1. Is Marie and Louis Pasteur University a public university?
+A: Yes. Marie and Louis Pasteur University is a recognised public university in France.
The Faculty of Health Sciences at Marie and Louis Pasteur University is one of France's respected public medical schools, recognised for excellence in medical education, biomedical research, clinical training, and healthcare innovation. Located in Besançon, France, the faculty prepares future physicians through a comprehensive curriculum that combines biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, scientific research, digital healthcare, and patient-centred medical practice.
The university carries forward a long tradition of higher education in the BourgogneâFranche-ComtĂŠ region and honours the scientific legacy of Louis Pasteur, one of the pioneers of modern microbiology and immunology. The Faculty of Health Sciences continues this tradition by integrating research, innovation, and modern medical education while maintaining strong partnerships with regional healthcare institutions.
The medical programme follows the French higher education framework regulated by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Students complete six years of undergraduate medical education before progressing to the French national residency selection process. Throughout the programme, students receive comprehensive education in biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, communication skills, ethics, public health, and evidence-based healthcare.
Students begin with foundational biomedical sciences including anatomy, histology, embryology, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, immunology, pathology, pharmacology, neuroscience, epidemiology, behavioural sciences, public health, medical ethics, and scientific methodology. These disciplines provide the scientific knowledge necessary before entering clinical medicine.
Teaching combines lectures, anatomy laboratories, biomedical practical sessions, simulation-based learning, clinical skills workshops, seminars, digital learning platforms, case-based discussions, problem-based learning, and small-group tutorials. Students progressively strengthen analytical thinking, communication skills, teamwork, professionalism, and clinical reasoning throughout their education.
The curriculum promotes patient-centred healthcare by integrating scientific education with practical clinical experience. Students develop competencies in disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, healthcare quality improvement, patient safety, and ethical clinical decision-making while understanding the wider responsibilities of physicians.
Clinical education is delivered primarily through the Besançon University Hospital (CHU de Besançon) and affiliated healthcare institutions. Students gradually transition from classroom learning to supervised patient care while working alongside experienced physicians, surgeons, nurses, researchers, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
Clinical rotations include internal medicine, general surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, cardiology, neurology, orthopaedics, emergency medicine, anaesthesiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, ENT, radiology, oncology, nephrology, endocrinology, respiratory medicine, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, geriatrics, rehabilitation medicine, family medicine, and community healthcare.
Students actively participate in ward rounds, outpatient consultations, emergency departments, operating theatres, multidisciplinary meetings, diagnostic investigations, patient interviews, and supervised patient management. Clinical responsibilities increase progressively throughout the programme to prepare students for residency training and independent medical practice.
Simulation-based education strengthens practical learning through advanced clinical skills laboratories equipped with patient simulators, emergency medicine laboratories, procedural laboratories, consultation rooms, surgical simulation facilities, and digital healthcare technologies. Students develop practical confidence before entering direct patient care.
Biomedical research is a major strength of the faculty. Students participate in research involving microbiology, infectious diseases, oncology, neuroscience, cardiovascular medicine, molecular medicine, genetics, immunology, pharmacology, epidemiology, biomedical engineering, precision medicine, digital medicine, regenerative medicine, ageing research, and public health. These research activities strengthen scientific thinking and evidence-based clinical practice.
The faculty collaborates extensively with hospitals, research institutes, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical organisations, healthcare providers, and international universities. These collaborations encourage scientific innovation, interdisciplinary education, international exchange, and healthcare research.
Students also study healthcare leadership, evidence-based medicine, patient safety, healthcare quality improvement, healthcare law, medical ethics, digital health, public health, and interprofessional collaboration throughout the curriculum.
Educational facilities include anatomy laboratories, biomedical research centres, simulation laboratories, clinical skills centres, specialised research institutes, digital learning environments, modern medical libraries, and university teaching hospitals equipped with advanced healthcare technologies.
Student life includes scientific societies, medical associations, research groups, international exchange opportunities, volunteering initiatives, cultural organisations, sports facilities, leadership programmes, and academic mentoring. Students receive comprehensive academic and professional support throughout their medical education.
Graduates pursue residency training, specialist medical practice, biomedical research, academic medicine, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, healthcare administration, public health, and international medical careers after completing the French residency selection process.
Today, the Faculty of Health Sciences continues to strengthen its reputation through high-quality medical education, internationally recognised research, advanced clinical partnerships, and innovation in healthcare education.
