CHEMistry International STudies (CHEM.I.ST programme)

The CHEM.I.ST programme is organised by the Lille and Rennes ENSC. It is open to all applicants for the Scientific Baccalaureate who want to pursue a chemistry profession : chemical or parachemical industry, research, higher education, etc.

The CPI is :

enrolment without a competitive entrance exam
continuous testing
a branch that is resolutely turned towards chemistry
monitoring by available professors
a major emphasis on languages (English and German)

CPI International : CHEM.I.ST

The CHEM.I.ST (CHEMistry International STudies) programme enables foreign students with a degree or certificate of access to higher education from their country to join existing CPI classes while taking special classes to upgrade their scientific and French language skills. The group tutorial form of teaching, a CPI characteristic, is strengthened for students enrolling in the CHEM.I.ST programme.

The CPI International (CHEM.I.ST) application file is common to the Lille and Rennes centres, but the two centres practise the programme differently. Applications must be submitted no later than mid May 2007. Approximately ten places are available in the CPI International CHEM.I.ST programme in Lille.

Programme of study

Mathematics lessons provide the sense of abstraction that is a key to Engineering Programme studies. They are adapted to the knowledge that a future chemical engineer needs in this discipline and develop the basic tools need to assimilate the theoretical teachings of Experimental Sciences.

Chemistry and Physics courses favour the experimental approach over the purely conceptual approach. The class is divided into three groups for Lab Work that uses applied examples to illustrate the general notions covered in the courses. Tutorial sessions with groups of five students are used to solve synthesis problems, evaluate each student’s degree of assimilation and to help students overcome potential difficulties. A major part of the study is devoted to Experimental Practises.

The scientific training is completed, in the first year, by lessons in Industrial Sciences and familiarisation with Computer Tools : word processing, spreadsheets, using and modelling results, etc.

This solid scientific training is supplemented by Human and Social Science courses (literary culture, expression, etc.) and International oriented courses. As such a major part of the teaching (regular courses plus two weeks of intensive training) is reserved for learning and/or improving English and German skills in a modern audiovisual laboratory.

Students have the option of taking an introductory course in Japanese. In some Chemistry ENS (including the one in Lille), students may continue Japanese studies in conjunction with their Engineering Programme.

Professionals are invited to present conferences on chemistry professions and chemical engineering functions. A plant visit and an obligatory placement in industry at the beginning of the second year open contacts with the professional world. Finally, two hours a week are devoted to Physical and Sporting Activities.