Microorganism-Host-Environment Interactions (IMHE)

The IMHE program is unique among regional offerings in that it provides students with a research-based education in the field of general and environmental microbiology, covering both basic and applied aspects.

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

Combinations of course units (TU) make it possible to offer two tracks: one focused on “Basic Research” (Track 1) and the other on “Research & Development” (Track 2). This program thus offers students the opportunity to pursue a variety of career goals, with a high placement rate for students in research positions ( PhD ) (40 to 50%) or career opportunities in industry or laboratories immediately upon graduation. Students in Profile 2 have the option to earn a dual degree by taking additional TU s offered by the IAE de Montpellier (subject to application review). The program is open to apprenticeship students.

This program draws on the strong regional research community in the field of microbiology and relies on the active involvement of researchers, faculty members, and industry professionals from this community based in Montpellier and throughout the Occitanie region.

The IMHE Master’s program is open to students who have earned 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 biological sciences and agronomy (such as the Agro Institute).

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

Master's Degree (Year 1) in IMHE

Back-to-School Meeting: September 1, 2026.

The first year (M1) of the program forms the foundation of the curriculum, covering the fundamentals of general microbiology and microbial ecology; it includes laboratory TU s and a field trip. The elective s allow students to follow one of two tracks, though this choice is not definitive (students may change tracks each semester).

Project-based learning andeducational innovation are emphasized. Through the pooling of expertise with the Master’s program in Bioinformatics in the Faculty of Sciences and the establishment of the Bioinformatics Learning Lab (BILL)—the first innovative interdisciplinary learning lab— 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 the first year of the master’s program) and by disseminating their results (through publications and conference presentations in the second year of the master’s program). More information about BILL and photos here.

TP BILL (2021 and 2022)

Research-based training is also available through a long-term internship in a laboratory or at a company (4 months), culminating in the writing of a thesis and an oral defense before a panel of experts.

Field Trip to Perpignan (M1 2019)

Master 2 in IMHE

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

The M2 program focuses on developing scientific research skills. Students work with bibliographic resources (literature search, comprehension, critical analysis, and synthesis) and educational communication methods, and complete a long-term internship (6 months) that includes writing a scientific report and presenting it.

Throughout the program, several TU s are dedicated to career integration, during which students work on their professional and personal goals.

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

Upon completion of the M2, students take the entrance exams for doctoral programs, such as the GAIADS , or can enter the workforce directly in public research laboratories or corporate R&D departments; these career paths are made possible by the program tracks selected during the M1/M2.

2023 Commencement Ceremony