The Eco-Epidemiology of Emerging Diseases master's degree is a response to the contemporary challenge of emerging infectious and parasitic diseases in human and animal populations.

In light of the ecological, environmental and evolutionary analysis of these phenomena, this multidisciplinary program offers a synthetic approach. It integrates all the relevant scientific skills and tools (including biology, statistics, bioinformatics and human science concepts) into different contexts and concrete public health needs. In this way, Eco-EPIED is a One Health program dedicated to research and its concrete applications.

Recognized Montpellier research units dedicated to the analysis and control of emerging diseases support the program. It also involves experts from international organizations, public health agencies, pharmaceutical laboratories and non-governmental organizations.

Programme overview:

The Eco-Epidemiology of Emerging Diseases Eco-EPIED master's degree is a response to the contemporary challenge of emerging infectious and parasitic diseases in human and animal populations.

In light of the ecological, environmental and evolutionary analysis of these phenomena, this multi-disciplinary program offers a synthetic approach. It integrates all relevant scientific skills and tools (including biology, statistics, bioinformatics and human science concepts) in different contexts and concrete public health needs. In this way, Eco-EPIED is a One Health program dedicated to research and its concrete applications.

Target audience:

This interdisciplinary training program is open first and foremost to students with a degree in life sciences, health sciences and 4th year pharmacy or human medicine. Secondarily, students holding a degree in Geography and Development, Social Sciences, Health and Social Sciences (their integration will be validated on the basis of complementary training elements indicating their ability to rapidly acquire skills in the so-called "hard" sciences).

All students must have a strong interest in the biology/ecology of pathogens, communicable diseases and epidemiology. And their academic and non-academic backgrounds should attest to their openness to a transdisciplinary approach including bioinformatics, statistics and the human sciences.

Necessary prerequisites:

• A bachelor's degree in biological and environmental sciences, or its equivalent, for entry into M1.
• A master's level 1 in biological and peri-biological sciences, or its equivalent, for M2, including in this case fundamental knowledge of pathogens, or diseases of infectious and parasitic origin.
• A very strong interest in the biology/ecology of pathogens, communicable diseases and epidemiology. The academic and non-academic background should demonstrate an open-mindedness to transdisciplinary approaches, including bioinformatics, statistics and human sciences. 
• Proficiency in scientific English (B2 level). 
• Autonomy and the ability to work as part of a team.

Career outcomes:

• Doctoral Pursuit: The IDIL courses are conducive to pursuing a doctorate.
• Professional integration: Thesis on fundamental, applied or targeted research into emerging infectious and parasitic diseases, including disciplinary interfaces (One Health). The thesis will open up a variety of career opportunities: Researcher in eco-epidemiology and related fields, expert eco-epidemiologist, epidemiological watch officer, epidemiological risk management consultant...