The Special Course in Mathematics (CMS) allows some students who do not have the qualifications required for direct entry into the first year of a bachelor’s degree, as well as holders of high school diplomas on a voluntary basis, to consolidate their skills in the basic sciences during the year before starting their bachelor’s degree.
Advantages of CMS
CMS is designed as a preparatory year, during which future students will focus on the basic concepts of mathematics (analysis, linear algebra and analytic geometry), physics, informatics and chemistry.
In this way, CMS students can familiarize themselves with the teaching methods implemented at EPFL, expand their knowledge and immerse themselves in the student culture of the campus in order to start their bachelor’s course in the best possible conditions the following year.
Approximate distribution of hourly volume per week
- 6 hours/week
- Analysis I
Algebraic calculation, concepts of limits and continuity, properties of functions of real variables, differential and integral calculation - 4 hours/week
- Analysis II
Trigonometry, complex numbers, study of elementary functions (trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic) - 4 hours/week
- Analytic geometry
Vector calculation, scalar product, Cartesian representation of geometric objects (lines, planes, circles, etc.) in a plane and in space - 4 hours/week
- Linear algebra
Vector spaces, matrix calculus, study of linear transformations, systems of linear equations - 6 hours/week
- Physical
Motion in a plane, laws of dynamics, energy, ideal gas, states of matter, electrostatics, magnetostatics - 4 hours/week
- Computer Science and Scientific Computing
Introduction to algorithms and programming, basics of numerical analysis, applications in solving scientific problems - 3 hours/week
- Chemistry
Chemical bonds, stoichiometry, chemical equilibria, acids and bases, kinetics (second semester only)
Teaching is in French, ex cathedra, according to the standard EPFL format: for each subject, two hours of lectures followed by two hours of classroom exercises under the supervision of the teacher and his assistants.
Immersion at EPFL
To complete their immersion at EPFL, students of the special mathematics course also have the opportunity to take free French courses at the Language Center and fully enjoy their student status. They thus have access to the library and sports center and can participate in various events offered on campus and activities organized by the sorority.
Learn more about CMS
Conditions of acceptance
Directly accessible (depending on space) to holders of secondary school and professional qualifications, admission to CMS is subject to conditions for other applicants.
Regulation and evaluation
Holders of secondary education can automatically join the bachelor program of their choice. Other applicants must pass the CMS or EPFL entrance exam.
Teaching team
“Educator, available and committed to the success of their students”, this is how former students of the Special Maths Course described the teaching team.
For CMS students
Virtual office
The CMS virtual office is available to students 24 hours a day, every day.
Useful documents
Review the CMS regulations, course brochure, agenda, and schedule.
Get ready for the rest
Discover bachelor programs, guidance tools and information days.