The Physiology, Epigenetics, and Development Master's program at Université Grenoble Alpes offers students a comprehensive and multidisciplinary education in the fields of biological sciences, focusing on the mechanisms underlying physiological processes, epigenetic regulation, and developmental biology. This program is designed to provide advanced knowledge and skills necessary to understand the complex interactions that govern life at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. Students will explore how genetic information is modulated by epigenetic modifications and how these changes influence development, health, and disease. The curriculum combines theoretical coursework with practical laboratory experience, allowing students to develop competencies in experimental techniques, data analysis, and scientific research. Core courses include molecular biology, cellular physiology, developmental biology, epigenetics, and systems biology. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in specific areas through electives and research projects, preparing them for careers in academia, biomedical research, biotechnology, or healthcare. The program emphasizes an immersive learning environment, benefiting from state-of-the-art laboratories and collaboration with leading researchers in the field. Throughout their studies, students will engage in scientific seminars, workshops, and internships, fostering a deep understanding of current challenges and innovations in physiology and epigenetics. Graduates of this program will be equipped with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to pursue doctoral studies or professional roles in research and development sectors. The MSc program promotes critical thinking, interdisciplinary approaches, and scientific rigor, making it ideal for students passionate about uncovering the biological basis of health, development, and disease mechanisms.
The Physiology, Epigenetics, and Development (PHED) program offered at Université Grenoble Alpes is an interdisciplinary graduate course designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge of the fundamental biological processes that regulate human health and development. This master's program integrates the fields of physiology, molecular biology, and epigenetics to offer a comprehensive understanding of how genetic and environmental factors influence physiological functions and developmental pathways throughout life.
Throughout the program, students explore the molecular mechanisms underlying cell function, signal transduction, and gene regulation. Special emphasis is placed on epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, which play crucial roles in gene expression control without altering the underlying DNA sequence. The curriculum also covers developmental biology, focusing on how physiological systems—such as the nervous, muscular, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems—develop and adapt over time.
Students gain practical skills through laboratory work, including techniques for analyzing epigenetic changes, gene expression profiling, and physiological measurements. The program combines theoretical courses with research projects, providing students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge laboratory methods, data analysis, and experimental design. This prepares graduates for careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology, or further academic pursuits.
The multidisciplinary approach of the PHED program encourages students to think critically at the interface of biology, medicine, and environmental science. It aims to develop professionals capable of investigating complex biological questions related to development, health, and disease. The program also emphasizes the importance of translational research, aiming to bridge laboratory findings with clinical applications to improve diagnostics, therapeutics, and personalized medicine.
Students enrolled in this program benefit from the university’s strong research environment and collaborations with national and international institutions. Graduates leave with a solid foundation in physiological and epigenetic research, equipped with analytical skills and scientific understanding necessary to contribute innovatively to advances in biomedical sciences. The PHED program is ideal for students passionate about exploring the molecular basis of development and diseases and seeking to make impactful contributions to science and medicine.
The Physiology Epigenetics Development (PHED) Master's program at Université Grenoble Alpes is designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and advanced skills in the fields of physiology, epigenetics, and developmental biology. Applicants are expected to hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as biology, biochemistry, medicine, or a related health sciences field. Prior coursework should include foundational subjects like cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and physiology to ensure students are well-prepared for the advanced content of the program.
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as the program is offered in English, and applicants must demonstrate language skills through standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, or at least equivalent evidence of proficiency. Additionally, for many applicants, motivation and a clear research interest in areas such as epigenetic mechanisms, developmental processes, or physiological systems are essential. Candidates with research experience, including laboratory work or scientific publications, are highly regarded.
Applicants are required to submit a completed application form, including academic transcripts from their prior studies, a curriculum vitae (CV), a personal statement or motivation letter explaining their interest in the program and research objectives, and letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees familiar with their capabilities.
Interviews may be conducted as part of the selection process to assess the applicant’s motivation, academic background, and potential for research success. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, and students are expected to engage in coursework, laboratory training, and independent research projects. Access to state-of-the-art facilities and collaborations with research laboratories at Université Grenoble Alpes enhances the learning experience.
Graduates are equipped with a deep understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying development and epigenetics, preparing them for careers in research, biotechnology, healthcare, or further doctoral studies. The program values diversity and international perspectives, encouraging applications from students worldwide who meet the above criteria.
Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.
- ✔️ Flexible study schedule
- ✔️ Experienced teachers
- ✔️ Certificate upon completion
📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.
The financing of the Physiology Epigenetics Development (PHED) program at Université Grenoble Alpes is primarily supported through a combination of public funding, university resources, and student contributions. The program benefits from national and regional grants aimed at promoting research and higher education in biomedical sciences, along with specific funding allocated for interdisciplinary and innovative fields such as epigenetics and developmental physiology. French government initiatives, including the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, provide subsidies for doctoral training and research projects within this program.
Moreover, the university itself allocates funds toward the maintenance of specialized laboratories and research infrastructure necessary for advanced study and experimentation in physiology and epigenetics. Students enrolled in the program may also have access to scholarships, grants, and financial aid provided by both the university and external organizations. These financial supports are designed to assist students in covering tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs during their studies. Funding opportunities are often available through national agencies such as the French National Research Agency (ANR), which supports scientific projects aligned with the program’s research themes.
International students may also be eligible for specific scholarships or funding programs facilitated by the university or through bilateral agreements between France and their home countries. Additionally, the program encourages students to apply for research grants and assistantships that provide stipends, allowing them to gain valuable teaching or research experience while supporting their studies financially. Overall, the financial framework of the PHED program is structured to ensure the accessibility and sustainability of high-quality education and research in the fields of physiology, epigenetics, and development, aligning with France's national priorities for scientific advancement and higher education excellence.
The Physiology Epigenetics Development (PHED) program at Université Grenoble Alpes offers students an in-depth exploration of the biological mechanisms underlying human development, health, and disease. This multidisciplinary program integrates advanced knowledge in physiology, molecular biology, genetics, and epigenetics to provide a comprehensive understanding of how genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors influence biological functions across different stages of development. Students will learn about cellular and molecular processes that govern physiological regulation and the ways epigenetic modifications can impact gene expression without altering DNA sequences. The program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in research, healthcare, biotechnological industries, or further academic study.
Throughout the course, students will engage in theoretical coursework complemented by practical laboratory work, including experiments on gene regulation, molecular techniques, and animal or cell models. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, combining biology, medicine, and biochemistry to tackle complex questions related to human health and development. Topics covered include developmental biology, regenerative medicine, neurobiology, cardiovascular physiology, and the role of epigenetic modifications in diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, and metabolic syndromes.
The program benefits from cutting-edge research facilities and collaborations with research institutes, providing students with opportunities to participate in ongoing scientific projects. Internships and project work are often incorporated into the curriculum to foster hands-on experience and industry readiness. Graduates of the PHED program gain a solid foundation in modern biotechnological and biomedical techniques, preparing them for careers in scientific research, clinical applications, or doctoral studies. The program is particularly suited for students interested in the molecular mechanisms that influence development, health, and disease, and those eager to contribute to innovations in personalized medicine and epigenetic therapies.