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The PSL Master’s in Life Sciences is an interdisciplinary Master’s programme that aims to prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers, and physicians to address emerging problems in contemporary biology, ecology and environmental sciences.

The Master is developed in partnership by world-renowned institutions: Ecole normale supérieure (ENS - PSL), Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes (EPHE - PSL), Collège de France, Ecole Supérieure de Physique Chimie Industrielles de la Ville de Paris (ESPCI - PSL), Mines Paris - PSL, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique (IBPC), Institut Curie and Institut Pasteur. The recruitment of competitively selected students with an exceptionally high researcher/student ratio, their tailor-made training and close tutoring are shared between the different teaching institutions within PSL. In addition, research training through research practice is an historical mark of these institutions.

• IMaLiS is managed by the Department of Biology of the ENS
• Integrative Biologie and Physiopathology (BioP) and Biodiversity Environment (BE) are managed by the Life and Earth Sciences section of the EPHE.

This master's degree is part of 2 PSL graduate programs: Earth Science and Biodiversity & Life Sciences.

Tracks

Master year 1

• 3 tracks
  • Interdisciplinary Master’s in Life Sciences (IMaLiS)
  • Integrative Biology and Physiopathology (BioP)
  • Biodiversity Environment (BE)

Master year 2

• IMaLiS : 4 tracks 
  • Quantitative biology
  • Neurosciences
  • Fundamental biology for health
  • Ecology et evolution
     
• Biodiversity Environment (BE) : 1 track
   
• Integrative Biology and Physiopathology (BioP) : 3 tracks
  • Normal cells, cancer and therapy
  • Neurobiology and cognition
  • Infectiology

→  IMaLiS aims to nurture both interdisciplinary cross-pollination as well as the development of formalized, quantitative approaches. Most of IMaLiS courses take place in the Department of Biology of the ENS. Learning opportunities within IMaLis are further expanded thanks to close-knit partnerships with several leading French teaching institutions (Université Pierre et Marie Curie, AgroParisTech) and foreign universities (University of Arizona). Within the framework of the PSL , a scholarship programme offering competitive stipends for students following IMaLiS has been established to support both international students (10,000 €/year) and French students with a degree in a scientific discipline other than biology. For more information see the .

→  BioP and BE aim at forming scientists involved in environmental or physiological research projects, either applied or academic. Internship opportunities are available within a large network of partners in and around top-ranked universities throughout French territories and abroad. These structures provide the most appropriate research training by immersing students in a research programme and with their own research topic. Thus, most BioP and BE courses take place at EPHE labs located in Paris, Montpellier, Lyon, Bordeaux, Caen, Dijon, Perpignan, Nancy, Dinard and Moorea (French Polynesia). 

Learning outcomes

Curriculum and tracks 

The programmes include an M1 year (60 ECTS) and an M2 year (60 ECTS).

• IMaLiS
  • M1: Core curriculum + one 4-month internship (mandatory)
  • M2: 4 available tracks + one 5-month internship (mandatory)
     
• Biodiversity Environment (BE)
  • •M1 : Core curriculum + Specialized options + one 2-month or more internship (mandatory)
     
• Integrative Biology and Physiopathology (BioP)
  • M1 : Core curriculum + Specialized options semester 2 + one 6-month internship (mandatory)
     

Who should apply?

Master year 1

• IMaLis : the IMaLiS M1 year is open to international students with a Bachelor of Science (Life Sciences, Health Sciences, Science and Technology, Earth and Life Sciences, etc.) and from France’s engineering schools, who have demonstrated interest in the Life Sciences. IMaLiS is also suitable for students who have completed the first two to three years of medical/pharmaceutical studies in France and who would like additional training in the sciences (see also our ) before choosing their area of specialization.
   
• BioP and BE : BioP et BE M1 year curricula are open to students with a Bachelor of Science, or equivalent, and a research experience through internships or research positions. These curricula are particularly conducive to continuous training.

Master year 2

• IMaLiS, BioP and BE :  IMaLiS, BioP and BE M2 year is open to students with a Master 1 degree in Science (Life Sciences, Health Sciences, Science and Technology, Earth and Life Sciences, etc.) or equivalent (minimum 4 years of studies), and to students from French engineering schools who have received basic education in Life Sciences. Selection procedures are separate for each curriculum.

Opportunities

The PSL Master’s in Life Sciences primarily prepares students for careers as researchers, academic teachers/researchers, research physicians or research engineers in the public sector, or as Research and Development professionals in the private sector, particularly the pharmaceutical and innovative biotechnology industries. Career opportunities also exist in management of parks and nature reserves, local authorities, as well as in the private or semi-public sectors in biodiversity or environmental management.