Engineering training

Engineering training at ISIMA

ISIMA offers a comprehensive and progressive three-year IT engineering course.

Designed to meet the requirements of business and research, it covers a broad spectrum of skills: software development, embedded systems, artificial intelligence, networks, IT security, etc.

As IT is a constantly evolving field, ISIMA adopts a teaching approach that combines theory, practice and applied projects, while encouraging the versatility and adaptability of future engineers.

The teaching at ISIMA aims to cover, if not exhaustively, then at least very representatively, all the techniques, notions and concepts used in IT-related fields. Constantly evolving, IT is both a field in its own right and an interface for numerous applications. ISIMA has a duty to address these two facets.

Training objectives

This concept, which is strongly emphasised at ISIMA, is designed to promote designer-user communication as much as possible, and to enable all parties to work together within the same framework.

The ISIMA training programme is based on four main dimensions:

• The use of Computer Science as a tool for calculation and scientific development, integrating into multidisciplinary design processes
• The use of Computer Science as a means for storing and communicating information, and consequently, as a tool for management and decision-making in enterprises
• The design and maintenance of the Computer Science tool at the basic software level (Networks, Systems, …)
• The design of this tool at its physical level and its integration into automated production systems, embedded systems, or Telecommunications systems

The aim is to train multi-skilled engineers capable of designing, developing and securing complex IT systems tailored to the needs of business and research.

Organisation of the course

1st year – Core curriculum

• Acquisition of the fundamentals of computer science and applied mathematics
• Training in software design methods and systems architecture
• Introduction to networks, databases, artificial intelligence and software development

2nd year – Further study and specialisation

• Reinforced core curriculum in computer science
• Start of specialisation in one of 5 areas (depending on results and students’ wishes)
• 4-6 month work placement (in France or abroad)

3rd year – Specialisation and professionalisation

• Further study in chosen specialisation
• Possibility of double degree (Master’s in Computer Science, Management, Mathematics, etc.) End-of-study work placement (5 to 6 months) )
• End-of-studies work placement (5 to 6 months)
• Compulsory international experience (university exchange, work placement or double degree)

A professional training contract is also available in the third year.

Second and Third Year Specialisations

In the second year, students choose a specialisation from among five majors (based on their first-year results and their academic goals):

• F1 – Interactive Systems for Embedded Systems and Virtual Computing
• F2 – Software Engineering and Computer Systems.
• F3 – Information Systems and Decision Support.
• F4 – Optimisation and Artificial Intelligence
• F5 – Networks and Computer Security.

Syllabus :

• 1st year
• 2nd year
• 3rd year

Optional courses are also offered in the field of entrepreneurship.

Compulsory International Experience

International experience is an essential criteria for validating the ISIMA engineering diploma. It can take several forms:

• Study semester (17 weeks minimum)
• Internship in a company or laboratory abroad

ISIMA provides a network of international partners and opportunities via laboratories such as LIMOS.

Mobility grants: €60,000 available in 2023-2024, in addition to national grants.

Double Degrees & Masters

In 3rd year, students can enrol simultaneously in one of the following programmes:

• Master’s Degree in Computer Science
• Master’s Degree in Mathematics
• Master’s Degree in Business Management and Administration
• Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering

It is also possible to study at one of the universities with which ISIMA has agreements (Harbin – China, Oklahoma – USA, Quebec – Canada, etc).

See the International section for more information

Timetable arrangements for double degree students.

This can be summarized by the following diagram :

Assessment

Annual assessment via :

• Partial and continuous examinations (main session and 2nd session in September)
• Completion of work placements (2nd and 3rd year) with compulsory defence.

Conditions for validation :

• Average ≥ 10/20 in theory tests
• Validation of internships
• International experience
• TOEIC score ≥ 800 (English test required for the diploma)

If these conditions are not met, the student may be asked to repeat the year.

Languages Taught

Compulsory LV1: English
Compulsory LV2 (choice from): German, Spanish, Mandarin or Japanese
Optional LV3

LV1 and LV2 are studied in parallel and in equal numbers over the three years

• Level test in LV1 & LV2 during the first week of the school year, in order to form language groups
• Language studies on an equal basis over the 3 years

Validation of English is compulsory to obtain the diploma:
Minimum TOEIC score -> 800