Integrated preparatory classes (Year 1 & 2)
Bachelor Year 1 & 2: two years to pick up the fundamental skills of engineering, called preparatory cycle.
As per the tradition of French engineering schools, E.P.I.T.A. begins with integrated preparatory classes (Year 1 & 2).
Inspired by the concept of traditional scientific preparatory classes, E.P.I.T.A.’s prep classes are modern and dynamic and characterized by the students’ shared passion: computing and information technologies.
A customized program for future IT engineers
Mathematics, which is essential for IT engineers, is given considerable weight. Physics and electronics are also studied.
Computer science (algorithmic, languages, programming, computer architecture, digital electronics) pave the way for the engineering years.
Initial projects are already set up to prepare students for engineering activities. English skills, written and spoken skills, general knowledge, and economics are developed to complement the basic skills of the future IT engineer. Students are already part of E.P.I.T.A.
1st year, first projects: Info Sup
During the 1st year, the topic is game design, with game graphics and 3D engines, developed under Windows, Object Pascal, Delphi and/or Caml. Scenarios, graphics, and sounds are chosen, then input and output devices are programmed.
Games have to be based on networks and be of near-professional quality. Result: Quake-like, Marble madness-like, GTA-like games.
2nd year: Info Spé
A different environment (Unix, Mac OS, Linux, Palm OS), often with a multi-platform purpose. The 2nd year is no longer about games but about strategy, with notions of Artificial Intelligence.
The result is utility programs (Photoshop-like programs), 3D modeling software (like 3D studio), Winamp-like programs (mpeg3 player) and OCR programs. These are developed using C, C++ or Caml.
In both cases, projects are carried out in groups of 4. The work handed in at the end is of professional quality, burned on a CD with a cover and user guide.
3rd year Bachelor: project culture, openness and customized tracks: ING1
During the 3rd year, students learn the theoretical bases of IT and how to apply them through many projects, so as to be as close to the reality of engineering as possible. In addition to the scientific and technological classes, students learn about business methods and tools: management, law, marketing, communication, strategy, quality, organization, foreign languages, etc.
At the end of the 1st year, students have the skills required to join a company as an intern: understanding and complying with specifications, developing and managing a project, carrying out research and presenting one’s work, etc.
The study structure is consistent with European standards, with studies divided into semesters, the accumulation of learning outcomes and ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation system).
Semesters and modules
Regular course assessment to help students and their families check progress made in terms of knowledge and skills.
The program is split into semesters and into modules, in which subjects may offset one another, as long as a certain minimum grade has been validated. In accordance with the European higher education system (LMD), ECTS credits are awarded and accumulated for each module validated. Each semester is worth 30 credits.
Social skills
Social skills are also given considerable weight and are assessed in terms of associative activities (sports, music, etc.), communication activities and educational relations.
Customized training
The teachers at the school are very much concerned that everyone should be successful in their studies and therefore, tutoring sessions are organized on demand for students who are having trouble coping. Customized training is also available for students encountering methodology issues. Finally, student-to-student tutoring is much appreciated, as older students are able to give advice to and reassure newcomers.
University of Nantes
Eurecom
COLLEGE DE PARIS
Cergy-Pontoise University
Paris Dauphine University
IPSA
