Learning outcomes

An essential challenge in the training of electrical engineers is the wide variety of elements that must be mastered, which range from knowledge about hardware and software to technology and mathematics to theoretical experiments in modern electricity and its different disciplines to the ability to use a wide variety of applications on a wide scale from small (such as micro-nano-technology) to big (such as spatial communication).

This programme offers diverse professional perspectives in a variety of industrial sectors: the design and achievement [of a project], installation, real time programming, security, marketing, the analysis of given signals from electronic systems, communication networks, information or receptors, electrical equipment used in industrial production, biomedical transport, aerospace, energy and sustainable development.

This Master’s programme builds on students’ existing knowledge of electricity acquired as part of their Bachelor’s degree program including mathematical and physical approaches to electricity (circuits and measures, electromagnetism, physical electronics) as well as key related fields (electronics, telecommunications, signals, and electrotechnology). By the end of their Master’s programme in electrical engineering (ELEC), students will have acquired (through their major coursework) in-depth knowledge of the following fields: electronics, electromagnetism, communication, information technologies, mathematics, and system design.

In addition, students may choose between a more general type of major and one that is more specialized (such as a major in a specific technological field).

In its entirety, the programme offers an introduction to industrialisation and research as well as to jobs in production and design or doctoral programmes in R&D.

This Master’s programme in electrical engineering is a multipurpose training programme allowing students to acquire expertise in a wide and specialized variety of fields. Its objective is to create engineers who are capable of meeting future technological challenges in the scientific and technical fields linked to electricity and in the context of the rapidly changing circumstances of Europe and the world.

On successful completion of this programme, each student is able to :

1.Show the mastery of a solid body of knowledge in basic and engineering sciences, permitting him/her to understand and solve problems that are raised by electricity (Axis 1)

1.1 Identify and use concepts, laws and reasoning applicable to a given problem

During the first year of studies, in the required courses for the Master’s degree in ELEC, we aim for a general education through different classes dealing with the following electrical subjects:

  • Methods for mathematics and physics
  • Electronics
  • Communication
  • Signal processing
  • Electrotechnology, energy and automation (EEA)
  • On board computing

In the major fields of study, the courses are specific to professional fields:

  • Nanotechologies
  • Electronic systems and circuits
  • Electric machines and control
  • Electronic security and information technology
  • Communication network systems
  • RF systems
  • Biomedicine

1.2 Identify and use modelling and calculation tools to solve problems

  • Measuring devices
  • Systems of complex equations
  • Calculation and simulation software (Matlab, SPICE)
  • CAO software (Comsol, Synopsys, Cadence, TCAD)

1.3 Verify the plausibility and confirm the validity of results; study them closely, notably by comparing them with experimental and/or theoretical results

Verify the units of different variables and the constituent terms in model equations.
Critically compare analytical/simple/approximate solutions with those obtained by more complex numerical methods.

In the first year of studies (major/minor), classes on electrical circuits and electronics, for example, address the problem of modeling by conducting experiments or simulations and formulating simple hypotheses.

During the Master’s degree programme (common core courses and coursework for the major field of study), simulation (for example: Matlab) is emphasized above all and laboratories are used to carry out projects on the justification and validation of circuit choices, technologies, programmes, protocols.

2.Organise and carry out an applied engineering process applied to the development of a product (and/or a service) corresponding to a need or a problem specific to the field of electricity (Axis 2)

2.1 Analyse a problem based on actual case studies dealt with by electrical engineers (in interdisciplinary projects) such as devices and electronic circuits and formulate corresponding specifications.
2.2 Model a problem and design one or several original technical solutions corresponding to the assignment specifications (i.e. analysis of existing case studies) and projects (based on new specifications).
2.3 Evaluate and classify solutions in light of the criteria found in the specifications, principally in the context of interdisciplinary projects and specific courses (for example MEMS design or micro-nano-manufacturing technologies).
2.4 Implement and test a solution in the form of a mock-up, a prototype or a numerical model in the context of achieving experimental interdisciplinary projects and for certain classes (for example, micro-nano-manufacturing technologies) as well as for numerical modeling (such as MEMS design).
2.5 Formulate recommendations to improve the operation of the solution under review.

3.Organize and carry out research projects in order to learn about a physical phenomenon or a new problem relating to electricity. (Axis 3)

3.1 When confronted with a new problem, explore the field in question by gathering necessary information through the various available resources (library, scientific articles, Internet, research assistants, industry).
3.2 Suggest a representative mathematical model of an underlying phenomenon and then by working either in a laboratory or via a software platform, create a device or programme that allows the experimental or virtual simulation of the system’s behaviour (all the while taking influential parameters into account).
3.3 Write a summary report about the technical aspects of a study in a concise scientific manner; provide an overview of experimental lab results in written reports and suggest possible interpretations of the results.

4.As part of a team, carry out a multidisciplinary project keeping in mind its objectives, allocated resources and relevant constraints. (Axis 4)

4.1 Frame and explain project objectives taking into account the issues and constraints (emergencies, quality, resources, budget) that characterise the project.

4.2 Work collectively to create a project schedule and to determine team member roles in order to successfully carry out the project. This may include the organisation and planning of individual work and that of the team as well as determining the intermediate steps, division of labour, necessary documents, work schedule, and how to integrate your own investigative work into that of the group.

4.3 Work in a multidisciplinary environment in collaboration with other individuals who may hold different points of view or with experts possessing different specialisations all the while being able to put things in perspective in order to overcome any difficulties or conflicts in the team.

4.4 Make team decisions when necessary whether they be about technical solutions or about the division of labour to complete the project.

5.Communicate effectively (speaking or writing in French or a foreign language) with the goal of carrying out assigned projects. (Axis 5)

5.1 Identify the clients’ needs: take up a sizable problem regarding an electronic component or system or communicate the functionalities of an algorithm or software program.
5.2 Present your arguments and convince your interlocutors (technicians, colleagues, clients, superiors) by adopting their language; from the laboratory technician to the research engineer or doctoral researcher, notably in the context of graduation projects (TFE) and experiments or APE with access to technical infrastructures or even industry internships.
5.3 Communicate through graphics and diagrams: interpret a diagram, present work results, structure information.
5.4 Read and analyse different technical documents related to the profession (standards, drawings, specifications); for example, circuit or component data sheets, communication protocols, electrical standards.
5.5 Draft a document that takes into account contextual requirements and the target audience: the specifications for an industrial project, the minutes for a project meeting, internship reports, graduation projects (TFE), etc.
5.6 Use modern communication techniques to give scientific and/or technical oral presentations in French and in English and respond to diverse questions (general or specific) generated by your presentation.

6.Demonstrate rigor, openness and critical and ethical awareness in your work: validate the socio-technical relevance of a hypothesis or a solution. (Axis 6)

6.1 Rigorously apply the field’s standards (terms, units of measure, quality standards and security).

6.2 Find solutions that go beyond strictly technical issues by considering sustainable development and the socio-economic ethics of a project (for example, in the fields of photovoltaic cells or biomedical applications)

6.3 Demonstrate critical awareness of a technical solution in order to verify its robustness and minimize the risks that may occur during implementation. For example, the development of a solution that impacts work conditions or users’ life in the biomedical field

6.4 Evaluate the knowledge necessary to carry out a project and independently include knowledge that has not been addressed explicitly in the course programme.