Computer Science

As per the tradition of French engineering schools, EPITA begins with integrated preparatory classes (Years 1 & 2). Inspired by the concept of traditional scientific preparatory classes, EPITA’s prep classes are modern and dynamic and characterized by the students’ shared passion: computing and information technologies. During the first year, the topic is game design, with game graphics and 3D engines, developed under Windows, Object Pascal, Delphi, and/or Caml. Scenarios, graphics, and sounds are chosen, then input and output devices are programmed. Games have to be based on networks and be of near-professional quality. Result: Quake-like, Marble Madness-like, and GTA-like games.A different environment (Unix, Mac OS, Linux, Palm OS), often with a multi-platform purpose. The second year is no longer about games but about strategy, with notions of Artificial Intelligence. The result is utility programs (Photoshop-like programs), 3D modeling software (like 3D studio), Winamp-like programs (mpeg3 player), and OCR programs. These are developed using C, C++, or Caml. In both cases, projects are carried out in groups of 4. The work handed in at the end is of professional quality, burned on a CD with a cover and user guide. In the 3rd year, students learn the theoretical basis of IT and how to apply it through many projects, so as to be as close to the reality of engineering as possible. In addition to the scientific and technological classes, students learn about business methods and tools: management, law, marketing, communication, strategy, quality, organization, foreign languages…