Master of science in Physical Engineering

?Job opportunities directly targeted through the curriculum are

• high-end industrial research

• applied and fundamental scientific research (academic institutions and research centers in Belgium and abroad)

• nuclear industry and associated companies

• nuclear control and medical radiation physics

• medical engineering and technology

• optical telecommunications and photonics

but in practice job opportunities for Physics Engineers are extremely diverse and also include all industrial sectors where physics and applied mathematics are present:

• telecommunications

• environmental technologies

• microelectronics

• data processing

as well as economic sectors where modeling capabilities are particularly appreciated, especially

• the banking and financial sectors

• the insurance sector.

The curriculum in Physics Engineering focuses on providing a thorough understanding of the physical phenomena on which the latest technologies are based in order to fully understand and improve them, and above all to innovate. Curriculum participants need a strong grounding in microscopic physics, which involves studying quantum physics and its applications in atomic, molecular, nuclear and solid state physics. Other major fields of physics such as optics and acoustics are also covered, as are advanced mathematics and information technology since they are required for an understanding of modern physics. The curriculum has a broad approach so that successful graduates can seek employment in a number of different fields.

The Physics-Engineering curriculum is ideally started from the third year of the bachelor degree, with an optional course module in physics. The latter consists in teachings in mathematics, numerical analysis and quantum physics complementary to the ones taught in the first two years, together with introductory courses to solid-state, semiconductor and optics physics. The Physics-Engineering master is however accessible to engineering bachelors with other orientations, provided these few prerequisites are met by the student.

The Master curriculum itself consists in a first mandatory year, with teaching modules in applied mathematics, microscopic physics, physical and nuclear engineering, as well as a technical project taking place outside the University, possibly as an internship or in development aid. The second year consists in a master thesis, a true introduction to scientific or technical research being conducted inside the École polytechnique or outside (industry, research centre, other faculty or university...). The courses are organised around two main directions,

• quantum engineering and photonics,

• nuclear energy, science and technology,

with a wide choice of optional courses. A 3-month internship can also be achieved, possibly coupled to the thesis, as well as a team-leader project.

Detail of the physics engineering disciplines (in French)

This training is unique in the French-speaking region of Belgium due to its wide scope, covering a generalist polytechnical education and a deep knowledge of physics. It thus provides preparation for work in both industry and research. The curriculum in nuclear engineering is specific to ULB and highly regarded in Belgium and abroad. The second year of the master curriculum can also be carried out at the French National Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology.