The first year (M1) is common to all students enrolled in the Master in Mechanics who intend to specialise in a second-year (M2) programme related to mechanics, energetics, or biomechanics, whether with a professional focus (specialisation in Modelling and Applications in Mechanics) or a research focus (specialisations in Fluid Mechanics, Biomechanics, Structural and Systems Dynamics, Tribology and Surface Engineering, Mechanics of Materials and Processes).
This first year is primarily dedicated to acquiring fundamental knowledge in fluid mechanics and energetics, structural mechanics, vibrations, and numerical methods. Professionalisation begins in the first semester with a choice of an “integrative project” spanning the entire year (bibliographic research in semester 1, project implementation in semester 2). It is further emphasised in semester 2 with a greater number of short projects, as well as courses in English, communication, and socio-economics.
The biomechanics track in the second year (M2) integrates engineering sciences with life sciences.
The aim of this programme is to deepen the scientific foundations necessary for the analysis and modelling of the musculoskeletal system, depending on students’ prior education (in science or health). The applications of this training are numerous: rheumatology, traumatology, orthopaedics, sports medicine, disability treatment, as well as the protection of transport users in the event of collisions and the improvement of ergonomics and comfort in vehicles or workplaces. The teaching is highly multidisciplinary and strongly relies on experimental analyses.
This programme aims to provide a broad skill set, ranging from fundamental analysis (for example, understanding the mechanical behaviour of biological tissues or using specific numerical methods in fast dynamics) to practical knowledge such as the collection and appropriate use of accidentology data, and the regulatory and ethical aspects of experimentation on animals and humans.
It also allows students to gain advanced knowledge in the use of computational codes employed in industry and research within the field of biomechanics.
The programme prepares graduates for roles in the research sector, hospitals, healthcare centres, or private companies in biomedical engineering, health technologies, and related fields.
Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory visits, and conferences. Coursework based on scientific publications is also integrated into several modules (e.g., Research Methodology in Biomechanics, Fundamentals of Biological Tissue Behaviour). Additionally, a 4- to 6-month research internship is included (Module: Research Internship MEGA, S4). This internship is supervised by a thesis supervisor within one of the research units supporting the programme, or potentially in industry. In all cases, the supervisor and research topic are validated by the Master’s academic committee.
A unique feature of this specialisation is the mixing of two types of students (scientific and medical backgrounds) in at least one mandatory module, promoting exchange and the development of a common vocabulary essential for a career in biomechanics. For the remaining four theoretical modules, students select from the modules offered in each track (Health and Science).
Furthermore, to facilitate dual-degree options in the final year of engineering schools, several optional modules from the Science track are included among the scientific modules available in the corresponding engineering curricula.
This programme aims to provide a broad range of skills, from fundamental analysis (for example, understanding the mechanical behaviour of biological tissues or using specific numerical methods in rapid dynamics) to practical knowledge such as the collection and appropriate use of accidentology data, and the regulatory and ethical aspects of experimentation on animals and humans.
The programme also enables students to develop advanced skills in the use of computational codes employed in industry and research within the field of biomechanics.
M1 Admission: Admission to the first year of the Master’s in Mechanics (M1) is granted following selection by the Master’s Admission Committee. Applicants must hold 180 ECTS credits obtained from a generalist STS bachelor’s degree. Applications from candidates with other backgrounds or foreign qualifications are examined by the Master’s Admission Committee.
M2 Admission: Admission to the second year (M2) is granted following review of the application by the pedagogical committee, and, if necessary, an interview. The Admission Committee is composed of the programme director and lecturers from the pathway.
The assessment methods are determined annually by the Board of Governors, on the recommendation of the Council for Studies and University Life.
In the second year (M2), most theoretical modules are assessed through written examinations.
In addition to the preparation of a research internship report and its final oral presentation, an interim report—detailing the bibliography, materials, and methods—together with an oral presentation, is required during the internship as part of the module “Research Methodology in Biomechanics”.
The English module, designed to enable students to achieve a B2-level certification, is common to the entire Master’s programme. A minimum score of 550 on the TOEIC (or equivalent) is required to validate the Master’s degree.
