Microorganism-Host-Environment Interactions (MHEI)

The IMHE program is unique in the region, offering students research-based training in the field of general and environmental microbiology, covering both fundamental and applied aspects.

The IMHE master's program aims to provide in-depth knowledge of microbial systems, covering the study of microorganisms as cells, populations, and communities in their environment, as well as their interactions with their hosts (humans, animals, plants) and vectors. The program covers interactions at the molecular, cellular, and microbial community levels, as well as the effect of biotic and abiotic factors on these interactions. It explores the role of microorganisms in the functioning of natural and anthropized ecosystems. The practical and applied aspects of microbiology are also covered, including the applications of biomass and microbial diversity in the fields of agriculture, the environment, health, and biotechnology.

Combinations of Teaching Units (TU) allow us to offer two profiles, one focused on "Fundamental Research" (profile 1) and the other on "Research & Development" (profile 2). This program thus offers students the opportunity to pursue a variety of professional goals, with a high placement rate for PhD students PhD 40 to 50%) or career opportunities in companies or laboratories immediately after graduation. Students in profile 2 have the opportunity to earn a double degree by taking TU offered by the IAE in Montpellier (based on application selection). The program is open to apprenticeships.

This program draws on the strong regional research community in the field of microbiology and relies on the strong involvement of researchers, teacher-researchers, and industrialists from this community based in Montpellier and more broadly in the Occitanie region.

The IMHE Master's program is open to students with a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences with a specialization in Microbiology. It is also designed to provide specialization in microbiology for students in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary school, or engineering schools specializing in life sciences and agronomy (such as the Institut Agro).

Keywords for the IMHE Master's program: microorganisms, microbiology, environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, microbiota, emergence, resistance, adaptation, symbiosis, parasitism, genomics, metagenomics, metabarcoding, microbial valorization, bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, microalgae, eukaryotic microorganisms.

Master 1 IMHE

Back-to-school meeting: September 1, 2026.

The first year of the M1 program forms the foundation of the course, covering the fundamentals of general microbiology and microbial ecology. It includes practical work and a field trip. TU allow students to follow one of two profiles without this choice being definitive (it is possible to change profiles each semester).

Project-based learning andeducational innovation are emphasized. Thanks to the pooling of skills with the Faculty of Science's Master's program in Bioinformatics and the establishment of the Bioinformatics Learning Lab (BILL), the first innovative interdisciplinary learning laboratory, students are encouraged to take an active role in their education by managing a mini-research project from start to finish (from field sampling to DNA extraction, sequencing, and analysis of microbial sequences in M1) and promoting their results (publication, conference presentations in M2). More information about BILL and photos here.

TP BILL (2021 and 2022)

Training through research is also possible through a long internship in a laboratory or company (4 months), leading to the writing of a thesis and an oral defense before a panel of specialists.

Field trip to Perpignan (M1 2019)

Master 2 IMHE

The second year of the M2 program deepens the fundamental and applied knowledge and associated skills introduced in the first year. Students interact with numerous researchers who come to present their research work on topics related to the molecular mechanisms of interactions between microorganisms and hosts (using a wide variety of models), the role of microorganisms in ecosystems, and their exploitation.

The M2 aims to teach students how to conduct scientific research. Students work on bibliographic resources (research, comprehension, critique, and bibliographic synthesis) and teaching methods for communication, and complete a long internship (6 months) with the writing of a scientific report and a defense.

During the program, several TU dedicated to professional integration, in which students work on their professional and personal projects.

IMHE students present their findings at conferences (MicrobiOccitanie 2019; JFV 2024)

At the end of the M2, students take entrance exams for doctoral programs, notablyDS , or they can enter the workforce directly in public research laboratories or in corporate R&D departments. These career choices are made possible by the profile chosen in the M1/M2.

2023 Graduation Ceremony