ECTS
60 credits
Duration
1 year
Training Structure
College of Sciences
Overview
The Bachelor’s degree in Physics is a three-year program that constitutes the first stage of higher education. It is open to students with a science-track high school diploma and enables them to acquire fundamental knowledge in general, theoretical, and experimental physics—ranging from classical to modern physics—as well as in mathematics and computer programming, with a progressive specialization in the third year (L3) toward Fundamental Physics or Physics and Its Applications. The CUPGE Physics and Mathematics track (University Preparatory Cycle for the Grandes Écoles) from the first to the third year offers an in-depth interdisciplinary education. A brief overview of the various tracks within the Bachelor’s Degree in Physics can be downloaded here: Bachelor’s Degree in Physics Overview.
Program available through Accès Santé (L.AS).
Objectives
The program enables students to gradually master the basic concepts of physics and the use of mathematical and numerical tools to analyze, describe, and model a physical system. In doing so, they develop their critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to independently conduct experimental projects and communicate their results in writing and orally, in both French and English. These are the knowledge, skills, and expertise required to pursue further study in the Master’s program in Fundamental Physics and Applications at Montpellier or, more generally, in any master’s program in physics or interdisciplinary fields, both in France and abroad. The program also prepares students for further study at engineering schools—either through direct admission or by passing entrance exams—or for direct entry into the workforce at the end of the third year (L3), such as through civil service exams. At the end of the second year, students may also opt for a short, career-oriented track by enrolling in a professional bachelor’s degree program (Licence Pro) in their third year, such as the L3 Pro Couleur program in Montpellier.
Career Opportunities for PASS Students with a Bachelor's Degree in Physics
The Bachelor’s Degree in Physics is a program designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of fundamental concepts ranging from classical to modern physics. It is based on both theoretical and experimental approaches, offering progressive specialization through two tracks—Fundamental Physics and Physics and Applications—in the third year (L3). It also prepares students for admission to engineering schools at the end of the second year (L2) or third year (L3).
The primary purpose of this program is to prepare students for a master’s degree in physics in France or abroad. The Master’s in Fundamental Physics and Applications in Montpellier offers eight tracks covering numerous fields of physics and its interdisciplinary connections; in particular, the Physics of Living Matter , which targets career opportunities in basic research, the diagnostic and biomedical industries, imaging platforms, and biotechnology.
It is also possible to pursue the Biomedical Physics (PhyMed) track within the Master’s in Science and Digital Technology for Health, which is a transdisciplinary program in science and health. Career opportunities are primarily in technology companies, consulting firms, IT service providers, and healthcare organizations. A presentation of this track is available for download here.
Expertise and Skills
Students in the Fundamental Physics track learn to master all the concepts of classical physics (mechanics, optics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, etc.) and modern physics (quantum mechanics, special relativity, particle physics, etc.), as well as the theoretical formalization of a physical system. In the Physics and Applications track, the in-depth study in the third year (L3) focuses primarily on the major fields of applied physics (electronics, energy, optics, nuclear physics, acoustics, etc.) and related technologies. Finally, the CUPGE Physics and Mathematics track allows students to acquire additional disciplinary skills in mathematics and mechanics, which are necessary to take the entrance exams for certain prestigious engineering schools at the end of the L3 year.
Generally speaking, the jobs held by our students span many areas of the public and private economic and industrial sectors (research, development, design, quality control, production, and teaching). They hold positions as managers, senior managers, and engineers.
Program
In the second year (L2), the Bachelor's degree in Physics offers two complementary tracks:
Students in the Physics track join the PCSI portal—which includes the Physics, Mechanics, EEA, Physics-Chemistry, and Chemistry tracks—in their first year (L1), continue into the second year of the Bachelor’s in Physics (L2P), and then specialize in their third year by choosing either the Fundamental Physics track (L3PF) or the Physics and Applications track (L3PA). The CUPGE Physics and Mathematics track is part of the Mathematics and Its Applications program in L1 and then aligns with the PF track of the Bachelor’s in Physics in the second and third years.
General Knowledge - Choose from the list below +
2 creditsChoose 1 out of 12
Calling bullshit
2 creditsCreative Writing
2 creditsHigh-Frequency Waves for Medical and Healthcare Applications
2 creditsArts and Sciences
2 creditsIntroduction to Python Programming for Analysis and
2 creditsAn Introduction to Electronics Through Instrumentation
2 creditsSports
2 creditsNutrition, Sports, and Health
2 creditsConceptual Information Tools (PIX)
2 creditsExperimenting to Create—A Dialogue Between Art, Music, and Material
2 creditsScience and Society
2 creditsOulipian Pastimes
2 credits
Electrostatics & Magnetostatics
36hExperimental Physics, Year 3
4 credits36hThermodynamics 2
36hNewtonian Dynamics 2
4 credits36hEnglish S3
2 creditsMath Tools for 9th Grade
6 credits54hPhysics of Oscillators
36h
Wave Physics
4 credits36hMath Tools S4
6 credits54hExperimental Physics S4
4 credits36hManipLab
2 credits18hPersonal and Professional Project
2 creditsElectromagnetism
6 credits54hEnglish S4
2 creditsComputer Physics
36h
Admission
Admission Requirements
Admission to the second year is based on application review for candidates who have earned 60 credits toward a bachelor’s degree or who have been awarded a degree in a related field. For example, CPGE programs specializing in MPSI, PCSI, or PTSI; a DUT in Physical Measurements; or a PASS with a minor in Science… Students holding other degrees may also apply. Their applications will be reviewed by the Academic Admissions Committee.
Finally, certain UM students who are changing their major are automatically eligible for the second-year Physics program, provided they have earned 60 ECTS credits in their first year (e.g., CPGE, PASS).
Applications can be submitted through the following platforms:
- French and European students: Follow the application process on the University of Montpellier's e-candidat portal: https://candidature.umontpellier.fr/candidature/
- International students from outside the EU: Follow the “Études en France” procedure:https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/etudesenfrance/dyn/public/authentification/login.html