Masters

The CMB (Computational and Mathematical Biology) Master's degree is a highly selective international master's program devoted to the analysis and modeling of complex biological systems, run by the Centuri convergence institute.

This Master's degree is structured into 2 different 2-year courses: Statistics, Mathematical Modeling and Integrative Biology and Physiology. These courses enable students to meet new challenges related to complex biological systems.

While specializing in their own field, students share courses and interdisciplinary projects. Regardless of their specialization, each student will take courses in computer science, mathematics, statistics and biology.

Part of the training consists in bringing together students from different CMB tracks to carry out interdisciplinary projects that will prepare them for research internships and their professional careers.

The CMB Master's degree is an international MSc with a strong focus on students' future professional careers. As such, all courses are taught in English, the language most commonly used in research.

The MSc is supported by the Mathematics and Biology departments, and aims to bring together high-potential students from different backgrounds, and to benefit from interdisciplinary synergies between the training of experts in this fast-growing scientific field.

• In mathematically-oriented courses, the main focus is on the main mathematical tools for modeling (deterministic or stochastic models, dynamic systems) or statistical tools for interpreting biological data (statistical testing, parametric estimation). At the same time, other courses enable students to develop skills in computer science and biology.
• Biology courses focus on the analysis of interaction networks involved in different types of biological processes (embryonic development, nervous system, immune response), in order to understand the relationship between network structure and the behavior of complex biological systems.

Career opportunities

The CMB Master's degree is awarded by Aix-Marseille University and prepares students for scientific research. With this Master's degree, graduates will be qualified to work in international research institutes as PhD students or research engineers in data analysis, modeling of biological systems, analysis of interaction networks, and so on.

Graduates also have the opportunity to join the R&D departments of private companies in the fields of healthcare, pharmacology, biosystems and, more generally, to work on Big Data issues.

This Master's program draws on the activities and skills of the laboratories that make up the Centuri convergence institute.

Recommended prerequisites

As this Master's program is a highly selective, research-oriented course of study, a BSc in mathematics, statistics, biology or computer science with honors is required. Students with a BSc in biology should have already completed a specialization in mathematics or computer science. A good command of English is essential, as all courses are taught in English.

The CMB master's degree is divided into 2 cross-disciplinary courses for 2 majors:

• Integrative Biology and Physiology
• Applied mathematics and statistics