Sciences de la Matière is a Bachelors (BSc) and Masters (MSc) degree program in Physics and ChemistryUniversité Claude Bernard Lyon-1 and the Ecole Normale Supérieure de LyonUniversity of Lyon. offered jointly by the under the umbrella of the
It begins at the 3rd year of the BSc. (Licence L3) and continues into a two-year Masters program (M1 and M2). The L3 year of Sciences de la Matière concentrates on the fundamentals of the natural sciences that are essential for modern programmes in Physics and Chemistry: quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, mathematics for physical sciences, fundamentals of physical, organic and inorganic chemistry, computer modelling and extensive experimental projects are key elements which prepare students for enrolment in the MSc programme. Our Masters degree directly competes with the World’s leading MSc programmes, preparing our students for a career either in research in Physics and Chemistry or for a range of jobs requiring advanced problem solving skills. L3 is also an excellent preparation for students who choose to pursue an MSc degree in Physics or Chemistry elsewhere in France or abroad.
L3 Sciences de la Matière offers :
· Courses common to students majoring in Physics and Chemistry such as statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, or atomic and molecular structure providing an extensive base in the fundamental mechanisms of microsopic science, together with courses developing technical and communication skills such as mathematics, computer sciences and English.
· Specialized courses in Physics and Chemistry from the very first semester for students in each discipline, such as experimental projects in Physics and Chemistry, Lagrangian mechanics, optics, electromagnetism, synthetic organic chemistry, methods for physical chemistry, …
· A two month summer research project carried out in a research laboratory in France or abroad. This is one of the highlights of the L3 year giving students a first taste of cutting edge research in a subject area of their choice. Many research groups of international reputation regularly accept our L3 students for research projects. The response is overwhelmingly positive with both students and project directors finding the experience productive and enriching.
· Optional courses : students choose a minimum of one optional course from a wide range of possibilities. Example choices include a course covering a hot current research topic in Physics and/or Chemistry that changes annually, an introductory class in molecular biology, additional courses from the Mathematics department, courses in the history of science, as well as many other possibilities. Top students often choose several supplementary options.
· Students enrolling in “Sciences de la Matière” come from many different backgrounds with different levels of technical and mathematical skills. In order to bring all the students up to the standard demanded for the Masters programme we offer a series of basic courses covering material at the level of the 1st and 2nd year of an advanced BSc degree, such as thermodynamics, elementary mathematics for the natural sciences and electromagnetism, as well as support tutorials in quantum and statistical mechanics. The teaching committee decides, in each case, which courses are necessary based on the background of the student.
- Main courses are in French but support tutorials can be proposed in English. Students have the option of writing exams in French or in English.
About 70 to 80 students are recruited each year into the Sciences de la Matière programme. Half of these are students are admitted through a competitive entrance examination allowing them four years of study with a full salary. The other half are selected from students applying from French Universities, undergraduate colleges (“classes preparatoires”) and from Universities worldwide. They must have at least two years post high school education at the BSc level. Applications can be made by following the instructions on the Sciences de la Matière web site. A small number of study scolarships are available and the Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon is open to foreign students.
The L3 "Sciences de la Matière : Physics and Chemistry" major was designed to prepare students who wish to pursue the Master's degree of "Sciences de la Matière : Physics and Chemistry" , a high level generalist Master's degree for research or post-secondary teaching careers.
The L3 "Sciences de la Matière : Physics and Chemistry" major is also useful for those who whish to pursue other Master's degrees of Physics or Chemistry both in France or abroad.
There are about 70 to 80 students in each intake. Half of the entering class are students from the Ecole Normale Supérieure of Lyon, who are selected through a competitive exam. The other half of the intake is selected after attending preparatory classes for engineering schools or after the second year of a university Bachelors's program.
Instructions to candidates are on the on the Sciences de la Matière web site.
