The MICAS Master’s program focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying chronic diseases (neurological, inflammatory, and metabolic) and their modulation by the gut microbiota and nutrition.
This dual expertise enables students to explore the interactions between diet, the gut microbiota, and the mechanisms of neurodigestive pathophysiology through an integrated and interdisciplinary approach. MICAS investigates the interactions between the intestine, associated organs, and the brain, with a strong focus on nutrition.
The program places particular emphasis on preventive nutrition and the DoHAD concept (Developmental Origins of Health and Disease), in order to better understand the early determinants of health and preserve proper organ function.
Based in Nantes, the program 
relies on the recognized scientific expertise of the laboratories TENS and PHAN in neurobiology, microbiota research, gastroenterology, metabolism, allergology, nutrition, biomedicine, bioinformatics, and systems biology.
Year 1: From Health and Disease to the Bench
Students are introduced to the latest scientific and methodological advances, mobilizing diverse resources to understand health and disease mechanisms and to translate them into experimental approaches.
Year 2: From the Laboratory to Health and Disease
This year focuses on pathophysiology, prevention, and therapy, as well as scientific and clinical evidence of the effects of nutrition and the microbiota on health and disease.
During this year, students are encouraged to gain professional immersion in their field of interest, either through industry-based training (apprenticeship) or through placements in academic or industrial research laboratories.
Depending on their professional goals, graduates may: Enter professional sectors related to nutrition and health,
Pursue a PhD, or for students with medical or paramedical backgrounds, strengthen their understanding of nutrition and microbiota in clinical care and medical practice.
Scientific Areas of Expertise in the MICAS Programme
- Enteric nervous system and intestinal diseases
- Gut microbiota and its relationship with intestinal and central nervous system disorders
- Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DoHAD)
- Preventive effects of nutrition on microbiota modulation, chronic diseases, neurodevelopment, and behavior
- Metabolism and metabolic diseases related to the gut–liver axis, gut–brain axis, and gut–adipose tissue axis
Over the two-year program, students can tailor their training toward clinical research, experimental research, or omics data analysis.
Experimental Research : Designed for students who wish to pursue careers in academic research or biomedical research in industry.
- Develops key skills in scientific methodology, experimental approaches, and critical data analysis in life and health sciences
- Emphasizes experimental design, laboratory techniques, and rigorous interpretation of scientific results
Clinical Research : Designed for students who want to translate today’s knowledge into tomorrow’s therapies.
- Develops skills required to understand pathophysiological mechanisms, design and conduct clinical studies, and evaluate new treatments or medical devices
- Emphasizes clinical trial methodology, clinical data analysis, and health regulations
Omics Data Research and Analysis : Designed for students interested in bioinformatics and omics data analysis.
- Develops expertise in exploring complex relationships between genes, proteins, metabolites, and other biomolecules
- Focuses on multidimensional approaches, advanced computational tools, and integrative interpretation of omics data
Why joining this master ?
- Laboratory immersion from the first year (M1), with the possibility of completing the second year as a traditional program or through apprenticeship
- Courses taught by researchers, faculty members, healthcare professionals, and industry experts (R&D and regulatory affairs)
- Numerous internships in companies and research laboratories
- Training strongly connected to fundamental and translational research
National Partnerships
International Partner Institutions
Mobility Opportunities
The MICAS Master’s program contributes to the funding of incoming and outgoing international mobility.
