Teaching method

. Features favouring interdisciplinarity :

The curriculum of the Master’s in Applied mathematics engineering is intrinsically interdisciplinary. It aims to provide students with a training in mathematical modelling which is then implemented in the various disciplines of engineering, as well as in other walks of life in society, such as economics, environmental sciences or life sciences. In particular, the wide range of electives, some depending on other departments (Information and data processing, modelling and simulation of physical processes) or even other faculties (Financial mathematics, Biomedical engineering, Economics and econometrics, Statistics), will naturally contribute to strengthening this interdisciplinarity.

The final thesis, when carried out outside the department of engineering mathematics (which is often the case), is yet another source of interdisciplinarity.

. Variety of teaching situations

The pedagogy implemented in the engineering Master’s curriculum is aligned with that of the engineering Bachelor’s curriculum: active learning, a balanced mix of group and individual work, and substantial time devoted to the development of non-techical competencies.

The final thesis amounts to half of the workload of the final year ; it offers the possibility to thoroughly investigate a given subject and, through its mere volume and context, can be considered as a genuine introduction to the professional life of an engineer or a researcher. This activity can be carried out :

- either on a subject directly related to one or many basic disciplines of applied mathematics and its applications, within a research team of the department of mathematical engineering (possibly in cooperation with an external industrial partner),

- or else on a subject involving applied mathematics in some other department of the Faculty of applied sciences, or the Faculties of science, economics, management or actuarial science.

. Variety of learning situations :

The student will encounter a variety of pedagogical tools tailored to the various disciplines : formal lectures, individual projects in small groups, tutorials, project-based learning, case studies, imposed readings, experimental laboratory work, computer simulations, teachware, industrial or research training, individual and group work, seminars given by outside scientists, etc.

This variety of situations will help students to build their knowledge in an iterative and progressive manner, while developing their autonomy, organizational skills, time management, and capacity to use various modes of communication, …The most advanced computer equipment (hardware, software, networks) is made available to assist students in their work.

The company launching specialization is based on an interactive approach and problem-based learning. Throughout the curriculum, students are required to perform group activities in multi-disciplinary groups. The final thesis is also multi-disciplinary and designed in such a way that groups of three students, ideally from three different faculties, should work on a company launching project.

All learning activities are assessed as prescribed by the University internal regulations (see exam regulations), viz. written and oral exams, laboratory exams, individual or group work, public presentation of projects and final thesis.