Life Sciences

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 science.

The Master is developed in partnership by world-renowned schools: 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.

Learning outcomes

> IMaLiS is a high-level, generalist course of study in the life sciences that incorporates key interdisciplinary content (including optional training in mathematics, physics, chemistry, geosciences and computer sciences).
In the first year of the IMaLiS programme students are free to select a variety of courses in cellular and developmental biology, medical sciences, genetics, genomics, neurosciences, computational biology, system biology, evolution and ecology. Specific combinations of coursework can be suggested by faculty, for instance to best prepare for the Master 2 specialization, or to best further the student’s individual objectives. In addition, during both years optional training in career skills (foreign languages, scientific communication, statistics, grant-writing, ethics, etc.). Upon successful completion of the first year of the programme, students may matriculate in any of the four specializations offered in the second year of the programme. 
In the second year of the IMaLiS programme, students specialize by choosing one of the four curricula listed above. 
The programme partners with world-class laboratories for internships (5 months each year) and is highly international in scope, with international recruiting, courses taught in English, and internship opportunities abroad.

> IMaGHE includes two alternative, although interconnected, curricula devoted to life sciences from the molecule to the organism for IPP or from the organism to the environment for B&E. Both curricula address questions about biotic and abiotic interactions affecting the health of living organisms. IMaGHE Master’s 1 and 2 programmes allow early involvement in a research (or R&D) project by backing fundamental learning with the context and practice of the internship.
IMaGHE Master 1 year (first semester) includes a common core providing mandatory training in career skills (foreign languages, scientific communication, statistics, resume- or grant-writing, ethics, etc.) in addition to “commitment” courses preparing for the choice of future teaching units. 
Career skills are reinforced in the IMaGHE Master 2 year for languages, environmental law, advanced statistics and preparation to position- or PhD search, for instance.
The Master 2 year provides more specialization with teaching units organized by research seminars. The IPP curriculum offers major courses in “Pathology of the nervous system”, “Infectiology” and “Normal cell, cancer and therapy”. The B&E curriculum specifies concepts inherent in the conservation, evolution, ecosystem services or ecology of coral reefs.
The programme partners for internships (B&E: 2-month minimum fieldwork in M1, 6-month in M2. IPP: 6-month each year) are webbed worldwide. The courses, taught in French are given in different locations, depending on their scientific content.