ECTS
120 credits
Duration
2 years
Training Structure
College of Sciences
Language(s) of Instruction
English
Overview
Sensors are ubiquitous in our modern world. To cite just a few examples: in the environmental field, they are used to detect and quantify the presence of pollutants in water or the atmosphere; in medicine, they enable 2D and even 3D imaging of the eye and arteries, as well as the early diagnosis of diseases. Most of the latest and most advanced sensors are based on electronic or optical/photonic components, often without us even realizing it. Against this backdrop of ever-increasing and more demanding needs, the IDIL Master’s program in “Photonics and Electronic Sensors for the Environment and Health” aims to train highly qualified professionals in the field of electronic and photonic sensors, with a focus on environmental and health applications, through extended stints in research laboratories. Graduates will then be able to choose to further their education to become researchers in the public or private sectors, responsible for developing new systems that open up new possibilities for the future.
The program is affiliated with the Institute of Electronics and Systems, an internationally renowned University of Montpellier/CNRS research laboratory in the field of sensors and photonics. Under the guidance of renowned researchers, you will learn to master state-of-the-art experimental techniques that will enable you to design and manufacture lasers, sensors, detectors, and other key components using cutting-edge technological equipment, extending to the application of these components—particularly in the fields of the environment and health.
Examples of course units:
- Sensors & Associated Systems
- Lasers & Photodiodes
- Technology & Design Tools for Sensors
- Photonics Instrumentation & Metrology
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 primary objective of the “Photonics and Electronics Sensors for the Environment and Health” track is to train independent students with a strong spirit of innovation to develop the systems of tomorrow for diagnosis and even treatment in the fields of health and the environment, through immersion in a research laboratory of excellence. As a track within the IDIL program, this program aims to train students through and for research, with a view toward pursuing a Ph.D., notably through funding from the IDIL program. Through this program, we seek to train students with advanced knowledge in photonics and sensors, enabling them to easily address applications in the environment and health sectors thanks to the interdisciplinary nature of the IDIL program.
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/
Program
MASTER 1
Course Units: 20 ECTS
- Core Units: Fundamental courses specific to a discipline.
- Non-Core Unit: Introduction to another discipline in the IDIL graduate program.
- In-Lab Units: Workshops and practical exercises in the laboratory designed to develop specific skills or techniques over the course of a few days.
- Cross-Curricular Courses: Methodological and professional development courses.
Personal Project: 10 ECTS
Development of a personal project related to research; preparation for the research internship.
Research Internship: 30 ECTS
Participation in a research project and learning theory and skills through hands-on experience.
MASTER 2
Course Units: 20 ECTS
- Core Units: Fundamental courses specific to a discipline.
- Non-Core Course: Introduction to another discipline within the IDIL graduate program.
- Cross-Disciplinary Courses: Methodological and professional development courses.
Multidisciplinary Team Project: 10 ECTS
Interdisciplinary project led by students from different IDIL tracks
Research Internship: 30 ECTS
Participation in a research project, and learning theory and skills through practice.
Select a program
M1 - IDIL - Photonics & Electronics Sensors for the Environment & Health
Photonics & Microwave Transmitters & Receivers
5 creditsSensors & Related Systems
4 creditsEU NON-CORE TRAINING UNIT
2 creditsChoose 1 out of 14
Defusing Quantitative Nonsense
2 creditsInnovations in clinical biomarkers and biotechnologies for pers
2 creditsChallenges in Chemistry for Health and the Environment
2 creditsWhy Is Democracy Hard?
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 creditsOne Health and Eco-Epidemiology
2 creditsBasics of Sustainable Management
2 credits20hWho's Afraid of AI?
2 creditsBiology by the Numbers: Measure, Predict, and Design
2 creditsThe Chemistry of Beer, Wine, and the Culinary Arts
2 creditsHow the Way We Move Reveals Who We Are
2 creditsExplore, understand, and learn
Personal project: research project + English
10 creditsOptional
Analog Electronics
3 creditsIDIL Cross-Functional Training Units
4 creditsIn-Lab
2 credits
EEA RESEARCH INTERNSHIP
30 credits
M2 - IDIL - Photonics & Electronics Sensors for the Environment & Health
Signal Processing
4 creditsMultidisciplinary Team Project
10 creditsOption 1
8 creditsChoose 2 out of 6
Transversal Units 2B IDIL
EU NON-CORE TRAINING UNITS IDIL (ELECTIVE)
4 creditsChoose 2 out of 14
Defusing Quantitative Nonsense
2 creditsInnovations in clinical biomarkers and biotechnologies for pers
2 creditsChallenges in Chemistry for Health and the Environment
2 creditsWhy Is Democracy Hard?
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 credits20hOne Health and Eco-Epidemiology
2 creditsWho's Afraid of AI?
2 creditsBiology by the Numbers: Measure, Predict, and Design
2 creditsThe Chemistry of Beer, Wine, and the Culinary Arts
2 creditsHow the Way We Move Reveals Who We Are
2 creditsExplore, understand, and learn
EEA RESEARCH INTERNSHIP
30 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 “Etudes en France” procedure: https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/etudesenfrance/dyn/public/authentification/login.html
Target Audience
This program is designed for students interested in cutting-edge technologies in electronics and photonics that push the current boundaries of systems used in environmental and health applications, and whose career goal is to work in research or research and development focused on these technologies and their applications.
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
Students must have a solid bachelor's-level knowledge of electronics, applied physics, or an equivalent field; a minimum B2 level of English; and the ability to work independently.
And then
Employment Placement
The IDIL master’s program is designed to train students through and for research. It is therefore a natural progression to pursue a Ph.D. immediately after completing this master’s program, with the goal of eventually joining the ranks of engineers, researchers, and faculty members working on electronic and photonic technologies, particularly in the fields of the environment and health. However, given the tremendous growth of these technologies across many fields—in a hyper-connected world filled with multiple sensors—and considering that photonics is to the 21st century what electronics was to the 20th, numerous engineering-level career opportunities will be available to you in other fields such as industrial control, defense, communications, aerospace, etc.