Master in Biology

Understanding the mechanisms that control the fate of cells and organisms
to overcome cancers, genetic diseases and other pathologies

Understanding the mechanisms by which a cell gradually acquires its identity, its specificity in the service of the organ and organism to which it belongs, and how a cell retains this identity throughout the life of the organism, is at the heart of the questions addressed in this programme.
Studying the mechanisms associated with the process of cell differentiation is essential. It enables us to understand how an organism develops from a fertilised egg. It is also the indispensable basis for understanding the functional organisations and modifications associated with the physiology and ageing of organisms, and for understanding the pathologies associated with a loss of identity and/or a loss of function of cells, as in cancers and degenerative diseases...
The PhEDC programme provides a comprehensive overview of the wide variety of mechanisms (genetic, epigenetic and metabolic) involved in controlling the functions of cells, organs and organisms, in both normal and pathological contexts. Many of the mechanisms covered apply to both animals and plants.
The teaching offered is based on the expertise of a network of researchers-lecturers from laboratories on the Grenoble site and the contribution of outside experts.
Internships can be taken on in almost all of Grenoble's biology laboratories, on the scientific polygon, the health and medicine campus or the St Martin d'Hères campus.

Organisation of the course

The first semester is devoted to lectures given by researchers and lecturers specialising in physiology, developmental biology, epigenetics, genetics and cancerology. These courses will enable you to achieve a high level of expertise in the most recent technologies for studying gene expression (gene editing, OMICS analysis, imaging technologies). You will give presentations on recent scientific publications, enabling you to hone your skills and critical thinking.
The second semester is dedicated to the internship (6 months), which you can carry out in one of the many laboratories on the Grenoble site. Internship in laboratories will enable you to apply for grants financed by the Doctoral School or through the many calls for proposals, particularly in connection with cancer.