Context

Genome-based research has revolutionised the field of life sciences with various applications in medicine, epidemiology, ecology, microbiology, plant breeding, conservation biology, etc. Now more than ever research in this field relies on evolutionary sciences and requires a significant investment in the development of theoretical and methodological approaches. These developments, aiming to integrate the complexity and heterogeneity of the data, are essential for our understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms at the population, species and ecosystem levels. Indeed, the interpretation of signatures of past and current events in genomic data relies on modelling approaches using computer science and mathematics. EvoGEM is an inter-institutional second-year Master’s course in evolutionary genetics. The courses are developed and taught by researchers and professors specialised in theoretical biology and evolutionary sciences. The curriculum has been organised to offer a unified theoretical training programme in evolutionary genetics and genomics in the Île-de-France region and is offered by the following institutions: Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris Sciences & Lettres, Sorbonne University, Université de Paris and Université Paris-Saclay.

Diploma

Each student will be awarded a diploma by his or her home institution (generally that of his or her Master 1). Possibility of recruitment in M2 with affiliation to one of the institutions.

Target audience

This course is aimed at French and foreign students (courses are given in English) from universities and engineering schools in the fields of mathematics, computer science or biology, who have demonstrated an interest, depending on their origin, either in biology or in modelling and data processing. There are no pre-requisites other than a strong interest in the subjects taught.

Maximum number of students : 20

For the first years, an enrolment of 20 students is expected.

Teaching location

Each EU will take place at a different site, as indicated in the table above.

Admission requirements

• M1 or Higher Education School graduates in life sciences with good mathematical and computer skills (programming and use of software),
• M1 in mathematics / physics / computer science with a strong interest in biology.

Selection is based on the initial application, followed by an interview. Additional courses in biology, computer science and mathematics are offered at the very beginning of the course, depending on the students’ cursus and after analysis of their applications.

Prospects

This training will be a gateway either to a PhD, the start of an academic career in evolution, ecology, epidemiology, health, oncology, genetics or microbiology; or to the private sector as a “bioanalyst” in the fields of biotechnology, health, the environment, food or, more broadly, in any type of company working with complex data.