Biological Engineering – Work-Study Engineering Degree

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  • Introduction
  • Admission
  • Program
  • What's next ?
    • Dipl?me d'ingénieur en Génie biologique – Apprentissage 4ème année
    • Dipl?me d'ingénieur en Génie biologique - Apprentissage 5ème année
    • Dipl?me d'ingénieur en Génie biologique – Apprentissage 3ème année

Details

Published on 03 April 2026

Introduction


Biological Engineering via Work-Study

The Biological Engineering Department at Polytech Clermont aims to train high-level generalist engineers capable of analyzing, evaluating, innovating, implementing, and managing production systems for industries involving living materials. Given the diversity of challenges to be addressed, graduates must possess strong scientific, technical, human, and economic skills covering all areas related to the processing of living or life-derived matter. The program enables graduates to adapt to a wide variety of professional situations, reflecting the richness of both industrial and service sectors in France and internationally.
 

Engineers certified in the Biological Engineering specialization at Polytech Clermont are equipped to optimize the interfaces between scientific disciplines in order to develop sustainable biotechnologies for industrial applications, including innovations in diagnostics, treatment, and disease prevention, the design of new bio-based materials, and the development of new processes for environmental purposes (bioenergy and biorefining). They acquire techniques for identifying and modifying raw materials and/or biocatalysts, as well as the tools necessary for designing and managing a production process for a product from conception to packaging. Constraints related to regulations, environmental standards, sustainability, and quality assurance are central to the training.
  

In line with this, and within the framework of France 2030 Objective 3 “Decarbonize Industry” – Bio-based Products and Biotechnology axis, the CMA-BIORAF project (Skills and Future Professions), led by Polytech Clermont, emphasizes the commitment to develop new expertise in the field of biorefineries. The work-study program thus aims to offer an engineering curriculum that integrates all biorefinery processes, from biomass characterization to valorization, in a comprehensive and coherent approach.
 

Objectives

Biological Engineering is a very broad disciplinary field covering all stages of a process based on the use of living or life-derived materials. Emerging professions in the field of biological engineering involve understanding, designing, and implementing processes that use biological materials and systems to produce products beneficial to society. Mastery of sustainable biotechnologies and bioprocesses at an industrial scale is a competitive advantage for engineers certified in biological engineering, who must operate at the interfaces of numerous disciplines.

The Biological Engineering Department at Polytech Clermont provides a generalist training in Engineering of Innovative and Sustainable Biotechnologies and Bioprocesses. It enables certified engineers to move and evolve from one application area to another within industries using biotechnologies, including synthetic biology, agri-food, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, cosmetics, and environmental sectors.
     

Person in charge of the academic program

  • M. Cedric CHAUVIERE
  • M. Guillaume PIERRE
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Admission

  • Prerequisites training

    The Biological Engineering program recruits for the engineering cycle:
     
    - Students from preparatory classes (CPGE): BCPST, PC, TB
    - Students from the PeiP preparatory program
    - Students from L2 or L3 undergraduate levels
    - Students from BUT programs with a profile suitable for the training
    - Other students with a Bac+2 or Bac+3 background whose profile matches the program

  • Conditions of applications

    Learn more about the application procedures

Program

Les informations ci-dessous sont données à titre indicatif et peuvent faire l'objet de mises à jour.

Content of the academic programm

This program trains versatile engineers in the fields of biotechnology, healthcare, environment, and agro-industry.

Thanks to the work-study format, students gain hands-on experience in the professional realities of the sector, while developing highly sought-after scientific and technical skills.
   

A win-win approach

  • For the student, the goal of the work-study contract is to acquire professional qualifications while completing the requirements for the engineering degree. Students are remunerated as a percentage of the minimum wage (SMIC) according to their age. To know the exact remuneration students are entitled to, please refer to the Ministry website.
  • For the company, it is an opportunity to train a future employee according to its needs, transfer expertise, showcase its professions as a training company, while benefiting from financial aid and reduced salary costs.

Eligibility

The apprenticeship contract is intended for:

  • Students aged 16 to 29 admitted to the engineering cycle,
  • Employers committed to providing the apprentice, in addition to remuneration, with a full professional training delivered partly in the company and partly at the training center.

Students with disabilities who wish to sign an apprenticeship contract are supported. See the available measures HERE.
   

Assessment methods

  • This program includes one work-study report with an oral defense per semester.
  • These assessments are complemented by all evaluations conducted by instructors as part of continuous assessment.

Schedule

The three-year program alternates periods in the company (88 weeks) and at Polytech Clermont on the Aubiè re campus (64 weeks). Link to the provisional 2026-2027 schedule.

A mandatory international stay (minimum 12 weeks) is scheduled at the end of the second year.
   

Funding

Training costs, covered by the company, include tuition fees and the cost of the program at Polytech Clermont. Part or all of the training cost may be covered by the company’s relevant Skills Operator (OPCO).

Contacts

  

What's next ?

Level of education obtained after completion

Year of high school graduation

Bac +5

Job opening

Business sector or job

  • Biotechnology, environmental, or applied research engineer
  • Quality / Safety / Production Project Manager
  • Bio-industry or pharmaceutical engineer

Activity Sectors

  • Pharmaceutical industries
  • Cosmetics industries
  • Agri-food industries
  • Energy and Environmental sector
  • Healthcare sector
  • Consulting sector
  • Logistics

Job Types

  • R&D Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Head of Studies
  • Process (Bio) Engineer, Industrial Production Engineer
  • QHSE Engineer
  • Regulatory Affairs Engineer
  • Methods and Industrialization Engineer
  • Continuous Improvement Engineer
  • Industrial Maintenance Engineer, Studies & Consulting
  • Start-up Director
  • Logistics Engineer