Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis (AIDA)

A unique program at the interface between life sciences and artificial intelligence

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 Neurosciences. 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.

A project-based educational program anchored in real-life biological case studies

The AIDA program offers a project-centered learning approach designed to tackle concrete case studies in biological and health sciences. Throughout the curriculum — and especially within the three specialized modules — students develop and carry out practical projects that mirror real research or industry challenges. These projects mobilize data analysis and AI methods using Python, R, or dedicated ready-to-use tools. This pedagogical focus on hands-on work helps students gain strong technical skills, autonomy, and interdisciplinary experience, preparing them to process complex biological data and translate their solutions into real-world applications.

Target Audience and Prerequisites

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 Neurosciences.

Ideally, candidates are also expected to have some programming skills. Note that the M1 core courses “BIOSTATS - BiostatistiquesAppliquées” (UE 4BI003, M1S1, 3 ECTS) and “PyBio” (UE 4BI039, M1S1, 3 ECTS) help students acquire these programming skills. The complementary M1 courses “Advanced Py Physio” (UE 4BI046, 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 for Biology (MUBIP12, 6 ECTS): This course aims to train students in the design and use of neural networks to develop predictive models applied to gene expression data analysis. A particular emphasis will be placed on using the Keras programming library (available in R and Python) to propose and implement different neural network architectures, allowing students to evaluate the performance of classification models applied to transcriptomic data from patients. The course consists of lectures, hands-on workshops, and group projects.

📥 Download the detailed course syllabus

• Supervised and Unsupervised Learning for Biological Data (MU5BM753, 6 ECTS): This course provides an introduction to genomic data analysis methods, focusing on supervised and unsupervised classification techniques. Through lectures and projects, students will learn to apply these methods to genomic datasets, with a particular emphasis on integrative analysis of transcriptional networks.

📥 Download the detailed course syllabus

• Single-Cell Transcriptomic Data Analysis (MU5BIS01, 6 ECTS): This course provides an in-depth exploration of single-cell transcriptomic data analysis methods. Students will be trained in the critical steps of interpreting these data, from preprocessing to result interpretation. The course focuses on group projects, where students will apply their acquired knowledge to real-world biological problems encountered in different fields of biology.

📥 Download the detailed course syllabus

• Neurosciences Disciplinary Courses (12 ECTS):  Students in the AIDA program select disciplinary courses to strengthen their skills in Neurosciences, for a total of 12 ECTS. This includes the choice of one 6-ECTS course selected from Block 1, Block 2, or Block 3, and two Specialized Short Courses. The available 6-ECTS courses include MU5BINV1 Vision: from Retina to Primary Visual Cortex (Block 1), MU5BIN04 Neuronal Networks (Block 3), and MU5BIN25 Understanding Psychiatric Disorders (Block 3). Other courses may be selected, subject to prior approval from both the course coordinator and the track coordinator. Note that students in the AIDA track cannot take the common coursework “Developing your Master’s Research Project”.

Fourth Semester

• Internship (30 ECTS): The M2 program concludes with a six-month internship, conducted in a research laboratory (public or private) or in a company. This internship provides an opportunity to apply the concepts and methods studied in a professional setting. From the beginning of the academic year, students receive guidance in their internship search. The internship leads to the writing of a 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 Neurosciences.

Disciplinary Skills

• Strengthen expertise in Neurosciences.
• 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 Master Neurosciences program offers a wide range of career opportunities in modern biology by integrating data analysis skills for Neurosciences. Graduates are highly sought after in the biotechnology, biomedical, pharmaceutical, and academic sectors.

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

• Bioinformaticians: Bioinformaticians develop and design new approaches and methods for analyzing complex biological data. Combining expertise in biology, computer science, and statistics, they play an essential role in leveraging genomic, transcriptomic, and imaging data, leading to major advances in understanding biological systems and developing innovative analytical tools.

• Systems Biologists: Using integrative and multidimensional approaches, systems biologists model complex interactions across different biological levels (molecular, cellular, organ-level, and ecosystem). This field enhances our understanding of the biological networks underlying physiopathological processes and helps identify new therapeutic targets, highlighting the growing importance of systems biology in biomedical and pharmaceutical research.

• Data Analysis Engineers: Data analysis engineers play a key role in research laboratories by applying their expertise in analyzing and interpreting biological data across a variety of projects. They are valuable assets, leveraging their unique skills to explore fundamental and translational biological mechanisms.

• Consultants in Digital Transformation for Biology: These consultants facilitate the integration of digital technologies in biotech companies and research laboratories. They oversee the implementation of infrastructures tailored to processing large-scale biological data and train teams in the use of modern analytical tools.

• PhD Opportunities: Graduates of the AIDA track in the Master Neuroscience program who wish to deepen their scientific expertise can pursue a PhD. This pathway leads to careers in academic or industrial research, covering a range of topics from fundamental biological mechanisms to the application of systems biology and artificial intelligence.

This M2 program is accessible from the first year of the Master Neurosciences or directly in the second year of the Master Neurosciences, depending on the candidate's profile.

For the academic year 2026–2027, the AIDA-Neuro program will be attached to the Master’s program  Integrative Biology and Physiology (BIP), within the AIDA track.

To apply, please go to the eCandidat platform: https://candidatures-2026.sorbonne-universite.fr/ and select the BIP Master’s program, AIDA track. Or via Études en France (https://www.campusfrance.org/fr/candidature-procedure-etudes-en-france) for international candidates.

We also encourage you to indicate your interest in following the AIDA-Neuro theme in your motivation letter.

Please note that international students have opportunities to receive financial support for their studies in France through the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program, managed by Campus France (https://www.campusfrance.org/fr/le-programme-de-bourses-france-excellence-eiffel).