Biological Sciences

The course builds on foundational biology and ecology knowledge to explore the structure, dynamics, and interactions of populations and communities. It provides essential skills in ecological data analysis, experimental design, and fieldwork. Students apply ecological theory to conservation, ecosystem management, and biodiversity assessment.

Students learn about the basic cellular mechanisms underlying common human diseases and understand how drugs act on cellular and tissue dysfunctions to treat these diseases. Students study topics including autoimmune disease, cancer, and arthritis.

The course tells the story of life on earth from its first emergence, around 4 billion years ago until the present day, focusing on how complex life evolved from simple structures to produce the rich diversity of organisms found in ecosystems: from the smallest microbes to blue whales and giant redwoods. Students learn about the range of plants and animals and about the key evolutionary innovations that led to their emergence. Students also learn that organisms should not be considered in isolation but that they interact in ways that affect each other's form and function and how they have come to shape the physical world we live in.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of fundamental and emerging concepts in cancer biology through a combination of lectures, student-led seminars, and hands-on laboratory work. It is designed to develop both theoretical knowledge and critical analysis skills essential for understanding cancer mechanisms and research methodologies. Topics include: cell cycle; chromosome segregation; cell-matrix interactions; cell death; Ubiquitin-Proteasome System; asymmetric cell division; DNA replication; signaling pathways; tumor microenvironment; energy metabolism; stem cells; biosynthetic pathways. 

This course provides students with detailed insight into the fundamental workings of the nervous system. Students focus on the relationship between the structure and function of the cellular and sub-cellular components of neurons, and on mechanisms that underlie information signaling. Examples of nervous system disorders illustrate the sensitivity of neurons and circuits, as well as the often-catastrophic consequences on brain function. Students learn to identify and communicate key principles that are essential to understanding neuroscience. Topics include: signaling by neurons and synapses, neurotransmission and information coding, nervous system plasticity, cellular and molecular basis of learning and memory, fundamental disease mechanisms, and methodological approaches.

In this course students develop an understanding of the major pathways for electron transfer and energy conversion in living systems. Students look at how energy is utilized in biosynthesis, and the role of enzymes, coenzymes and metabolic intermediates. Students examine the principles of flux control and metabolic regulation and the mechanisms that balance the activity of key pathways to physiological demands. Students also consider the main features of human energy metabolism and their relationship to obesity and diabetes, and analyze the importance of protein glycosylation and how protein glycans are biosynthesized.

Based on the study of selected marine ecosystems, this course analyzes the environmental forcing variables and constraints that shape them, in order to explain the different factors structuring biological communities and to situate biology within the broader field of oceanography. A field course at a marine station illustrates several of these concepts, such as adaptations to aquatic life and the relationship between spatial heterogeneity and biodiversity. The field component includes embarkation aboard Planula 4, an INSU–CNRS research vessel (FOF).

This course explores the major areas of molecular neurobiology, from genes to the functions of cells of the nervous system. Material provides an essential theoretical framework in molecular neurobiology as well as practical approaches on cell culture and regulation of gene expression. It focuses on major concepts and recent advances in experimental molecular neuroscience.

In this course, students focus on the alimentary system and supporting bony structures, learning about the macro and micro structure and the pathologies that may occur in this system.

This course explores the principles of molecular and cellular biology and is conducted in a format similar to a qualification exam. It covers Chapters 16-20 of the textbook Essential Cell Biology.