M2 Predictive and Integrative Animal Biology

Apply for the degree
  • Places available
    16
  • Language(s) of instruction
    English
  • Enrolment type
    Formation initiale
    Formation continue
  • Type of teaching
    En présentiel
  • Start of programme (indicative date)
Présentation
Objectives
  • Train specialists capable of using prediction and modeling tools in animal genetics and physiology, as well as cross-disciplinary tools (bioinformatics and biostatistics) to study and enhance animal populations.
  • Develop advanced scientific expertise in quantitative genetics, genomics, epigenetics, metagenomics, reproduction, and animal physiology, among others.
  • Design and evaluate programs for the selection, conservation, and adaptation of animals in various contexts (livestock, wildlife, domestic animals).
  • Provide training in modeling and precision approaches (precision livestock farming, physiology, epidemiology, big data integration).
  • Support agroecological transitions and promote the sustainability of systems.
  • Promote understanding of ethical and responsible scientific practices, with respect for animal welfare and environmental challenges.
  • Prepare students for research and the international professional world through the management of scientific projects, communication, intercultural experience, and the development of their career plans (PhD or qualified employment).
Skills

  • Build an advanced disciplinary knowledge base in animal biology.

    • Overall organisation

    The PRIAM Master’s program offers training in applied animal sciences through an integrative approach to biology, encompassing all its components (genetics, physiology, animal welfare, etc.). The program is built on a strong common foundation that equips students with the necessary tools, particularly in statistics and modeling.

    This training places special emphasis on genetics and its various branches (population, quantitative, molecular genetics, metagenomics, epigenetics). The second focus area concerns physiology, especially the nutritional and reproductive functions of livestock.

    The PRIAM Master’s program includes group projects as well as a six-month internship, and it maintains close connections with academic (INRAE) and socio-economic partners (companies and technical institutes).

    Career prospects

    Further doctoral studies (research professions), mainly in the broad field of animal biology.
    Preparation for veterinary studies
    Companies in the animal industry (particularly Nutrition / Food)
    Companies in the genetic/breeding industries
    Selecting Bodies
    Conservation biology sectors

    Course Prerequisites
    • First year of an accredited Master's degree in biology or equivalent at Master's level (Bac +4) or accredited veterinary studies diploma.
    • Entry profile: undergraduate studies in general biology, preferably including elements of academic training in animal biology. 
    • Keen interest in animal science and motivation to work in the discipline.
    Rythme de la formation
    * Formation initiale sur 4 mois de septembre à décembre : enseignements académiques (CM, TD, TP complétés par des projets collectifs et des séminaires). * Stage de 6 mois de Janvier à Juin (voir ci-dessous) * Projets encadrés (voir ci-dessous) Cette organisation garantit un équilibre entre acquisition de connaissances, mise en pratique et expérience professionnelle, favorisant à la fois la poursuite en doctorat et l’insertion professionnelle.
    Internships and supervised projects
    • Internship: A 6-month internship is mandatory. It provides immersion in academic or industrial research on a topic related to livestock, wild, or domestic animals.
    • Scientific project: A group project (3 to 4 students) carried out in collaboration with a professional researcher or research engineer. This mini-project, similar to a research internship, involves analyzing real data to produce and interpret results in order to answer a biological question. It trains students in the scientific method.
    • “Sustainable Development Goal” project: A group project (3 to 4 students) aimed at creating a scientific poster on a sustainable development topic applied to animal production, which is then presented during a poster session.
    Transfer paths

    Ingénieur 2A - M1 biologie - Vétérinaire (minimum BAC+4)

    Méthodes mobilisées
    L’enseignement s’appuie sur une combinaison d’approches pédagogiques permettant d’acquérir à la fois des savoirs théoriques et des compétences pratiques : * Cours magistraux, TD (applications biostatistiques et bioinformatique sous R Studio), TP * Sorties pédagogiques (à la ferme, au Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, ...) * Projets scientifiques collectifs * Stages en laboratoire de recherche ou en entreprise.
    Post-graduate profile

    Mostly doctoral programmes in biology or in animal sciences.
    Further study (Master 2 or veterinary)

    Location
    PALAISEAU
    Tuition fees

    Find out more about the registration fees

    Collaboration(s)
    Laboratories

    Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative
    Biologie du Développement et Reproduction
    Modélisation Systémique Appliquée aux Ruminants.

    Programme

    The schedule will be posted shortly.

    Modalités de candidatures
    Application period
    From 15/02/2026 to 15/04/2026
    Admission criteria
    Dossier
    Interview
    Compulsory supporting documents

    • Motivation letter.

    • All transcripts of the years / semesters validated since the high school diploma at the date of application.

    • Curriculum Vitae.

    • Detailed description and hourly volume of courses taken since the beginning of the university program.

    Additional supporting documents

    • Referring contact information (compulsory for non-international applicants).

    • Letter of recommendation from a trainee.

      (Letter of recommendation from an internship supervisor)

    • Certificate of English level (compulsory for non-English speakers).

      (English language level certificate B2 : IELTS score 5.5/6.5 ; TOEIC > 785 (C1>945) ; TOEFL IBT score 72/94 ; Cambridge FCE A or B grade ; or any equivalent official test.)

    • VAP file (obligatory for all persons requesting a valuation of the assets to enter the diploma).

    • The application procedure, which depends on your nationality and your situation is explained here : https://urlz.fr/i3Lo.

    • Supporting documents :
      - Residence permit stating the country of residence of the first country
      - Or receipt of request stating the country of first asylum
      - Or document from the UNHCR granting refugee status
      - Or receipt of refugee status request delivered in France
      - Or residence permit stating the refugee status delivered in France
      - Or document stating subsidiary protection in France or abroad
      - Or document stating temporary protection in France or abroad.

    Contact(s)
    Course manager(s)
    Anais Cazals - anais.cazals@inrae.fr
    Pascal Croiseau - pascal.croiseau@inrae.fr
    Gwendal Restoux - gwendal.restoux@inrae.fr