Programme content
FROM SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND THE FUNDAMENTAL SCIENCES TO ENGINEERING: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY PROGRAMME
The Master of Science in Engineering Physics allows students with a strong interest in both the fundamental sciences and engineering to pursue a programme at the intersection of science and technology. It is a broad-based programme that spans scientific research, science fundamentals, and engineering. It prepares students for being innovators capable of transforming scientific discoveries into engineering applications that advance technology.
The programme is therefore aimed at students wishing to acquire in-depth knowledge in several fields of the fundamental sciences and engineering, in particular applied physics (mechanics of solids and fluids, physical chemistry, properties of semiconductor, dielectric, and superconducting materials), mathematical and numerical modelling methods, and experimental techniques. Students learn to solve multiphysics problems involving complex interactions between physical phenomena. Significant emphasis is placed on two integrated projects, the first one being focused on mathematical modelling and scientific computing, and the second one leading students to design and carry out an original experiment.
THE MASTER'S DEGREE
The Master of Science in Engineering Physics is taught entirely in English. The 1st block covers courses in applied physics (solid mechanics, physical chemistry, semiconductor devices), mathematical and numerical modelling methods (mathematical methods, high-performance scientific computing, control systems), and experimental techniques (sensors, microfluidics). The 1st block also includes an integrated project dealing with scientific computing, in which students implement in groups a high-performance computing code that solves a physics-based model, as well as an integrated project dealing with experimental techniques, in which each student designs and carries out an original experiment.
In the 2nd block, the programme is structured around a choice of optional courses and the realisation of a master's thesis. The optional courses allow students to deepen their knowledge in a particular focus area, chosen from the area of solids (large deformation of solids, fracture mechanics, biological materials), the area of fluids (instabilities, geophysical fluids, complex fluids), and the area of materials and electronics (superconductors, electrical properties of materials, electrochemical properties of materials for energy conversion and storage, nanoelectronics). The master's thesis can be carried out in a research team at the university, in a research centre, or in industry.
Research Focus
Students choose a specialisation area from one of the following three focus areas:
- fluids,
- solids,
- materials and electronics.
The master's thesis can be carried out in a research team at the university, in a research centre, or in industry. Students complete their programme with optional courses selected from a broad range of choices, thus giving students the opportunity to further develop their multidisciplinary outlook. Overall, the programme thus offers a unique and personalized curriculum at the crossroads of scientific research, science, and technology.
Learning outcomes
FROM SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND THE FUNDAMENTAL SCIENCES TO ENGINEERING: A BROAD SKILL SET THAT CREATES MANY OPPORTUNITIES
The Master of Science in Engineering Physics offers in-depth training in applied physics, mathematical and numerical modelling methods, and experimental techniques. It relates the fundamental study of physical phenomena to their exploitation and practical application for technological innovation in engineering.
The courses in applied physics deal with physical properties and processes at different length scales, ranging from the microscopic world of electronics and nanosystems to macroscopic scales of continuum mechanics of fluids and solids. With the multidisciplinary approach, students learn to solve problems in different fields, as well as multiphysics problems involving complex interactions between physical phenomena. The courses in mathematical and numerical modelling methods and experimental techniques provide students with a strong background in these foundational building blocks for the sciences and engineering, and their application as tools for gaining understanding of physical phenomena and solving engineering problems.
In addition to these fundamentals, the programme stimulates students to develop interdisciplinary collaborations, effective communication, language, and other cross-cutting skills, as well as the ability and curiosity for life-long learning and addressing new problems.
The Master programme
The Master programme includes three focus areas :
- fluids, at spatial scales ranging from microfluidic flows to ocean currents, with an emphasis on the properties of complex fluids and turbulent flows;
- solids, with an emphasis on the links between the microscopic scale and corresponding macroscopic properties and constitutive laws (large deformations, fracture, plasticity, biological and bio-inspired materials);
- materials and electronics, with an emphasis on the electrical and magnetic properties of materials and their application in micro-/nano-/optoelectronics, in the storage and transport of electrical energy, etc.
Career opportunities
This multidisciplinary programme prepares students for a wide range of career choices. Graduates of the Master of Science in Engineering Physics find employment in industry, research and development in industry, research centres, consultancy offices, government agencies, among other opportunities, often in positions in which they innovate, work on new technology projects, and their strong background in both the fundamental sciences and engineering is essential. The programme also prepares students to continue their study and pursue a doctoral degree in cutting-edge research in a university or in industry. Career opportunities exist in a wide variety of sectors: mechanics, scientific computing, materials, electronics, nanotechnologies, physical chemistry, instrumentation, aerospace, biomedical, environment, energy technologies, etc.
Profile
Graduates of the Master of Science in Engineering Physics often work in a multidisciplinary environment, in a team with specialists from different fields of science and engineering, on technological innovation projects. Passionate about science and engineering, they can solve complex multiphysics problems, implement numerical simulations, conduct experiments, design prototypes, ... Employers appreciate their versatility and multidisciplinary outlook, their problem-solving skills grounded in scientific research, the fundamental sciences, and engineering, and their ability and desire to innovate.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the programme, the student will have acquired:
- the ability to innovate, apply new technologies, and exploit recent scientific discoveries to develop cutting-edge engineering applications;
- in-depth knowledge in applied physics, encompassing physical properties and processes at different scales, ranging from the microscopic world of electronics and nanosystems to macroscopic scales of continuum mechanics of fluids and solids;
- in-depth knowledge of mathematical modeling methods, numerical methods, and high-performance scientific computing techniques;
- the ability to design and carry out original experiments, at small scales or involving prototypes;
- the ability to identify, in an engineering application, relevant physical phenomena and their interaction;
- cross-cutting skills required to solve engineering and physics problems, taking into account practical, technical, and economical constraints;
- the ability to lead a multidisciplinary project and establish links between domain specialists;
- the ability to present results in a clear and well-structured manner, orally or in writing;
- the ability to work effectively in a group.