Teaching method

. Features favouring interdisciplinarity :

The Master’s in chemistry and materials science is intrinsically intedisciplinary, since it is located at the interface between chemistry and physics. It features a comprehensive base allowing the student to acquire the basics of the main application fields of applied chemistry and physics, a training through practice and cutting edge research, and various options in each field of chemistry and materials technology : polymers and macromolecules, inorganic materials and processes, mechanics of materials, chemical engineering, nanotechnology, optics, and environment and sustainable development. An integration of biotechnologies is ensured via the option in bio-materials et bio-processes, whereas management is included via options in management and the launching of small and medium-sized companies. The curriculum features a significant number of PHYS (or PHY), CHIM (or CHM), BIOL, INIS, INMA, MECA, ELEC, AMCO, BRNA and BIR courses, which testifies as to the determination to be trans-disciplinary . What’s more, the curriculum permits to chooses up to  40 elective credits from amongst the UCL exact or medical sciences curricula, and up to 6 credits in the humanities, which allows a student to customize a curriculum depending on personal choices.  

. 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-technical competencies. A salient feature of the curriculum is the immersion of students in the research laboratories of the various instructors (during teaching laboratory sessions, case studies, projects and final thesis), which allows them to become familiar with up-to-date  methods in the related fields, and to learn through the questioning approach which is inherent to research.  An optional 10-credit training period, to be performed for at least 2 months in a research centre or a company, will allow a motivated student to experience a professional environment.  

. 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, experimental laboratory work, computer simulations, teachware, industrial or research training, visits to industries, 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, etc.

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.

Detailement assessment rules will be made clear by each individual instructor, at the first lecture.