Eco-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 offers a comprehensive approach. It integrates all relevant scientific expertise and tools—including biology, statistics, bioinformatics, and concepts from the humanities—into various contexts and practical public health needs. Thus, Eco-EPIED is a One Health program dedicated to research and its practical applications.
The program is supported by renowned research units in Montpellier dedicated to the analysis and control of emerging diseases. It also involves experts from international organizations, public health agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and nongovernmental organizations.
This interdisciplinary program is primarily open to students who hold a bachelor’s degree in life sciences or health sciences, or who are in their fourth year of pharmacy or human medicine. Secondarily, students holding a bachelor’s degree in Geography and Development, Social Sciences, or Health and Social Sciences may apply (their admission will be determined based on additional coursework demonstrating their ability to quickly acquire skills in the so-called “hard” sciences). Nevertheless, all students must have a strong interest in the biology/ecology of pathogens, communicable diseases, and epidemiology. Their academic and extracurricular backgrounds must demonstrate their openness to a transdisciplinary approach that includes bioinformatics, statistics, and the humanities. Proficiency in scientific English (B2 level) is required. The ability to work independently and as part of a team is also essential.
Examples of Course 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 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
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
Upon admission to the M1 program, students from:
- degrees in Life Sciences or Life and Earth Sciences, particularly the following tracks: Ecology and Organism Biology, Organism and Population Biology, Environmental Sciences, Microbiology, Cell Biology and Physiology,
- Health Sciences bachelor's degrees
- Bachelor's degrees in Biology and the Humanities (Catholic universities)…,
- fourth-year pharmacy or human medicine students.
- To a lesser extent, students with bachelor’s degrees in Geography and Urban Planning, Social Sciences, and Health and Social Sciences.[1] Their admission will be determined based on additional information in their application demonstrating their ability to quickly master certain aspects of the so-called “hard” sciences.
At the entrance to the M2:
- In the field of law, students who have earned the M1 in Eco-EPI
- students changing their academic focus, who have completed a first-year master’s degree (M1) in Biology, Health Biology, Health, Life Sciences, Public Health, Microbiology, Nutrition and Food Science, Biology–Agricultural Sciences, Agrosciences, Environment, Territories, Landscape, Forestry, Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Risks and Environment, Teaching, Education, and Training Professions (MEEF),Secondary Education. Their admission will be evaluated based on the M1 prerequisites essential for continuing on to the M2 Eco-EPI program, the alignment between their academic plan and the program’s objectives, and the availability of potential openings relative to the program’s capacity.
- 6th-year veterinary students pursuing a career path focused on “One Health” epidemiological surveillance or research (under the same conditions as those listed above)
- In continuing education, and especially through work-study programs (if the request is approved by the CFA)
- staff in public health surveillance services (who often hold master’s degrees in the humanities)[2]
- pharmacists and medical residents, in response to the need for integrative skills among future healthcare professionals
- first-year master’s students in pharmacology, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical sciences who aspire to become future R&D executives at pharmaceutical companies specializing in infectious and parasitic diseases
[1] For a course of study leading to an M2 in “Management and Oversight”
[2] For a master's degree (M2) in "Management and Oversight"
Capacity
30 students per academic year
Mandatory Prerequisites
These are determined by the entry requirements (see “Target Audience”), the specific terms and conditions related to the initial, continuing, or work-study training program, and the planned or chosen M2 track. They therefore primarily involve
- a bachelor’s degree in biological and environmental sciences, or its equivalent, for admission to the first year of the master’s program (M1);
- knowledge equivalent to the first year of a master’s program in biological and peri-biological sciences, or its equivalent, at the M2 level, which in this case includes fundamental knowledge of pathogens or infectious and parasitic diseases.
For admission to the M1 program, “knowledge” at the L3 level or equivalent in at least two of these fields
- Biology of Organisms
- Physiology
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Parasitology
- Microbiology
For admission to the M2 program, knowledge at the M1 level or equivalent is required in the biology of major pathogenic organisms and in at least two of the following fields:
- Physiology, Immunology
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Infectious Processes
- Diseases of Infectious and Parasitic Origin
- 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 the M1 program,
- Knowledge at the L1-L2 level in at least one of these areas
- Biostatistics
- Computer Science (databases, GIS)
- Basic knowledge—even if self-taught—in one or two of the following areas can be invaluable
- Livestock Farming Systems
- Economy
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Land Use Planning
- Environmental Management
- Conservation Biology
For admission to the M2 program
- Master's-level knowledge in at least one of these fields (Initial Training)
- Biostatistics
- Computer Science (databases, GIS)
- Experience (professional experience, internships, academic studies, extracurricular activities) in one or two of the following areas
- Human/Animal Genetics
- Human or veterinary health
- Biotechnology for Diagnostic and Preventive Tools (treatments, vaccines, etc.)
- Livestock Farming and Animal Production Systems
- Economics and the Globalization of Trade
- Citizen Science
- Sociology / Anthropology
- Development Assistance
- Humanitarian Aid
- Land Use Planning
- Environmental Management
And then
Continuing Education
For graduates of the Integrative Study of Parasitic and Infectious Emergencies (EI-EPI ) program, the primary goal is to pursue a doctoral dissertation in basic, applied, or applied-research-oriented research.
Although the primary goal is to prepare students for entry into the workforce with a master’s degree (bac+5) upon completion of the program, some graduates of the Management and Surveillance of Parasitic and Infectious Emergencies (GS-EPI) track may choose to pursue a doctoral degree: a research dissertation at the intersection of disciplines, focusing on surveillance or management.
Continuing Your Education Abroad
Continuing studies abroad: Yes (see “Continuing Studies”)
Employment Placement
Occupations: Eco-epidemiology researcher and related roles, eco-epidemiology expert, epidemiological monitoring specialist, public health surveillance specialist, surveillance network coordinator (including animal diseases), epidemiological risk management consultant …
Inclusion: Research organizations/institutes, universities, international organizations, national regulatory and oversight agencies, monitoring institutes, monitoring networks, R&D departments of pharmaceutical companies, …