Objectifs :
Presentation of life in extreme environments, which constitute the majority of the biosphere and are therefore an essential subject for research and industry.

The introduction will start from an anthropocentric vision and move towards an objective definition that takes into account the historical aspects, evolution and complexity of life in these environments. Different environments will be studied, from a biological and methodological point of view, focusing on the diversity, adaptation and evolution of metazoans and microorganisms (human adaptation to extreme environments will not be covered). A final round-table discussion will address the current questions and issues on extreme environments, as well as the professional landscape in this field.

Programme :
Day 1 Morning What is an extreme environment? from a historical perspective to a present-day definition
Day 1 Afternoon Life in deep ocean ecosystems (symbiosis and adaptations)
Day 2 Morning Life in hypersaline ecosystems
Day 2 Afternoon Life in polar regions, in the caves or in the deserts (depending on availability of guest lecturers)
Day 3 Morning Lab work 1 – methods for studying halophiles, thermophiles
Day 3 Afternoon Lab work 2 – methods for studying barophiles
Day 4 Morning Life in the clouds
Day 4 Afternoon Unexpected extreme environments / Cryptobiose
Day 5 Morning Exobiology (radiation, planetary conditions)
Day 5 Afternoon Round Table –
Discussion on current topics and challenges concerning extreme environments (based on selected articles): definition, limits & origins of life; bioinspiration from extremophiles; extreme environments and global change; exploitation of resources from extreme environments; working with extreme environments: stakeholders and financing.

Pré-requis :
Basic knowledge in biology and biochemistry

Equipe pédagogique :
Adrienne KISH - MCF HDR MNHN Sébastien DUPERRON - PR. MNHN Juliette RAVAUX - MCF HDR SU

Méthode pédagogique :
lectures, lab work, round table

Compétences acquises à l'issue de la formation :
At the end of this course, students will be able to analyze and discuss current scientific issues relevant to life in extreme environments and how they are studied, and have acquired knowledge of the field, associated positions, and funding entities.

La formation participe à l'objectif suivant :conforter la culture scientifique des doctorants dans leur champ disciplinaire ou en interdisciplinaire