The programme consists of a major of 150 credits, completed :
- either by blocks of options orientated towards the main domains of Biology (30 credits). These course blocks are taken in the 3rd year of the bachelor's programme
- or by a minor with studies more directed towards Chemistry (30 credits) ; this minor in Chemistry begins in the 2nd year of the bachelor's programme with a prerequisite course for the same minor in the third year of the bachelor's programme
- or by another minor selected from the University programme in concertation with the study advisor. This minor will be taken in its entirety (30 credits) in the 3rd year of the bachelor studies.
The progressive orientation of the programme starts right from the first year of polyvalent studies. The first year programme aims at the acquisition of basic knowledge in Sciences, (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Earth Sciences).
At the end of the first year, the students may re-orientate their studies, without the need for any complements, to the second year of the bachelor's of Biochemistry and of Bioengineering Science and also to that of Geographical Science, subject to an extra course in Geography (GEO 1111).
The second year is composed of a common pool of subjects totalling 54 credits, to which are added, in accordance with the student's personal choice, a project of 4 credits and a course in Philosophy of 2 credits, or a minor in Chemistry of 6 credits. The third year again takes the form of a common pool of subjects (30 credits) and options in the form of personally selected blocks of courses (30 credits) or a minor. The programme groups different subjects together with the aim of breaking down the boundaries of the different disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach is also fostered in the context of the individual or group projects. Several courses are based on self-study. A part of the evaluation takes the form of ongoing assessment which also includes the wide number of seminars offered.
Language courses accompany the programme and are aimed at mastering scientific English.
Principal Subjects
The major in Biology, totalling 150 credits, contains the following :
Philosophy (30) (2 credits)
Mathematics and Biostatistics (20 credits)
- General Mathematics I (75-60) (11 credits)
- Statistics in Natural Sciences (30-30) (5 credits)
- Biometrics (25-25) (4 credits)
These courses are followed in the order indicated.
Physics and Biophysics (18 credits)
- General Physics I (75-75) (12 credits)
- Biophysics (45-30) (6 credits)
These courses are followed in the order indicated
Earth Sciences (45-30) (6 credits)
Chemistry - Biochemistry (25 credits)
- General Chemistry (60-60) (10 credits)
- Organic Chemistry I (30-30) (5 credits)
- Bio-organic Chemistry (30-10) (3 credits)
- Elements of Biochemistry (30-24) (4 credits)
- Metabolic Biochemistry B (22,5-15) (3 credits)
The first four courses are followed in the order indicated ; the next one may be followed independently after the course in Elements of Biochemistry.
General Biology (34 credits)
- Biology (90-45) (11 credits)
- Complement of Vegetal Biology (60-25) (7 credits)
- Complements of Animal Biology (75-70) (12 credits)
- Microbiology and Virology (40-15) (4 credits)
The Biology course must be followed before the other courses which may then be taken independently.
Physiology and Histology (11 credits)
- Animal Biochemistry, Physiology and Histology (45-15) (6 credits)
- Vegetal Physiology (45-15) (5 credits)
These courses may be followed after the course in Biology.
Genetics (6 credits)
- Elements of Genetics (25-15) (3 credits)
- Molecular Genetics (25-15) (3 credits)
Courses to be followed in the order indicated.
Ecology (6 credits)
- Elements of Ecology (60-15) (6 credits)
Integrated tasks and exercices, projects and work experience (16 credits)
- Project 1 (0-45) (3 credits)
- Training course in Marine Biology (0-40) (3 credits)
- Project 2 (0-45) (4 credits)
- Integrated seminars (25-0) (2 credits)
- Internship (0-60) (4 credits)
The projects are carried out in the order indicated. The training course in Marine Biology takes place after the courses in Animal and Vegetal Biology and Elements of Ecology. The integrated seminars and internship period take place at the end of the bachelor's programme.
English : 6 credits
- English 1 (0-30) (2 credits)
- English 2 (30-0) (2 credits)
- English 3 (30-0) (2 credits)
These courses must be followed in order (unless exemption is granted).