Master CMB , Parcours : Computational and mathematical biology (CMB)

This Master is structured around 2 different 2-year degrees: Statistics and Mathematical modeling or Compu-
tational Biology. These 2 majors lead students to address the new challenges of complex biological systems.
While specialising on a major in their own field, students share courses and interdisciplinary projects. Inde-
pendently from their major, every student will follow courses in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics and
Computational Biology.
Part of the formation consists in gathering students from the different CMB majors to conduct interdisciplinary
projects that will prepare them to research internships and professional careers.
Computational and Mathematical Biology is an international MSc with a strong emphasis placed on students'
future professional careers. As such, lectures are taught in English, which is the language most commonly used in
research.

As this Master is a highly selective research-focused study path, a BSc in   biology or eventually computational science  obtained with Honors is required. Students with a BSc in biology are requested to have already minored in either mathematics or computer science. A good command of English is compulsory : courses are taught in English and the master is open to international students.

The CENTURI Master of Computational and Mathematical Biology leads to an Aix-Marseille University degree
and prepares students for scientific research.
The students from
• the computational Biology path (BIP-CMB) will receive a Master in Biology and Integrative Physiology
diploma.
• the statistics and mathematical modeling paths (MAS-CMB) will receive a Master in Applied Mathe-
matics, Statistics diploma.

All students will be taught the basics in biology required to understand the actual challenges in biology, mathematical tools for modelling (discrete and continuous dynamical systems), statistical tools for interpreting biological data, Other computational courses will be given to form them to the simulation of the models.

Students will deepen their knowledge in the analysis of interaction networks involved in the function and regulation of different biological processes (embryonic developmental, nervous system, immune response) in order to understand the relationship between network structure and the behaviour of complex biological systems.

For all students. Collaborating to a research activity as a part of an interdisciplinary group.

Using and mastering the statistical methods and tools to analyse biological experimental data or help confronting mathematical models and biological systems.

For the math students. Acquiring the biological concepts required to model living systems. Using and mastering the computational and mathematical methods and tools to elaborate and analyse models of biological systems (Ordinary differential equations, stochastic differential equations, partial differential equation, discrete dynamical systems). Choosing and implementing the methodology adapted to the modelling of a given problem / biological system. Evaluating the feasibility and the efficiency of a computational choice for the analysis of a complex system.

Group projects and internships in research laboratories will lead students to apply interdisciplinary approaches and interact directly with researchers from the institutes of the Turing Center for Living Systems (CENTURI).

CMB Master students are expected to carry out two internships during their Master's:

• One internship lasting at least six weeks, during the first year of the Master

• Another internship lasting 4 to 6 months during the second year of the Master

Internships abroad are possible in M2.

Structure of the master CMB
1.1 Description of the master
This Master is structured around 2 different 2-year degrees: Statistics and Mathematical modeling or Compu-
tational Biology. These 2 majors lead students to address the new challenges of complex biological systems.
While specialising on a major in their own field, students share courses and interdisciplinary projects. Inde-
pendently from their major, every student will follow courses in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics and
Computational Biology.
Part of the formation consists in gathering students from the different CMB majors to conduct interdisciplinary
projects that will prepare them to research internships and professional careers.
Computational and Mathematical Biology is an international MSc with a strong emphasis placed on students'
future professional careers. As such, lectures are taught in English, which is the language most commonly used in
research.
1.2 Organisation of the master
The CENTURI Master of Computational and Mathematical Biology leads to an Aix-Marseille University degree
and prepares students for scientific research.
The students from
• the computational Biology path (BIP-CMB) will receive a Master in Biology and Integrative Physiology
diploma.
• the statistics and mathematical modeling paths (MAS-CMB) will receive a Master in Applied Mathe-
matics, Statistics diploma.
1.3 Career opportunities
With this Master's degrees, graduates will be qualified for international research institutes as a PhD student or a
Research engineer in data analysis, biological systems modelling, analysis of interaction networks, etc.
Graduates also have the opportunity to join private companies' R&D departments in health care, pharmacol-
ogy, biosystems and more generally to work on big data issues

With this Master's degree, graduates will be qualified for international research institutes as a PhD student or a Research engineer in data analysis, biological systems modelling, analysis of interaction networks, etc.

The master CMB is one of the activity of the Turing Centre for Living Systems (CENTURI), an interdisciplinary project located in Marseille (France). https://centuri-livingsystems.org

Students can do their second year internship abroad.

Students are selected on the basis of their application (MonMaster, Étude en France or eCandidat) and possibly on the basis of an oral interview.

The letter of motivation and the oral interview, if any, must demonstrate a strong interest in the interdisciplinary field of mathematics-statistics-biology.

• SCIENCES, Marseille Luminy
  Biology courses, and courses that are specific to CMB students
• SCIENCES, Marseille St-Charles
  Only for a few joint courses with other mathematics students