M2 Microbiology and Biological Bioengineering

• Microbiology expertise and cross-disciplinary scientific knowledge: Formalize and construct scientific and technical reasoning in microbiology. Mobilize resources from a wide range of relevant biological sciences (molecular biology, microbial genetics and physiology, genomics, biochemistry, immunology, biotechnology, bioengineering). Have an overview of the potential for studying and exploiting microbial biodiversity. Practice the tools of biotechnology at the molecular and cellular levels, from the laboratory to the industrial scale. Master methods for exploring the functionalities of microorganisms for the production of food, high value-added biomolecules, new therapeutic targets, materials, and energy. Master the principles and methods of microbiological diagnosis. Practice process hygiene. Master quality management tools and methods in an industrial and scientific production context.
• Understanding and analyzing issues in microbiology and biological engineering: Critically evaluating relevant information to formulate and analyze a problem based on a scientific question or technical or regulatory documentation. Research, process, and update the documentation collected. Combine the industrial, regulatory, and financial challenges of an industry or administration within its socio-technical-economic environment. List the technical, economic, and safety factors involved in choosing industrial and laboratory equipment or processes. Know how to assess the nature of microbial risk. Keep up with technical, methodological, and regulatory developments.
• Autonomy in terms of producing results and developing methodological applications: Experimental autonomy: Carry out an experimental microbiology project using a scientific approach. Monitor a tool as part of a quality approach (e.g., HACCP). Organizational and decision-making autonomy: Design an experimental approach and lead a biotechnology research and/or development project in line with the economic and regulatory context. Organize and carry out strategic innovation projects in the context of bioproduct/bioprocess development or method validation. Implement and monitor quality controls in accordance with current procedures and regulations. Design a hygiene and cleaning plan. Improve actions as part of a quality approach.
• Critical thinking and ability to analyze results: Generate and analyze complex data sets. Statistical analysis of data sets. Critically analyze methodological approaches and results. Practice a process of scientific, technical, and technological monitoring. Propose solutions and perspectives.
• Project management skills: Design and organize work. Implement managerial skills: prepare, plan, and manage a project. Create project schedules and associated budgets. Be able to prepare, lead, and conclude a work meeting. Convince and defend a project in a French-speaking or international (English-speaking) context. Develop self-awareness and interpersonal skills in a professional context (interpersonal skills). Work as part of a team within a company or academic institution.
• Synthesis and communication skills: Practice scientific and technical communication tailored to the target audience, in French and English. Produce scientific, technical, or regulatory summary documents. Communicate work orally and in writing. Produce educational materials in various formats. Master office automation tools.

The Master's degree in Microbiology and Biological Engineering (MGB) provides advanced disciplinary training in microbiology, biological engineering, and microbial biotechnology. It aims to equip students with specific expertise in strategies, approaches, and methods - either validated or under development - allowing them to : explore, study, generate, and exploit microbial biodiversity; master microbial diagnostics and detec microbial risks; prevent heath incidents, ensure hygiene, and implement quality management.

The MGB master's program prepares students both for research and for careers where microbiology skills are fundamental and transferable, across a wide range of sectors: Health, Food sciences, Environment, and Industrial biotechnologies. Its objectives are twofold: 1) to train professionals in microbiology and biotechnologies, capable of working in bioindustries and service companies; 2) to prepare students for careers in research and development within biotechnology companies or public laboratories, with the opportunity to pursue doctoral studies.

The program is jointly offered by several universities and leading life sciences institutions of Paris-Saclay University (Faculty of Sciences of Orsay and AgroParisTech), in partnership with Paris-Cité University. The second year of the program is available within three specializations: Microbiology (Paris-Saclay University); Nutrition and Food Sciences (AgroParisTech) ; and Molecular and cellular biology (Paris-Cité University). 

In the second year, The MGB Master's can also be completed through a work-study program, via an apprenticeship contract with the CFA of UP Saclay. The training brings together professionals from industry and academics - teachers, researchers, and expertis in microbiology and biotechnology - benefiting fromover 35 years of experience and supported by the active participation of its alumini network. This network contributes to the renewal and diversity of contributions.

The program also relies on site visits, professional trade fairs, internships, and work-study contracts, ensuring continuous alignment with evolving industrial and scientific needs.

The MGB curriculum integrated tree major disciplinary areas:

1. Microbiology, from molecular foundations to the cellular level and its interactions wtih the environment, covering disciplines such as biochemistry and immunology, molecular biology, microbiology physiology and metabolism, microbial genetics, genomics and metagenomics;

2. Health and safety management, through the study of biological contamination, hazard identification and risk assessment, strategies to combat pathogens, development and qualification of diagnostic and monitoring, tools, and mastery of best hygiene pratices;

3. Innovation project management, marketing, and communication, by understanding how compagnies operate and position themselves in their socio-technical and economic environment, studying the fundamentals of operational and strategic marketing, and learning managerial skills required to lead innovative projects.

The training includes a common theoretical and practical core (9 ECTS) , provinding an overview of microbial biodiversity and modern tools for the exploration, exploitation, and control of microorganisms in industry. Three weeks of practical courses illustrate these teachning through: th study of model microorganisms; bioproduction and biotransformation; & the application of diagnostic and safety methods.