ECTS
120 credits
Duration
2 years
Training Structure
College of Sciences
Language(s) of Instruction
English
Overview
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
The Benefits of the Training Program
- Paid internships in the M1 and M2 programs
- Courses in English and the international environment
- Customizable study tracks
- Support from a mentor and a tutor
Objectives
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.
Drawing on ecological, environmental, and evolutionary analyses of these phenomena, this multidisciplinary program offers a comprehensive approach. It integrates all relevant scientific skills 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.
Program
The IDIL Model:
The IDIL (Interdisciplinary In lab') graduate program at the University of Montpellier launched in September 2022, with the goal of training students through and for research via educational innovation. The IDIL tracks available are diverse and cover numerous disciplines, ranging from bio-health to political science.
Taught entirely in English, the IDIL tracks offer students the opportunity to pursue their studies through a unique structure based on four main aspects:
- Learning by doing. The IDIL programs place a strong emphasis on learning by doing by incorporating “In-lab units” (courses held in a laboratory) into their curricula, as well as a funded research internship during the M1 and M2 years. The IDIL program provides access to approximately 100 laboratories at the University of Montpellier, where students will engage in immersive research work.
- Customized curriculum. IDIL students can tailor their academic path to their career goals and interests by selecting courses from three different instructional units: Non-Core, In-Lab, and Cross-Disciplinary. Academic advising will be provided to ensure that each student’s curriculum aligns with their chosen field of study.
- Introduction to a new discipline. All IDIL students must choose a Non-Core course, which is an introductory course in a discipline from another IDIL track. For example, a student in Comparative Politics and Public Policy may take an introductory course in the Applied Ecological and Evolutionary Sciences track. This program allows students to develop a unique academic profile and is an effective way to foster interdisciplinary thinking, a key challenge in modern research.
- Mentoring. Throughout their IDIL program, students will be mentored by a researcher from one of Montpellier’s laboratories. The mentor is responsible for helping students prepare for their internships, teaching theory through various workshops, and helping students build their professional networks.
For more information on the IDIL graduate program, click here: https://idil.edu.umontpellier.fr/
Select a program
M1 - Eco-Epidemiology of Emerging Diseases - IDIL
Study of Variability
2 creditsEU NON-CORE TRAINING UNIT
2 creditsChoose 1 out of 13
Defusing Quantitative Nonsense
2 creditsThe Bionic Man
2 creditsInnovations in clinical biomarkers and biotechnologies for pers
2 creditsChallenges in Chemistry for Health and the Environment
2 creditsMediterranean Terrestrial Ecosystems
2 creditsScientific Openness to Earth and Water Issues in a Global Context
2 creditsPlant Health 2.0: A Global War
2 creditsBasics of Sustainable Management
2 credits20hExplore, understand, and learn
The Chemistry of Beer, Wine, and the Culinary Arts
2 creditsHow the Way We Move Reveals Who We Are
2 creditsBiology by the Numbers: Measure, Predict, and Design
2 creditsWho's Afraid of AI?
2 credits
Ecology and Evolution of Microorganisms and Parasitism (EEMP
4 creditsPathogens PATH
2 creditsEco-epidemiology of Emerging Pathogenic Diseases: Issues and
2 creditsPersonal project: research project + English
10 creditsOptional
Bioinformatics and Databases
2 creditsIDIL Cross-Functional Training Units
4 creditsIn-Lab
2 credits
RESEARCH INTERNSHIP Eco Epi
30 credits
M2 - Eco-Epidemiology of Emerging Diseases - IDIL
RESEARCH INTERNSHIP Eco Epi
30 credits
Transmission: Case Study
2 creditsOption 1
2 creditsChoose one of the following two options:
Zoonoses
2 creditsMultidisciplinary Team Project
10 creditsOption 2
2 creditsChoose one of the following two options:
Bayesian Statistics
2 creditsSpatial Data
2 credits
EU NON-CORE TRAINING UNITS IDIL (ELECTIVE)
4 creditsChoose 2 out of 13
Defusing Quantitative Nonsense
2 creditsInnovations in clinical biomarkers and biotechnologies for pers
2 creditsPlant Health 2.0: A Global War
2 creditsChallenges in Chemistry for Health and the Environment
2 creditsMediterranean Terrestrial Ecosystems
2 creditsScientific Openness to Earth and Water Issues in a Global Context
2 creditsMediterranean Aquatic Ecosystems
2 creditsBasics of Sustainable Management
2 credits20hExplore, understand, and learn
The Chemistry of Beer, Wine, and the Culinary Arts
2 creditsHow the Way We Move Reveals Who We Are
2 creditsBiology by the Numbers: Measure, Predict, and Design
2 creditsWho's Afraid of AI?
2 credits
Risks, Risk Analysis, and Monitoring
2 creditsTransversal Units 2B IDIL
Machine Learning
2 credits
Admission
Admission Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in the following fields
• Minimum English proficiency level: B2
• Resume and cover letter
• Two letters of recommendation from a researcher and/or professor
• Estimated ranking of the student within their graduating class
• Detailed transcript
Registration Procedures
First, please contact the program director of the master’s program you are interested in to obtain information about the expected academic level and the type of instruction offered.
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
This interdisciplinary program is open primarily 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 also apply (their admission will be determined based on additional coursework demonstrating their ability to quickly acquire skills in the so-called “hard” sciences).
Tuition Fees
Available scholarships
- Paid internships for all M1 & M2 students
- For international students | A 4-month IDIL scholarship is available for M1 & M2 students (€600/month)
- For international students | The IDIL program reimburses your travel expenses to come study in Montpellier (up to 600€)
- For international students | French as a foreign language courses are offered to help international students integrate.
Mandatory Prerequisites
These requirements, which depend on the entry level (M1 or M2), are largely the same as those required for admission to other tracks within the Eco-EPI program (please refer to that information). These primarily include:
• a bachelor’s degree in biological and environmental sciences, or its equivalent, for admission to M1;
• coursework at the Master’s 1 level in biological and peri-biological sciences, or its equivalent, for admission to M2, which in this case must include fundamental knowledge of pathogens or infectious and parasitic diseases.
• A strong interest in the biology/ecology of pathogens, communicable diseases, and epidemiology. The applicant’s academic and non-academic background must demonstrate an openness to a transdisciplinary approach that includes bioinformatics, statistics, and the humanities.
And then
Continuing Education
Pursuing a Ph.D.
The IDIL programs are well-suited for students wishing to pursue a Ph.D.
Employment Placement
A thesis in basic, applied, or applied-research focused on emerging infectious and parasitic diseases, incorporating interdisciplinary perspectives (One Health)
The thesis will open up a variety of career opportunities: researcher in eco-epidemiology and related fields, expert in eco-epidemiology, epidemiological surveillance specialist, consultant in epidemiological risk management…