First year

Prerequisite phase

 To cater for the substantial differences that exist between the programmes conducted in "classes préparatoires", a phase of prerequisite in mathematics is scheduled at the start of the common core (Hilbert space, Matlab project (MP), topology and analyses (PC/Pt), topology, Matlab project (PSI) and a refresher course in mathematics (PT)). 

A common core

 The major part of the 1st year’s programme involves a major common core in basic sciences (September to April):  

  • mathematics (vectorial analyses, complex analyses, functional analyses, harmonic analyses, partial derivative equations and probabilities),
  • physics (quantum mechanics, electronics, optics, laser physics),
  • mechanics and thermodynamics (general thermodynamics, continuous mechanics, mechanics of deformable solids, general mechanics, fluid mechanics and aerodynamics, flight dynamics),
  • information technology (system access, algorithms and programming). 

It is also during the common core that two courses in labwork are conducted with two-student teams, generally being run in the School’s laboratories. All the courses described above constitute the “scientific common core”. 

The common core also includes a large volume of non-science related disciplines, also essential to a Graduate Program: 

  • economics – management (enterprise simulation gameplay and company economics),
  • seminars in general culture (one option to be chosen from among nine),
  • an outline of the history of science,
  • compulsory courses in English and another modern language (to be selected from among nine available),
  • sessions in three sports disciplines according to choice, one for each quarter. 

Chosen Electives

 The year ends with two months of chosen electives (end of April – end of June). Students have a choice between four electives or minors (80 hours):

  • flight dynamics,
  • artificial intelligence & information technology basics,
  • mathematics & economics,
  • physics (astrophysics or nanosciences). 

Short Research Project

 Independently of their choice of major, students must also conduct a short project. This is done individually, in pairs or, very exceptionally, in threes, with the project for the 1st year being divided up into several disciplinary fields or “poles”. Students choose their subjects freely on condition that these are accepted by a member of faculty staff responsible for the “pole” who will direct and validate the choice.

 

Aeronautical activities

 All students have an initiation flight on a TB20 and have access to basic pilot’s training; selected pupils can follow more comprehensive training that mostly leads to them obtaining a private pilot's licence.

 

Optional subjects

 In addition, besides training in a third or even a fourth modern language, a number of optional subjects are offered during the first two years, going from training in first aid to a plastic arts workshop, and initiation to office automation tools for the engineer and Matlab software.

 

Enterprise internship

 Lastly, between the 1st and 2nd year, students follow an internship in an enterprise important for understanding workplace relations where they have to work in a subordinate operational capacity.