Physique

Aims :

Content : PHYSICS COURSES ON THE CAMPUS OF ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE

The aim of the courses taught in physics have four main objectives :
1°) Provide the students with a basic scientific culture in modern physics.
2°) Introduce them to the practice of experimentation in the laboratory and to the practice of scientific research.
3°) Prepare them to their subsequent specialized formation either in physics (masters in research) or in technical fields (Engineering institutions).
4°) Make them aware of the many links which relate advanced modern technologies and the progress of basic and applied physics.

The physics courses are taught in two periods :

The first one includes the two first years (cf file PHY300). It is an introduction to the main theories and methods which are the basis of modern physics (quantum and statistical physics, special relativity, variational methods), and to their simplest fields of application. This period also includes an introduction through experiments in the laboratory to a large variety of subjects in physics, materials sciences and modern electronics. Finally, students can also perform, under supervision, a collective project pertaining to physics or electronics.

The third year, organized into two teaching periods and a research training period (cf. file phy 500) includes a more specialized introduction to most major fields of modern physics and of its industrial applications: quantum optics, solid state physics, particle physics, quantum field theory, statistical theory of complex systems, general relativity, astrophysics and planets, geophysics, cross disciplinary subjects (mechanics-physics, biology-physics, chemistry-physics), physics of optical, electronic, and magnetic devices. These courses are a strong basis for further specialized course given in the fourth year (cf file PHY600): research or professional Masters in France or Abroad, Engineering formations.

PHYSICS RESEARCH ON THE CAMPUS OF ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE

Research in the various fields of physics is strongly developed on the Campus of Ecole Polytechnique !

Nearly all the principal domains of research are present, those which are at the heart of physics, but also fields which are shared with related sciences such as biology, chemistry, (technical) mechanics, computer science and mathematics. Even if the fields of activity belonging to fundamental physics are majority, those directed towards applications are also large in number and presently undergo rapid evolution. The main research interests of the nine Laboratories which are associated with the department of physics of Ecole Polytechnique are briefly resumed below.

We have to add to research institutions which joined the campus recently: L'Institut d'Optique Graduate School (IOTA) and Thalès Research and Technology (TRT). More generally, the Saclay plane (plateau de Saclay) comprises a group of research centres - such as CEA-Saclay, the university Paris-Sud (Orsay) and l'ONERA - of exceptional performancce in physics research and of worldwide importance. These research activities imply obviously numerous international collaborations and cooperations.

The physics department wants to strongly encourage the students of Ecole Polytechnique and all students on the campus to profit at the maximum from this exceptional scientific environment. They should contact as often as possible the research staff in the Laboratories and also their academic teachers, and not only on subjects related to their courses. They will discover science at work, and science on the way to prepare tomorrow's technology !

Program Contents :

Année

Laboratoires

Last Modification : Thursday 24 March 2011