M2 - Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis (AIDA)

Interdisciplinarity is a fundamental pillar for scientific developments in the 21st century. The revolutions in biotechnology and advancements in artificial intelligence now make it possible to generate and process massive volumes of data in the fields of molecular and cellular biology. It has become essential for the new generation of scientists to develop interdisciplinary skills in life sciences and data analysis to effectively exploit and interpret this complex information. The M2 Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis (AIDA) track aims to train experts at the interface of life sciences and artificial intelligence for biological data analysis.

This program is intended for individuals with an academic background in life sciences who wish to develop interdisciplinary skills in data analysis and artificial intelligence. To be eligible for this M2 track, you must have obtained a Bachelor’s degree in life sciences and demonstrate a strong interest in data analysis and artificial intelligence methods applied to molecular biology and cell biology.

Ideally, candidates are also expected to have some programming skills. Note that the M1 core courses “Biostatistics and Bioanalysis with R” (MU4BM019, M1S1, 3 ECTS) and “Python for Biology” (MU4BM018, M1S1, 3 ECTS) help students acquire these programming skills. The complementary M1 courses “Advanced Python Programming for Biology” (MU4BI033, M1S2, 6 ECTS) and “Supervised Projects in Systems Biology” (MU4BI034, M1S2, 6 ECTS) also prepare students for this program.

Completing an M1 internship related to complex data analysis is also recommended.

The M2 AIDA program includes the following courses:

Third Semester

• Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning (6 ECTS): This course aims to train students in the design and application of neural networks for developing predictive models in gene expression data analysis. Special focus will be placed on using the Keras programming library (available in R and Python) to propose and implement various neural network architectures, allowing students to evaluate classification model performance on transcriptomic data from patients. The course comprises lectures, workshops, and group projects.

• Statistics for Genomic Data Classification and Mining (6 ECTS): This course provides an introduction to methods for analyzing genomic data, focusing on supervised and unsupervised classification techniques. Through lectures and projects, students learn to apply these methods to genomic datasets, with particular emphasis on integrative transcriptional network analysis.

• Single-Cell Transcriptomic Data Analysis (6 ECTS): This course offers an in-depth exploration of single-cell transcriptomic data analysis methods. Students are trained in the critical stages of data interpretation, from preprocessing to result analysis. Group projects allow students to apply their knowledge to real-world biological challenges.

• BMC Disciplinary Courses (12 ECTS). Students in the AIDA track may select disciplinary courses that strengthen their skills in molecular and cellular biology, choosing from a wide range of BMC courses for a total of 12 ECTS. Several options are available, including molecular biology, genomics, immunology, and microbiology:

  • Molecular Biology Option:Allows M2 AIDA students to specialize in molecular biology by taking courses covering biochemistry, genetics, and proteomics, with a focus on cheminformatics or protein folding. These courses are taught exclusively in French.

  • Genomics Option:Enables M2 AIDA students to specialize in genomics by taking courses in medical genomics (UE 5BM430, 6 ECTS) and functional genomics (UE 5BM429, 6 ECTS).

  • Immunology Option:Offers M2 AIDA students the opportunity to specialize in immunology with courses on transcriptomic data analysis (UE 5BM578, 3 ECTS), high-dimensional cytometric data analysis (UE 5BM572, 3 ECTS), experimental design using immunomonitoring tools (UE 5BM575, 3 ECTS), and conferences in systems immunology (UE 5BM560, 3 ECTS). These courses are taught exclusively in English.

  • Microbiology Option:Allows M2 AIDA students to specialize in microbiology, including courses in environmental genomics data analysis (UE 5V655, 6 ECTS) at the Banyuls-sur-Mer marine station, as well as workshops and practicals for culturing and analyzing microbiological data (UE 5BM694, 6 ECTS).

Fourth Semester

• Internship (30 ECTS): The M2 program concludes with a six-month internship in a research lab (public or private) or a company, providing students with the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge in a professional context. Starting early in the year, students receive support in their internship search. The internship requires a written report and an oral defense.

The AIDA program aims to develop both disciplinary and transferable skills, enabling students to master data analysis tools and methods in contexts rooted in molecular and cellular biology themes.

Disciplinary Skills

• Strengthen expertise in molecular and cellular biology.
• Master concepts related to the generation of large-scale data through biotechnological tools.
• Master statistical tools and analytical approaches to interpret complex biological data.
• Gain expertise in supervised and unsupervised learning methods.
• Apply deep learning approaches and quantify model prediction accuracy.

Transferable Skills

• Interpret complex biological data in an interdisciplinary context.
• Develop critical thinking in evaluating experimental results and the methods used.
• Carry out scientific projects, from design to result analysis.
• Work effectively in teams while also managing projects independently.
• Communicate results clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Develop a personal and professional project linked to artificial intelligence and biological data analysis.

The AIDA track of the BMC Master’s program opens up a variety of career opportunities in modern biology by integrating skills in data analysis with molecular and cellular biology. Graduates are particularly sought after in the biotech, biomedical, pharmaceutical, and academic sectors.

• Data Analysis Engineers: Data analysis engineers play a key role in research laboratories by applying their expertise in the analysis and interpretation of biological data across a multitude of projects. Their unique skills make them major assets, enabling a deeper understanding of fundamental biological mechanisms.

• Biology Data Scientists: With the ever-increasing availability of biological data (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, imaging, etc.), data scientists hold a critical role in analyzing and interpreting these datasets. They use algorithms and predictive models to advance scientific knowledge, from fundamental research to personalized medical treatments.

• Consultants in Digital Transition in Biology: These consultants facilitate the adoption of digital technologies in biotech companies and research labs. They lead the implementation of infrastructures suited to processing large volumes of biological data and train teams in the use of modern tools.

• Pursuing a Doctorate: Graduates of the AIDA track in the BMC Master’s program who wish to deepen their scientific expertise can continue with a PhD. This path paves the way to careers in both academic and industrial research, covering diverse topics ranging from fundamental biological mechanisms to the application of systems biology and artificial intelligence.

This program is accessible starting from the first year of the BMC Master’s or directly in the second year, depending on the application evaluation.

Applications for the first year of the BMC Master’s at Sorbonne University are submitted via the Mon Master platform (https://www.monmaster.gouv.fr/). Applications for the second year of the AIDA-BMC Master’s program are submitted via the e-candidat platform (https://candidatures-2024.sorbonne-universite.fr/#!accueilView, for candidates from a French institution) or through Études en France (https://www.campusfrance.org/fr/candidature-procedure-etudes-en-france, for international students).

Applications via the e-candidature platform are open from March 27 to June 12. Applications via the Études en France platform are open from February 17 onward. For students from the M1 BMC program, a presentation of the AIDA BMC track will take place on Monday, March 17 from 8:30 to 9:15 AM (Amphi 25 at the Pierre and Marie Curie campus) as well as on Tuesday, March 18 from 6:15 to 8:30 PM (room to be determined).

There are opportunities for international students to receive financial support for their studies in France through the Eiffel Scholarship Program, managed by Campus France (https://www.campusfrance.org/en/eiffel-scholarship-program-of-excellence).