Ingénieur 2A

Various social issues, such as energy transition, health, environment and new technologies, raise scientific questions directly related to chemistry. For that reason, chemistry is a field, that should, at the very least, be part of the general culture of a future polytechnician executive.

This course is made to address all students interested, without additional prerequisites compared to common courses of CPGE (MP/PC). Students who consider doing chemistry for their 3rd year will find in this course new notions, which are fundamental for the further learning of molecular and materials chemistry. Other students will broaden their scientific general culture which will be useful in other fields such as biology or molecular physics.

By relying on the basic notions of quantum mechanics, seen in the common course, the molecular orbital theory will be presented. It will then be used as the backbone of this course to build the tools needed for the understanding of the electronic structure of molecules and one dimensional solids. It will be illustrated by focusing on the place and importance of small molecules, such as N₂, CO₂ or CH₄, in energy transition.

The course covers molecular synthesis, starting with basic reactivity concepts and moving on to the many applications of today's synthetic chemistry. Throughout the course, a series of mini-conferences give a perspective on a variety of highly contemporary aspects of research and industry in molecular chemistry.

Required level: This course is dedicated to PC and BCPST students, or those who have already studied chemistry. It is also accessible for students who have taken the CHI431 course, after discussion with the teacher. Prerequisite for PA Molecular Chemistry.

Are you interested in the major challenges of the energy transition, health and the environment? Do you wonder about the sovereignty of technologies and materials? Then the “Chemistry for future leaders” course is for you! Why should you take it? Because chemistry is essential in all these areas, both for arbitration and for action.
In order to offer you the most relevant course possible, we have called on key players from the worlds of business, politics and senior civil servants. We asked them to share their experience and their needs in the field of chemistry. Drawing on our expertise as teachers and the testimonies of ministerial advisors, senior executives from major groups and members of the French government, we have designed a course that will put you in the shoes of decision-makers. You'll learn how to position yourself and arbitrate on complex issues involving chemistry.
The aim of this course is to provide you with a “survival kit for arbitration and action”. We'll teach you the fundamental concepts you need to know, without getting bogged down in details. And we'll give you the keys and tools you need to make informed decisions on major societal and industrial challenges.

The course runs over 10 weeks and includes lectures and tutorials. It is open to all and has no prerequisites. Our aim is to teach you a pragmatic and operational approach to chemistry.

Each lecture is built around a major social issue. These topical issues enable us to draw on the theoretical concepts needed to understand the subject in detail and provide answers to the case study. For each course, we will define a list of skills to be developed and assessed at the end of the period.
For example, the first courses deal with energy, and aim to develop a critical eye for the contribution of chemistry to the energy transition:
- Why have we become “fossil fuel addicts”?
- What are the possible alternatives? Solar, nuclear?
- Why does the ideal battery - one that is durable, light, safe and quick to charge - still not exist?

Of course, we won't stop at energy issues, because chemistry is everywhere. We'll also be looking at how to deal with critical metals and the impact of plastic waste on the environment and health. 
In lectures, we'll be doing practical exercises and role-playing. You'll be put in the position of decision-makers through practical case studies and serious games. You'll adopt different points of view and roles. For example, you'll have to assess an energy scenario, evaluating the risks and opportunities associated with materials or resources. To do this, you'll combine concepts learned in class.
Assessment will be continuous, with a final exam. Skill acquisition will be assessed through individual assignments and group analysis.
This course is without precedent at X or in the network of engineering schools. It provides a minimum knowledge base in chemistry, essential for your future career. This may be your last chemistry course, but it's one you won't want to miss!