Polytechnique Montréal, which is governed by an affiliation agreement with Université de Montréal, offers programs leading to the following qualifications: Diplôme d'études supérieures spécialisées (Specialized graduate diploma —DESS), Master’s of Applied Science (MASc), Master’s of Engineering (MEng) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Polytechnique Montréal offers many different areas of specialization and options; these are indicated in the specific regulations pertaining to each program.

2.1   Generalities

In the present document, unless context should indicate otherwise:

• Department is also used to mean institute.
• Department director, a term that describes the person in charge of a department, is also used to describe any person mandated by the department director to perform a specific duty (e.g. the role fulfilled by the program director in the Institut de génie biomédical (institute of biomedical engineering).
• Academic or research supervisor should also be taken to include the co-supervisor in the event of a co-supervision arrangement.

2.2   Semester

The semester is a 15-week period during which the school conducts educational activities.

The academic year consists of 3 semesters:

1. The fall semester, from September 1 to December 31;
2. The winter semester, from January 1 to April 30;
3. The summer semester, from May 1 to August 31.

2.3   Credits

A credit is a unit that allows Polytechnique to assign a numeric value to the work required of a student to fulfil the objectives of an educational activity. A credit represents 45 hours, or 3 hours per week for a 15-week semester, spent by the student on course activities, practical exercices, seminars, an internship or research, and the self-initiated work deemed necessary by the institution.

Should any activities that are part of the credit calculation be deferred, they must be completed at another time according to terms established by the school.

2.4   Prerequisite

A course that must be completed prior to enrolment in a given course.

2.5   Corequisite

A course that must be taken concurrently with another course (unless it has been completed previously).

Polytechnique Montréal welcomes regular, independent, visiting and auditing students to its graduate studies programs.

3.1   Regular Students

Regular students have been admitted to a program of study and are enrolled in activities related to this program.

3.2   Independent Students

Independent students have not been admitted to a program of study but are authorized to enrol in one or more regular courses, and are subject to the evaluation procedures pertaining to these courses.

3.3   Visiting Students

Visiting students are graduate students from other institutions who have been admitted to a program of study at Polytechnique Montréal, where they are registered in one or more educational activities and are subject to the evaluation procedures relating to these activities.

3.4   Auditing Students

Auditing students have not been admitted to a program of study but are enrolled in one or more regular courses without being subject to the related evaluation procedures. Such courses are recorded as “SE” (sans évaluation) on the grades transcript and do not count for any credits.

The admission requirements set forth in this document represent minimum requirements only. Some academic programs may entail additional or special requirements.

Meeting the basic admission requirements alone does not guarantee admission to Polytechnique Montréal.

4.1   Regular Students

To be admitted as regular students to a graduate program, candidates must meet the particular admission requirements of the program in which they wish to enrol.

4.2   Independent, Visiting and Auditing Students

4.2.1   Independent students - Candidates seeking to be admitted as independent students must have had adequate prior training and be in good academic standing. Professional experience may also be taken into account.

The institution cannot guarantee independent students access to all regular courses. Some courses, due to their nature and admission requirements, must necessarily give priority to students who are enrolled in the program.

4.2.2    Visiting or auditing students - Candidates seeking to be admitted as visiting or auditing students must have had prior training that will enable them to benefit from the desired courses to be taken.

4.3   Preliminary exams

4.3.1   Polytechnique Montréal may require candidates whose first language is not French, or whose prior education had been in a different language, to undergo a French proficiency test. Candidates whose scores are unsatisfactory may be refused admission to the school, or granted conditional admission and required to take French courses that will make their studies easier.

4.3.2   To determine a candidate’s suitability for a particular course, Polytechnique Montréal may impose an aptitude test, should it appear useful or necessary.

4.3.3   Should it appear useful or necessary in establishing a detailed study plan for a given candidate, a test may be imposed to confirm the candidate’s knowledge of certain subjects, as determined by the department in question.

Students who cannot read English easily are liable to experience difficulties in their studies, given that a considerable number of textbooks and other publications used in graduate studies are in English.

The Registrar’s Office conducts a preliminary assessment of all admission applications to Polytechnique Montréal, to verify both the inclusion of required documentation and compliance with general requirements. Following this, graduate program applications are forwarded to the program director in question, who will complete the assessment and give his/her approval to the Registrar’s Office. Applications are assessed based on a candidate’s aptitudes and the available educational resources. All admissions require prior consent from a Polytechnique Montréal professor or researcher to supervise the candidate’s studies and research.

Admission to Polytechnique Montréal does not automatically constitute registration, which also entails the payment of academic fees.

5.1   Admission

5.1.1    Regular students - Candidates applying for the first time to a graduate program must complete and submit the official admission form, together with all required documentation as per the form’s instructions.

5.1.2    Independent students - Candidates wishing to enrol as independent students must complete and submit the official admission form, together with all required documentation as per the form’s instructions.

5.1.3   A notice of admission entitles a candidate to register and pay tuition fees. The notice is valid for 3 consecutive semesters as of the first semester authorized for enrolment. See Article 7 for further details on admission procedures.

5.1.4   Should a candidate’s registration be deferred by more than 3 semesters, he/she must reapply for admission.

5.1.5   Independent students may be admitted to a graduate program if they successfully complete at least 9 graduate credits at Polytechnique Montréal with a minimum GPA of 2.75/4.0 (for admission to a graduate diploma) or 3.0/4.0 (for admission to a master’s program). To do so, they must reapply for admission within the deadlines published in the academic calendar.

5.2   Readmission

5.2.1   Regular students do not have to have reapply for admission unless their studies have been interrupted for more than 3 consecutive semesters.

5.2.2   Students whose registration was cancelled and who reapply for admission may be required to meet special conditions.

5.2.3   Applications for readmission are studied by the Registrar’s Office and the department concerned, taking into consideration the applicant’s academic record, the pertinence of the proposed research topic and the availability of human and material resources within the department.

5.3   Equivalencies, Exemptions and Transfers

5.3.1   Equivalencies, exemptions or transfers must be formally requested when applying for admission or during the student’s first 3 semesters. All required documentation must be included with the request.

5.3.2   Equivalency, exemption or transfer requests must be approved by the candidate’s academic or research supervisor and the graduate studies coordinator. If the Registrar’s Office approves the request, the equivalency, exemption or transfer will be recorded in the student’s study plan.

5.3.3   Equivalency occurs when a course completed by a candidate at another recognized institute meets the requirements of a same-level course in the student’s study plan. The equivalency must be approved by a professor who teaches the course at Polytechnique Montréal.

The equivalent course offered by Polytechnique Montréal is recorded in the student’s study plan; the credits attributed for this course are calculated as part of the total credits; the grade that appears on the transcript is “Y.”

5.3.4   Exemption occurs when a candidate’s previous education and/or experience make it possible to dispense a given course (applicable only to programs with obligatory courses).

The exempted course is recorded in the student’s study plan; the credits attributed for this course are calculated as part of the total credits; the grade that appears on the transcript is “X”.

5.3.5   Transfer credits occur when a Polytechnique Montréal course in the candidate’s study plan had already been successfully completed prior to admission to the new program. The course appears in the student’s study plan; the credits attributed for this course are calculated as part of the total credits; the grade previously obtained is transferred to the student’s transcript.

5.3.6   For course transfer or equivalency to be authorized:

1. The student must have obtained a course grade of at least B (in a 4-point grading system) or an equivalent grade accepted by Polytechnique Montréal. However, a course completed with a grade of C or C+ may still be considered if the student’s average grade for all courses (including the C or C+) is greater than or equal to the GPA required for graduation from the program concerned;
2. Course content must be current. In this sense, a course completed 6 years ago would need to be confirmed by a competent authority to ensure that its content relates adequately to current knowledge and technical developments.Course content must be current. In this sense, a course completed 6 years ago would need to be confirmed by a competent authority to ensure that its content relates adequately to current knowledge and technical developments;
3. The credits attributed to this course must not have been used to obtain a different degree.

5.3.7   The number of credits granted for equivalencies and exemptions may not amount to more than 50% of the total credits in a candidate’s study plan. The same applies to students in a course-based master’s program, with the exclusion of course credits for the master’s project or internship.

5.3.8   Students who received a grade of at least B in graduate-level courses during the undergraduate program at Polytechnique Montréal may, with the approval of their academic or research supervisor and the graduate studies coordinator, have these courses credited to the graduate program to which they have been admitted. These graduate courses must have been taken within the 3 years prior to the student’s initial registration in the graduate program. For courses to be credited, this request must be made during the first semester of registration in the graduate studies program.

5.4   Admission in Preparation for Graduate Studies

Exceptionally, a candidate who shows clear potential but whose academic credentials fall short of the admission requirements to a given program, may, with the approval of his/her academic or research supervisor and the graduate studies coordinator, be admitted to take courses in preparation for graduate studies.

Such a student is enrolled in graduate studies but is not working toward a diploma. The maximum duration for preparatory studies is 2 semesters, during which the student must maintain full-time status.

Should the student’s study plan includes 2 preparatory semesters, these must be consecutive. Candidates are expected to consider this in timing their registration to their first semester.

The study plan, which is imposed by the department in question as of admission, can consist of 9 to 24 credits. Courses to be taken in preparation for graduate studies may not be transferred to another program.

Students in preparation for graduate studies must obtain a minimum GPA of 2.5/4.0.

Successful completion of preparatory courses does not automatically guarantee admission to a degree program, barring a prior agreement with the department concerned.

Once the preparatory courses have been completed, the student must submit a new application to the degree program of his/her choice.

5.5   Language of the Written Thesis

5.5.1   Theses must be written in French. Candidates who completed their university or pre-university schooling at a French-language institution are accordingly expected to produce a thesis in French.

5.5.2   Article 5.5.1 notwithstanding, the Registrar’s Office may permit certain candidates to present their thesis in English if their previous schooling was entirely in a language other than French, or based on particular circumstances justified by the student and supported by that student’s research supervisor and graduate studies coordinator.

A “study plan” is the academic activities (courses, internships, research, etc.) that a student is required to complete within the framework of the program in which he/she is registered.

The content of a study plan is established based on a candidate’s prior training and current needs. As required, the department concerned may impose complementary courses or a preparatory period.

A study plan may include activities that are not listed in the academic calendar. However, at least 50% of the total number of credits must come from activities that carry a course number and are listed in the calendar. The same applies to students in a course-based master’s program, with the exclusion of course credits for the master’s project or internship. In the research-based master’s degree, at least half the course credits (not including the research project) must be taken at Polytechnique Montréal.

6.1   Proposed Study Plan

All candidates admitted to a graduate program must have their study plan approved by the Registrar’s Office prior to initial registration or no later than the last day of the course change period in their first semester.

The proposed study plan is submitted using the appropriate form. The proposal must be approved by the candidate’s academic or research supervisor as well as by the graduate studies coordinator concerned.

6.2   Change to Study Plan

Students should keep in mind that making changes to their study plan might delay their progress and make it difficult to meet specified deadlines in their program.

6.2.1   Requests to change a study plan must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office.

6.2.2   Changes may involve only courses for which the student has not yet registered or that he/she has dropped (which appear as R in the student’s transcript).

Proposed changes to the study plan are submitted using the relevant form. The changes must be approved by the candidate’s academic or research supervisor as well as by the appropriate graduate studies coordinator.

6.3   Complementary Courses

6.3.1   Academic or research supervisors may require their students to take complementary courses if the student’s credentials fall short of program requirements. Complementary courses may be imposed at the program’s start or while it is underway, at which point the courses become part of the student’s program of study.

6.3.2   Credits attributed to complementary courses are not counted as part of the total number of credits needed to complete the program. Nonetheless, these courses must be successfully completed even through they are not part of the GPA calculation.

6.4   Out-of-program Courses

6.4.1   The school may permit students to enrol in courses not required by their program. Such courses will be noted on the student’s transcript as out-of-program.

Grades obtained in out-of-program courses are not included in the GPA calculation.

7.1   Initial Registration

A notice of admission does not constitute registration. Candidates may register only in the program to which they have been formally admitted.

Students are fully responsible for registering in their chosen program before the registration deadline date. Penalties for late registration will be applied to students who enrol after the deadline date.

Candidates must normally register for the semester to which they have been admitted. Candidates wishing to defer their registration must apply in writing to the Registrar’s Office, clearly indicating the semester in which they intend to enrol; the Registrar’s Office will then inform the concerned department.

7.2   Continuous Registration

7.2.1    Regular students

As per the registration formalities specified in Article 7.3, regular students enrolled in a thesis program (research-based master’s or PhD) will automatically be registered at the start of any subsequent semesters unless they have requested (within the required timeframe) and obtained a leave of absence, or have informed the Registrar’s Office that they are formally withdrawing from their studies.

Regular students in a non-thesis program (course-based master’s or DESS), as well as students taking preparatory courses, are required to register at the start of each semester. Students who choose to take no courses in a given semester to complete a project may register to maintain active status, provided they receive the approval of their academic supervisor, the graduate studies coordinator and the Registrar’s Office. Candidates who fail to register for 3 consecutive semesters will be considered to have withdrawn from their studies.

7.2.2   Independent students

Independent students wishing to maintain their status must register through the Polytechnique Montréal website for one or more courses at the start of each semester. However, once an independent student has obtained 9 graduate course credits, he/she must have a GPA of at least 2.5/4.0 in order to continue.

Independent students who fail to register for 3 consecutive semesters shall be considered to have withdrawn from Polytechnique, and must reapply for admission in order to register anew.

7.3   Registration Formalities and Tuition Payment

Students are considered to be registered when their registration deposit has been paid in full. Account statements are sent out at the start of each semester. Students are responsible for paying tuition and other fees according to the terms and deadlines stipulated in the academic calendar, regardless of whether or not they receive a statement. Financial penalties shall apply to late payments received after the deadline date.

Students who are automatically registered must pay their tuition according to the terms and deadlines stipulated in the academic calendar.

Students who show an outstanding balance after the payment deadline date will be considered to have withdrawn at the end of the semester, and may not register in any subsequent semesters. To continue their program of study, these students must apply for reinstatement and pay their outstanding balance.

7.4   Full-time Registration

Full-time students are expected to devote themselves entirely to their studies. However, subject to the approval of their academic or research supervisor, they may agree to assume certain teaching responsibilities at Polytechnique, provided these are limited to a maximum of 9 hours per week. Students in a research-based program are considered full-time irrespective of their number of course credits per semester. Students in a course-based program must be enrolled in 9 or more credits per semester to be considered full-time.

7.5   Part-time Registration

Part-time registration applies only to candidates admitted to a course-based master’s or DESS program.
 
Students in a course-based program who are enrolled in less than 9 credits in a given semester are considered part-time.

Due to their particular status, international student visa holders cannot register as part-time students.

Polytechnique’s website provides a great deal of useful information. Log on to access the academic calendar (courses, exams), class schedules and related information, detailed program descriptions, continuing education, and more. Students can select classes, see their schedules and obtain their grades online at http://www.polymtl.ca

7.6   Course Choices

7.6.1   Each semester, students must select their classes through the Polytechnique Montréal website, even if they have already submitted their study plan.

7.6.2   Students must complete and submit the change to study planform (Modification d’un plan d’études form), signed by the academic or research supervisor and graduate studies coordinator, in the following cases:

• To add a course not listed on the study plan.
• To withdraw from a course listed on the study plan.

Any course that is not part of the student’s study plan and is selected through the school’s website, without submission of the form mentioned previously, is considered out-of-program.

The change to study plan form, completed and duly signed, must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the final date of the course change period of that semester.

This rule applies to any modification to the study plan, whether the course in question is obligatory, optional, complementary, out-of-program, etc.

7.7   Dropping Courses

Students wishing to drop a course must inform the Registrar’s Office in writing before the final date of the course change period published in the academic calendar.

Courses dropped before the deadline will appear on the student’s transcript as “R”.

Courses dropped after the deadline, along with any courses dropped without following the correct procedure, will appear in the student’s transcript as “F” (failure).

Note: Tuition fees are not reimbursed when one or more courses are dropped during this period.

7.8   Withdrawing from Studies

Students wishing to discontinue their studies must submit a written request to their program’s graduate studies coordinator and the Registrar’s Office. Students who withdraw from their studies without having formally dropped their courses within the course change period will obtain a grade of F (failure) for the courses in which they were registered.

7.9   Leave of Absence

7.9.1   A leave of absence implies a period during which academic activity is suspended.

Students wishing to interrupt their studies must request from the Registrar’s Office, through their department, a leave of absence. The request must be accompanied by written authorization from the academic or research supervisor and the graduate studies coordinator.

7.9.2   Leaves of absence may amount to no more than 3 semesters, consecutive or otherwise, throughout the duration of the program. Interruptions to studies do not entitle students to an extension for program completion.

7.9.3   With the exception of illness or force majeure, requests for leave of absence will not be accepted past the course change deadline published in the academic calendar.

7.10   Withdrawal of Candidacy

A candidacy shall be nullified if:

1. The candidate formally withdraws from Polytechnique Montréal;
2. At the end of a semester, the candidate should be required to annul his/her candidacy as per specific program requirements (see Articles 25, 35, 58 and 78);
3. The candidate fails to comply with registration requirements (see Articles 7.1 and onward);
4. The candidate fails to meet the degree requirements within the prescribed time limit or at the end of the extension period (should an extension have been granted).

7.11   Program Changes

Candidates wishing to change programs must submit a new admission application complete with the required documentation. To change programs, a student must have completed a minimum of 9 course credits and have obtained a GPA equal to or greater than the GPA required for graduation in the new program. However, in the case of a change to a program of the same type (DESS x to DESS y) or of the same level (master’s x to master’s y, PhD. x to PhD. y), the GPA required (minimum of 9 course credits) is the same as the GPA required for program continuation.

Article 5.3.6 on course transfers or equivalencies applies during a program change. The graduate studies coordinator of the new program must approve the change of program.

Changing programs does not enable students to bypass the regulations that applied to their former program (e.g. the terms set out in Article 8.4).

At the start of each course, the professor outlines the course objectives along with the evaluation criteria, relative importance of the evaluation components, exam dates, and so on.

8.1   Marks

Marks consist of a numerical value assigned to a test or exam, generally a number between 0 and 20.

8.2   Grading

A student’s performance in a given course is represented by a grade given by the professor based on the marks obtained in various exams and assignments.

The following letters represent the different types of grades:
A* – outstanding
A – excellent
B+, B – very good
C+, C – satisfactory
D+, D – marginal pass
F – failure
I – incomplete and insufficient as a prerequisite
IP – partial grade (first part of a year-long course)
IV – grade pending
J – incomplete, but sufficient as a prerequisite
P – activity successfully completed
S – successful completion of a course taken in another establishment

Other letters used in the grades transcript are:

• R – discontinued 
• SE – not graded (auditing students only)
• X – exemption (credits recognized)
• Y – equivalence (credits recognized)
• Z – exemption (credits not recognized)

8.3.1    I, J or IP (incomplete)

The letters I, J and IP may be used in exceptional circumstances only.

Partial results obtained in the first semester are added to results obtained in the second semester to determine the final grade, which must necessarily be expressed by one of the following grades: A*, A, B+, B, C+, C, D+, D or F

8.3.2    IV (grade pending)

The grade IV, when given to a course, project or internship, must be replaced by a grade of A*, A, B+, B, C+, C, D+, D or F no later than the end of the second semester following initial enrolment in the course, project or internship in question (unless the student has taken a leave of absence as per Article 7.9). If no grade is received by the Registrar’s Office, the course will automatically be graded R. At that point, students wishing to complete the course, project or internship must reapply and pay the associated fees again.

Should the student withdraw from the school, the grade IV will become an R.

8.4   Failure

8.4.1   Regular students who fail a course listed in their academic program for the first time may continue their studies only if the academic or research supervisor, graduate studies coordinator, department director and the Registrar’s Office authorize them to retake the course (or a substitute if the same course is no longer available).

8.4.2   Regular students cannot benefit from Article 8.4.1 if they fail the same course twice or fail a second course listed in their academic program.

8.4.3   Indepentent students who fail a course may no longer continue their studies at Polytechnique Montréal. However, the Registrar’s Office may make a one-time exception and authorize an independent student to retake a failed course, provided that student complies with Article 7.2.2.

8.5   Repeated Courses

8.5.1   Regular students may repeat courses already successfully completed only if authorized to do so by the academic or research supervisor, graduate studies coordinator and the Registrar’s Office. The same course may be repeated only once.

8.5.2   Exceptionally and on a one-time basis, the Registrar’s Office may authorize an independent students to repeat one or more courses already successfully completed, provided that student complies with Article 7.2.2.

8.5.3   When a course already completed is repeated, the final grade assigned, which cannot be less than D, is the only grade used in calculating the GPA

8.6   Grade Point Average (GPA)

8.6.1   At the end of each semester, academic standing is assessed by calculating the student’s average for the semester and overall GPA.

8.6.2   To calculate the average, grades are given the following points:
   A* is worth 4 points per credit
   A is worth 4 points per credit
   B+ is worth 3.5 points per credit
   B is worth 3 points per credit
   C+ is worth 2.5 points per credit
   C is worth 2 points per credit
   D+ is worth 1.5 point per credit
   D is worth 1 point per credit
   F is worth 0 points
The letters I, IP, IV, J, P, R, S, SE, X, Y and Z are not used in the GPA calculation.

8.7   Communication of Results and Grades

8.7.1   Following each test or exam, the professor informs students of their marks as well as of the group average.

8.7.2   A cumulative grades transcript is issued at the end of each semester. The transcript shows the grades obtained by a student in each course since the start of the program of study, as well as the semester average and GPA.

8.8   Assignments and Tests

8.8.1    Absence (see M3 Terms and Conditions).

Students may not be exempted from a compulsory assignment, test or exam without a valid reason. The term “valid reason” implies a situation beyond the student’s control.

Absence from any compulsory assignment, test or exam to be marked by the professor must be justified to the Registrar’s Office at least 5 working days prior to the absence (if the student expects to be absent), or in the 5 working days following the end of the period of incapacity if the absence was unanticipated. Students must supply supporting documentation attesting to their absence and clearly stating the period in question. Students who omit to do so or whose reason is rejected will receive a score of 0 for the missed assignment, test or exam. In the case of rejection, students may make a written request for revision to the Registrar’s Office if they have a serious justification and only if they can present new elements in support of their request.

In the event of justified absence from:

1. Practical assignments (and all other exercices, homework, reports, etc.), the professor will determine the work to be accomplished by the student, and the due date for the work. This date must not extend past the end of semester date.
2. A test, the professor may substitute it, if he/she deems it necessary, by a deferred oral or written examination, or may exempt the student from the evaluation. This must be held as soon as possible so that the student may keep up with his/her learning before the end of the course.
3. A final exam, this must be replaced by a deferred oral or written exam, which must take place during and before the end of the period set aside for this purpose, as set out in the detailed calendar of the Annuaire.

For an oral exam, the student must be informed by the professor of the terms of evaluation at least 48 hours before the exam is held. The oral exam corresponds to an individual evaluation in which the student is assessed by responding orally to the professor’s questions, but may need to support those answers in writing. The exam takes place in the presence of a third party: a professor or faculty lecturer. In the absence of such a third party, the exam is recorded (audio or audio/video, as appropriate). Following the exam, the student must receive explanatory feedback.

8.8.2    Lateness for exams - Students who are more than 30 minutes late will not be admitted to the exam room. Any students refused access to the exam room must immediately report to the Registrar’s Office to provide a reason for their lateness.

8.9   Evaluation Appeals

8.9.1   Students may contest a grade given by a professor to an exam, test or (generally speaking) coursework within 2 weeks of the posting of results.

Students with serious grounds for contesting a grade must submit a written appeal (only specific reasons will be accepted). In submitting the appeal, students must also assume all related fees, which shall be reimbursed if their appeal is upheld and their grade revised.

8.9.2   Students wishing to contest a revised grade must write to the department director* who offers the course in question within 15 days of notification of the decision. The department director will accept the request on serious grounds only. In such cases, the department director will form an ad-hoc committee consisting of himself/herself, a professor he/she designates and two other competent individuals.

The committee must hold a hearing with the parties concerned, should the parties wish it. The committee’s decision is not subject to appeal.

*In the event that the professor concerned is the department director, the request must be submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies.

All students in preparation for graduate studies as well as graduate diploma and course-based master’s students require an academic supervisor.

Students enrolled in a research-based master’s or PhD program require a research supervisor.

The academic or research supervisor must be a full, associate or assistant professor at Polytechnique Montréal, unless there has been a prior agreement between Polytechnique and Université de Montréal in the case of a joint program.

A student’s research may also fall under the joint supervision of an academic or research co-supervisor. The co-supervisor may be a Polytechnique Montréal professor or researcher, or someone from outside the establishment with the requisite qualifications.

If there is a risk of conflict of interest, the department director concerned shall form an ad hoc advisory committee in consultation with those involved.

Administrative monitoring of the departmental files of regular students is the responsibility of the graduate studies coordinator concerned.

The advisory committee is a group of 3 or 4 experts who, by sharing knowledge and skills, constructively support the research supervisor in his or her doctoral supervision work, and provide advice to the doctoral candidate throughout his or her training. The advisory committee also aims to empower the doctoral candidate with regard to his or her success and in meeting the quality criteria in his/her scientific, personal and professional development. Assistance from an advisory committee is optional.

In the event of conflict or dispute between a student and his or her academic or research supervisor, see section E.

For all other information regarding supervision, please refer to the Supervision Policy for Graduate Students (Politique d'encadrement des étudiants des cycles supérieurs) and the terms and conditions available on Polytechnique’s website:
http://www.polymtl.ca/sg/docs_officiels/1310enca.engl.htm.

For the advisory committee nomination procedures, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies or consult Polytechnique’s website.

9.1   Choosing an Academic or Research Supervisor

A candidate’s referral for admission to a graduate program must be endorsed by a professor who, in signing, agrees to act as that student’s academic or research supervisor once the student has registered.

9.2   Changing Academic or Research Supervisor

Any request to change academic or research supervisor, whether issued by the student or the professor, must be submitted in writing to the graduate studies coordinator and department director. Such requests can be considered only if another professor agrees in writing to supervise the student. The department director must provide a written response to the student or professor within a reasonable time period. Before it can take effect, any such change must be approved by the graduate studies coordinator, department director and the Registrar’s Office.

9.3   Responsibilities of the Academic or Research Supervisor

9.3.1   The academic supervisor helps students develop their study plan.

9.3.2   The research supervisor helps students develop and manage their study plan as well as choose an appropriate research topic. He/she also oversees their research activities.

9.3.3   To be acceptable, a student’s study plan, research topic and any extension requests must be approved by the academic or research supervisor and graduate studies coordinator concerned.

9.3.4   Should he or she deem a student’s progress unsatisfactory, the academic or research supervisor is also obliged to report to the graduate committee of the department or program concerned. The committee will then make recommendations to the department director, after hearing out the student, will issue a decision. This decision may go as far as annulment of the student’s candidacy. In such a case, the decision will be sent in writing to the Director of Graduate Studies.

10.1   Program Length

The length of a graduate program normally encompasses coursework and research. Coursework semesters generally entail completing class and research assignments, while research semesters normally focus on producing the thesis.

Students who fail to complete their program requirements within the given time limit and who seek to prolong their studies must request an extension.

10.2   Academic Time Limit

“Academic time limit” refers to the maximum number of semesters within which to complete a given program and meet the degree requirements. The time limit, which commences with initial registration, includes all semesters allotted to coursework and research, as well as any extensions and leaves of absence.

Failure to meet degree requirements within the time limit will nullify the student’s candidacy unless an extension has been granted.

10.3   Extending the Academic Time Limit

10.3.1   Exceptionally, and based on terms to be established with the department director, the Registrar’s Office may authorize an extension of the academic time limit. Students seeking an extension must submit a formal request before their candidacy comes to term. The extension request must include a recommendation from the student’s academic or research supervisor and the graduate studies committee of the department or program in question, which sets out the terms of the extension (special requirements, deadlines, etc.). The time limit cannot be extended by more than 3 semesters.

10.3.2   Following expiry of the extension period, the student will be expelled from the school if he/she still fails to meet the degree requirements.

“Fraud” is taken to mean any form of plagiarism, cheating or other method used by students to obtain an undeserved evaluation or to influence a decision regarding their student record, as well as any actions leading to or amounting to participation in these acts.

A non-exhaustive list of punishable infractions is provided in section M4.

Disciplinary measures are determined by the Director of Graduate Studies or his or her representative. Based on the seriousness of the offence and the chance of recurrence, disciplinary measures may include:

1. A score of 0 given to the evaluation concerned;
2. A grade of F given to the course concerned;
3. A grade of F given to the course concerned and suspension from Polytechnique Montréal for 1 full semester (fall or winter). Once the suspension period is over, the student resumes studies where he/she left off, with no possibility of equivalency for any courses that may have been taken at an outside institution;
4. Expulsion from Polytechnique Montréal.

A chart of possible disciplinary measures can be found in section M4.

Any person witness to or who has reasonable basis for belief that an act may be qualified as plagiarism or fraud must inform the Director of Graduate Studies.

The Director of Graduate Studies or his or her representative, after hearing the complainant, will summon the student suspected of fraud, interview him/her in the presence of a third party, and render a decision along with the reasons serving as justification. The student is to be informed in writing of the decision and its justification as soon as possible.

Should the disciplinary measure be expulsion, the Director of Graduate Studies will make the recommendation to the Chief Academic and International Officer who submits the case to the Executive Committee of the Corporation de l’École Polytechnique de Montréal for a final verdict. The final verdict cannot be appealed.

Students who feel they have been unfairly treated with regard to the terms and conditions of these regulations, particularly for reasons that involve misapprehension of the facts, a procedural error, manifest discrimination or partiality, or disproportionate disciplinary measures,1 may appeal the decision, except in the case of an evaluation review (whose process is detailed in these regulations) or expulsion by the institution’s administration.

A written appeal, submitted within 30 calendar days following notification of the contested decision, must be presented to the General Secretary, who determines whether the reasons cited justify convocation of the appeal committee. As required, the appeal will receive a hearing within 30 days from a legal committee nominated by the Chief Academic and International Affairs Officer, and composed of a professor appointed on the recommendation of the Academic Council and who heads the committee; a professor nominated by the Education Commission; and a student nominated by Polytechnique’s graduate student association. The parties concerned are entitled to a hearing from the committee. The student is informed of the committee’s decision by the Chief Academic and International Affairs Officer.

Any grade or degree assigned in error or following fraud or theft (including plagiarism) shall be considered void.

Polytechnique Montréal’s administrators will inquire into the matter and hold a hearing with the party involved. The Academic Council, acting on the recommendation of the institution’s management, will recommend that the grade or degree be nullified. The recommendation is subsequently forwarded to Université de Montréal.

The nullity must be declared within 10 years of the date on which its cause was revealed.

Application of these regulations is the responsibility of the Registrar or his or her representative.

Exceptionally, in certain extreme, special or litigious situations, a student may be entitled to request exemption from a regulation. In such situations, the student must apply in writing to the Director of Graduate Studies, explain the reasons for the request, and attach a supporting document signed by the student’s academic or research supervisor and the department director concerned (note that this document is not required if the student in question is an independent student). Should the Director of Graduate Studies determine that the motives cited are reasonable and justified, he/she will call a meeting of the statutory committee. The statutory committee, composed of the Director of Graduate Studies, the Registrar’s representative and the graduate studies coordinator of the department concerned, studies the request and renders a decision. The Director of Graduate Studies then informs the student of the decision.

As of fall 2007, all new students at Polytechnique Montréal are required to familiarize themselves with and sign the Student Code of Conduct. In doing so, students confirm having acknowledged the regulations governing their rights and responsibilities, including the present regulations. Only students who have signed the Code may enrol in a second semester at Polytechnique Montréal.

Below is a copy of the Code of Conduct.

Polytechnique Montréal offers 9- to 15-credit short graduate programs leading to a statement of studies.

Each short graduate program can be part of a DESS in technology, which requires an accumulation of 2 to 3 short graduate programs plus, if necessary, a 3-credit graduate project. Admission requirements to the Specialized graduate diploma in Technology are specified in Section 3 – Program Descriptions.

In general, the same regulations and admission requirements apply to short graduate programs as to the graduate diploma, with the exception of Article 25 (“Annulment of candidacy”).

Candidacy for the short graduate program shall be annulled:

a) If the candidate has not been authorized to continue studying after failing a first course, failing the same course twice, or failing 2 different courses in the study plan (see Article 8.4);

b) If, after completing at least 9 credits, the candidate’s GPA at the end of the semester is less than 2.75;

c) If the candidate’s progress is unsatisfactory (Article 9.3.4);

d) If the candidate fails to meet the conditions required for graduation from the short graduate program within the academic time limit (2 years) or by the end of any authorized extension of the maximum time limit.

Polytechnique Montréal offers programs leading to a specialized graduate diploma (DESS).

DESS programs may be taken on a part-time basis. Accordingly, a number of graduate courses are offered in the evening.

30.1   Targeted Skills

Polytechnique Montréal’s engineering DESS programs aim to produce graduates who can:

• Apply wide-ranging scientific knowledge related to their field of study and discipline to different situations.
• Work in professional situations based on their acquired knowledge in their field or discipline.
• Provide a clear breakdown of the problems for which they are responsible and communicate their results.
• Demonstrate rigour, critical thinking and integrity, as well as respect for intellectual property.

30.2   Areas of Specialty

Students wishing to pursue specialized training may apply to do a DESS in the following areas of specialization:

• biomedical engineering
• chemical engineering
• civil engineering
• computer engineering
• engineering physics
• ergonomics
• electrical engineering
• energy engineering
• industrial engineering
• mathematics for the engineer
• mechanical engineering
• metallurgical engineering
• mineral engineering
• nuclear engineering
• software ergonomics
• sustainable developement
• technology (by accumulating short graduate programs)

31.1 Polytechnique Montréal graduates who hold an undergraduate engineering degree or candidates whose qualifications are deemed equivalent by Polytechnique Montréal may apply for the specialized graduate diploma (DESS) program in a given discipline.

Candidates who hold a university degree in the sciences and whose previous training is deemed adequate by Polytechnique Montréal may also apply for the DESS program.

31.2 All DESS candidates must have a GPA of at least 2.5/4.0 (or an equivalent grade accepted by Polytechnique) in the studies that led to their obtaining the qualifications stipulated in Article 31.1.

Candidates may request exemption from this condition by supporting their application with proof of their aptitude for the DESS program (e.g. pertinent professional experience, further training after undergraduate studies, etc.).

31.3 Meeting the admission requirements stipulated in Articles 31.1 and 31.2 does not automatically guarantee admission to the program. Applicants must also fulfil the terms specific to each program. Furthermore, the head of a given program may issue specific terms and requirements for admission to that program.

31.4 Candidates who are enrolled in a bachelor’s program at Polytechnique Montréal and who have a cumulated average of 2.75 or higher out of 4.0, who have completed or will have completed 105 course credits during the semester, and who are recommended by a professor (future academic supervisor) and supported by the graduate studies coordinator, may be eligible for admission to the DESS as part of the integrated bachelor’s-DESS stream (Baccalauréat–DESS intégré, or BDI).

Application instructions for the BDI are set out on section M2. The BDI pre-admission form is available from the Registrar’s Office.

32.1 The normal duration of studies in the DESS program is 2 to 3 semesters as a full-time student.

32.2 The academic time limit for the program is 6 semesters (2 years) for a full-time student and 12 semesters (4 years) for a part-time student.

DESS programs require the successful completion of 30 course credits, at least 21 of which must be graduate-level courses.

Prior to initial registration, all candidates must have their study plan approved as per Article 6.

Candidacy for the specialized graduate diploma (DESS) shall be annulled:

1. If the candidate has not been authorized to continue studying after failing a first course, failing the same course twice, or failing 2 different courses in the study plan (see Article 8.4);
2. If, after having completed at least 9 credits, the candidate’s GPA at the end of the semester is less than 2.75;
3. If the candidate’s progress is unsatisfactory (Article 9.3.4);
4. If the candidate fails to meet the conditions required for graduation within the prescribed academic time limit or by the end of any authorized extension of the academic time limit.

To obtain the specialized graduate diploma (DESS), the candidate must have:

1. Successfully completed all courses in the study plan, including any complementary courses required;
2. Obtained a GPA of at least 2.75 for all courses in the program of study;
3. Complied with all other regulations issued by Polytechnique Montréal.

Polytechnique Montréal offers master’s programs leading to the following degrees: Master’s of Applied Science (MASc) and Master’s of Engineering (MEng).

Master’s programs at Polytechnique Montréal can be either thesis or non-thesis (course- or research-based) programs. The course stream leads to the MEng degree, while the research stream leads to the MASc degree.

A MEng degree does not automatically entail membership in the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec, nor result in the title of “engineer.”

50.1   Targeted Skills

Polytechnique Montréal’s research-based master’s engineering programs aims to produce graduates who can:

• Apply wide-ranging scientific knowledge based on their research and field of study, along with general knowledge of their discipline, to various situations.
• Conduct rigorous scientific research under the supervision of an expert and contribute to advancing scientific knowledge in their field.
• Communicate the results of scientific research in their field with clarity.
• Demonstrate rigour, critical thinking and integrity, as well as respect for intellectual property.

The course-based master’s engineering programs aim to train candidates able to:

• Apply wide-ranging scientific knowledge of their field of study or discipline to a variety of situations.
• Conduct studies, bring about developments or create professional applications based on learned methodologies or on the results of scientific research in their field.
• Communicate the results of scientific research in their field with clarity.
• Demonstrate rigour, critical thinking and integrity, as well as respect for intellectual property.

50.2   Areas of Specialization

Master’s candidates in the research stream may obtain a degree in any of the following areas of specialization:

• aerospace engineering
• applied mathematics
• biomedical engineering
• chemical engineering
• civil engineering
• computer engineering
• electrical engineering
• energy engineering (with or without nuclear engineering option)
• engineering physics
• industrial engineering
• mechanical engineering
• metallurgical engineering
• mineral engineering

Master’s candidates in the course stream may obtain a degree in any of the following areas of specialization:

• aerospace engineering
• biomedical engineering (with or without the clinical engineering option)
• chemical engineering (with or without the following options: energy and sustainable development, processes and the environment, materials)
• civil engineering (with or without the environmental engineering or project management in civil engineering option)electrical engineering (with or without the electrical engineering or telecommunications option)
• energy engineering (with or without the nuclear engineering option)
• industrial engineering (with or without the following options: ergonomics, technological project management, healthcare systems engineering, logistics, technology management, computer-integrated manufacturing, organizational resilience)
• computer engineering (with or without the networking option)
• mechanical engineering (with or without the following options: sustainable design and manufacturing, materials, composite materials, digital mechanics)
• metallurgical engineering (with or without the materials option)
• mineral engineering
• engineering physics (with or without the materials option)

50.3   Modular Master's Programs

Course-based master’s programs may be structured into modules. Modules are a logical, organized series of educational activities amounting to 9 to 15 credits in a given field or specialty. They are part of the program and listed as such in the academic calendar. Modules may be authorized by the appropriate attestation.

51.1 Polytechnique Montréal graduates who hold an undergraduate engineering degree or candidates whose certification is deemed equivalent by Polytechnique may apply for the master’s program in a given discipline.

Candidates who hold a university degree in the sciences and whose previous training is deemed adequate by Polytechnique Montréal may also apply for the master’s program.

51.2 All master’s candidates must be in good academic standing and have a GPA of at least 2.75/4.0 (or an equivalent grade accepted by Polytechnique) in the studies that led to their obtaining the qualifications stipulated in Article 51.1.

Candidates may request exemption from this condition by supporting their application with proof of their aptitude for graduate studies (e.g. pertinent professional experience, further training after undergraduate studies, etc.).

51.3 Meeting the admission requirements stipulated in Articles 51.1 and 51.2 does not automatically guarantee admission to the program. Applicants must also fulfil the terms specific to each program. Furthermore, the head of a given program may issue specific terms and requirements for admission to that program.

51.4 Undergraduate students at Polytechnique Montréal with a GPA of at least 3.0/4.0, who have completed or are in the process of completing 105 credits during the semester, and who are recommended by a professor (a potential academic or research supervisor) may, with the approval of the graduate studies coordinator, be admitted to a master’s program as part of the integrated bachelor’s–master’s stream (Baccalauréat–maîtrise intégré, or BMI).

Application instructions for the BMI are set out on section M1. The BMI pre-admission form is available from the Registrar’s Office.

52.1 The normal duration of studies in the master’s program varies between 4 and 6 semesters for a full-time student.

52.2 The academic time limit is 9 semesters (3 years) for a full-time student in the course- or research-based master’s program, and 15 semesters (5 years) for a part-time student in the course-based master’s program.

52.3 Only the course-based master’s program may be taken on a part-time basis. Accordingly, a number of graduate courses are offered in the evening.

A master’s program consists of 45 credits.

53.1 The research-based master’s program includes a minimum of 15 course credits (of which at least 9 must come from graduate courses) and 30 credits attributed to research and the production of a thesis.

The course ING6900 Méthodes de recherche or ING6900E (English version) is obligatory for research-based master’s students and must be taken at the start of the program, no later than the third semester following initial registration, unless a recognized equivalent course has been taken previously.

53.2 The course-based master’s program includes a minimum of 30 course credits (no more than 9 of which may come from undergraduate courses) and a minimum of 6 credits attributed to a project or internship, accompanied by a report (with the exception of the clinical engineering and health information science specializations in the master’s of biomedical engineering program, both of which require a minimum of 27 course credits).

53.3 Students who completed a DESS in the 3 years prior to readmission, have a GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 and who apply for the course-based master’s program in the same field may request recognition of their DESS credits in the master’s program. Following completion of the course-based master’s, the degree obtained will also include a mention of the DESS obtained previously.

53.4 Students who decide not to continue the course-based master’s program but who have completed 30 or more credits and have a GPA of at least 2.75/4.0 may request a program change and obtain a DESS in the same field.

Prior to initial registration or no later than the last day of the course change period in their first semester, master’s candidates must have their study plan approved as per the procedures described in Article 6.

Industrial or research centre internships may be part of the study plan of a full-time student.

To obtain the research-based master’s degree, students must produce a thesis (30 credits) reporting on their research.

55.1   Thesis objectives

The master’s thesis allows students to display their knowledge of a given field along with their ability to conduct research and communicate their findings.

55.2   Research Topic and Deadline

Before the end of their second semester, students in research-based master’s program must submit the form titled Research topic and timetable to the Registrar’s Office. This form must be completed and duly signed by the student, the research supervisor and the graduate studies coordinator.

Should the research topic undergo significant change in the course of the program, a modified research topic must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office. Any such change must be approved by the student’s research supervisor and the department director.

55.3   Writing and Initial Submission

55.3.1   Before they can submit a thesis to the department, students must meet all other requirements appearing on their study plan.

55.3.2   The thesis format (writing and presentation) must comply with the standards and procedures in effect.

Details on the thesis standards and procedures in effect can be found in the Guide de présentation de mémoires available on the Registrar’s Office website.

Article-Based Thesis
A thesis that incorporates published works must normally include one paper published in or submitted to a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Students must follow standard procedure for including published works in a thesis by completing the appropriate forms, available on the Registrar’s Office website. These forms must be signed by the research supervisor and the graduate studies coordinator.

55.4   Committee Composition and Appointment

A master’s thesis is examined by a 3-person committee.

Based on the recommendation of the graduate studies coordinator and department director, the committee is appointed by the Director of Graduate Studies at Polytechnique Montréal.

Any individual with recognized expertise in the area of research in question may sit on the committee. The student’s research supervisor can be a committee member but may not be its chair. The committee chair must be a full, associate, assistant, adjunct or emeritus professor at Polytechnique Montréal. A professor who is part of a joint program with Polytechnique Montréal may also serve as chair.

55.5   Evaluation for Oral Defence

After evaluating the thesis, the committee must come to one of the following decisions:

1. The thesis is recommended to proceed to oral defence.;

2. The thesis must be revised and resubmitted only once, within a time limit set by the committee that is not to exceed 6 months (note that if the revised thesis is not submitted within the stated deadline, the student’s candidacy shall be withdrawn);
3. The thesis is deemed unacceptable and the student’s candidacy is withdrawn.

Decision a) must be a majority vote; decision c) requires unanimity.

The department director must be informed of the committee’s decision.

Note: Should the committee be divided as to whether to accept or reject a thesis that has been revised and resubmitted, the thesis oral defence must go ahead. This decision must be communicated to the department director.

55.6   Oral Defence

55.6.1   The department director, having determined that the work complies with the standards in effect and that any corrections requested by the committee have been made, posts a date for the oral defence of the thesis.

The oral defence is public unless the department director, acting on the recommendation of the committee, decides otherwise.

55.6.2   Following the oral defence, the committee must come to a majority decision on one of the following verdicts:

a) The thesis is pronounced satisfactory and is approved;

b) The thesis is satisfactory but requires certain minor changes; in such a case, any corrections and modifications are indicated by the committee chair, who later ensures that all changes have been made;

c) The thesis requires substantial modification; in such a case, the final decision is adjourned and the committee convenes at a later date to render its verdict;

d) The thesis is unacceptable and the student’s candidacy is withdrawn.

The committee’s verdict cannot be appealed.

55.7   Thesis Submission

Following a successful thesis oral defence, the committee chair, as required, ensures that the requested corrections have been made. The graduate studies coordinator and the Registrar’s Office ensure that the thesis meets the standards in effect. Final submission of the thesis to the Registrar’s Office is the student’s responsibility.

The thesis must be submitted electronically. The procedure for doing so is set out at: http://www.polymtl.ca/es/memoire-these.

Students in the master’s (non-thesis) program are required to produce one or more project or internship reports (6 to 15 credits).

56.1   Report Objectives

In producing one or more project or internship reports, students display their knowledge acquired during the course of the project or internship in question, along with their ability to conduct a significant engineering study and present its findings.

56.2   Submission of the Project or Internship Topic

Students in the master’s (course-based) program must establish the topic of each project or internship with their academic supervisor, who provides final approval for the topic.

56.3   Evaluation of the Project or Internship Topic

The project or internship report is evaluated and graded by the academic supervisor and at least one other person appointed by the department director. The latter must ratify the evaluation. The department must see that this regulation is applied.

To obtain a master’s degree, students must have:

1. completed all obligatory courses listed in the study plan, including any complementary courses;
     and

2. a GPA of at least 3.0 for all obligatory activities in their program of study;
     and

3. defended a thesis that has been approved as per the terms set out in Article 55;
     or
   

   presented one or more project or internship reports that have been evaluated, graded and accepted as per the terms set out in Article 56;

     and
   
   
4. met all other regulations of Polytechnique Montréal.

Candidacy for the master’s program shall be annulled if:

1. The candidate has not been authorized to continue studying after failing a first course, failing the same course twice, or failing 2 different courses in the study plan (see Article 8.4);
2. After having completed at least 9 credits, the candidate’s GPA at the end of the semester is less than 2.75;
3. The candidate’s progress is unsatisfactory (see Article 9.3.4);
4. The candidate’s thesis was rejected;
5. The candidate fails to meet the conditions required for graduation within the prescribed academic time limit or by the end of any authorized extension of the time limit.

Polytechnique Montréal offers various study and research programs leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.

70.1   Targeted Skills

PhD engineering programs aim to produce graduates who can:

• Apply wide-ranging scientific knowledge to various situations, along with in-depth knowledge related to their research, broad-based knowledge related to their field of study and general knowledge pertaining to their discipline.
• Autonomously and expertly lead scientific research in their field of study.
• Through scientific research, come up with innovative solutions to complex problems with no known or obvious solutions.
• Advance scientific knowledge in their field of study.
• Publish in specialist peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Communicate, fluently and with clarity across a wide range of situations, the results of their scientific research and their knowledge of their field and/or discipline.
• Demonstrate rigour, critical thinking and integrity, as well as respect for intellectual property.

70.2   Areas of Specialization

PhD candidates may obtain a degree in any of the following areas of specialization:

• biomedical engineering
• chemical engineering
• civil engineering
• electrical engineering
• industrial engineering
• computer engineering
• mechanical engineering
• metallurgical engineering
• mineral engineering
• nuclear engineering
• engineering physics

Under an agreement with Université de Montréal, the degree may also be obtained in mathematics (mathematics for engineers option).

Jointly supervised PhD programs (France-Québec)

Candidates wishing to enrol concurrently at Polytechnique Montréal and at a school or university in France as part of a joint-supervision PhD program must obtain the approval of both institutions, which will sign an agreement to this end. The program will lead to a degree from Polytechnique Montréal and a degree from the French institution.

The agreement must meet the terms set out in the document Programme-cadre et procédures pour la signature d'un accord franco-québécois de cotutelle de thèse de doctorat, available from the Registrar’s Office.

71.1   General Terms

Polytechnique Montréal graduates who hold an undergraduate or master’s engineering degree or candidates whose qualifications are deemed equivalent by Polytechnique may apply for the PhD program.

High academic standing does not necessarily guarantee admission to the PhD program. Candidates must also obtain the support of a professor who agrees to supervise their work.

71.2   Undergraduate–to–PhD Fast-track

Candidates who apply for the PhD program based on an undergraduate engineering degree or equivalent must have a GPA of at least 3.2/4.0 (or an equivalent grade accepted by Polytechnique) in said degree or equivalent.

However, candidates whose GPA is below 3.2/4.0 (or an equivalent grade) may still be admitted on the basis of a favourable recommendation from the graduate studies committee of the department or program concerned. The recommendation must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office before the stated deadline. The graduate studies committee may also take a candidate’s experience and other factors into consideration.

In certain cases, particular requirements or limitations may be imposed (complementary courses, conditional admission, admission to a research-based master’s, etc.).

71.3   Masters-to-PhD Fast-track

On the recommendation of their research supervisor and the graduate studies coordinator, a master’s student at Polytechnique Montréal who has completed a minimum of 9 graduate course credits and whose academic record is outstanding may be admitted directly to a PhD program without having to submit a master’s thesis.

The 9-credit graduate course requirement does not apply to students who have obtained a cumulative average of 3.2 or higher out of 4.0 in their bachelor’s of engineering (or in a program deemed equivalent by Polytechnique).

71.4   Bachelor’s–to–PhD Admission for Non-engineering Candidates

Exceptionally, on the recommendation of their research supervisor and the graduate studies coordinator, candidates who do not hold an undergraduate engineering degree but who have an equivalent level of qualifications in a field of relevance to the PhD program as well as an outstanding academic record may, under certain conditions, be admitted to the PhD program.

71.5   PhD–to–master’s Transfer

PhD candidates admitted to the program in accordance with Articles 71.2, 71.3 or 71.4 who do not meet the program requirements following the comprehensive exam or who decide to discontinue the PhD program may transfer to a master’s program. In such cases, the departmental graduate studies committee will propose the terms governing the transfer to the Registrar’s Office. Students will then be required to meet the master’s degree requirements.

72.1 The normal period for completing PhD requirements varies from 8 to 11 semesters (up to 12 semesters for the undergraduate–to–PhD fast-track program).

72.2 The academic time limit period for completing the PhD program is 18 semesters (6 years).

Students whose first enrolment in the doctoral program is the winter 2012 semester or later must take the first four workshops, worth 1 credit each, as part of the program. These first 4 credits correspond to Step 1 (titled “Toward the Comprehensive Examination”) of the program, and must be completed at the latest in the fourth semester following the initial enrolment in the doctoral program. These 4 workshop credits are considered out-of-program credits, meaning they are not counted toward the 90 doctoral program credits. The structure of the complementary doctoral training workshop program is set out on section G.

Students whose initial enrolment in the doctoral program was prior to winter 2012 must take the course ING6900 Méthodes de recherche or ING6900E (English version). This course must be taken no later than the third semester following initial registration, unless it has been taken at the master’s level or a recognized equivalent course has been taken previously. This course is part of the 90 doctoral program credits.

73.1   Program Structure

The PhD program consists of 90 credits, 15 to 30 of which (depending on the program) are attributed to graduate courses aimed at enhancing candidates’ knowledge of their field and preparing them for the comprehensive exam.

73.1.1    Master's-to-PhD transfer

The program of study for candidates who transferred directly from the master’s to the PhD program (Article 71.3) must include at least 15 graduate course credits (or more, depending on the specific requirements of the program in question).

73.1.2    Course exemptions

On the recommendation of the graduate studies coordinator in question and in agreement with the research supervisor, students with a graduate degree or pertinent graduate-level training or its equivalent may request partial or total exemption from the credit courses in their PhD program. (The exception to this is ING6900, which is obligatory for students whose initial enrolment was prior to the winter 2012 semester unless it has been taken at the master’s level or a recognized equivalent has been taken previously.) Students who hold a previous PhD degree may also request this exemption.

Courses to be exempted must be approved by the research supervisor. The number of course credits to be completed by the candidate will be based on the number of exempted credits. The PhD program consists of 90 credits in total; the remaining number of credits, after courses, are for work toward the student’s project or thesis.

Exemptions must be granted prior to a student’s initial registration in the PhD program or no later than the end of that student’s first semester. (Note that this article does not entitle students to exemption from the comprehensive exam, which must be carried out as per Article 75.)

73.1.3    Courses in other universities

Articles 5.3.7 and 6 of the graduate studies general regulations notwithstanding, graduate studies course credits in the study plan of a registered PhD student could be followed in part or entirely in other universities than Polytechnique Montréal. However, this does not affect the obligation to follow the mandatory courses, as mentioned in the PhD program description in the Annuaire des études supérieures. As well, for students whose initial enrolment in the doctoral program was prior to the winter 2012 semester, this does not affect the obligation to take the course ING6900 Méthodes de recherche (or ING6900E).

73.2   Languages

The academic or research supervisor, in tandem with the graduate studies coordinator, may require a PhD student to undertake English or French language studies if they deem it necessary to the progress of their studies. Any such language courses will be considered complementary and subject to the same terms as external courses.

74.1   Study Plan

Prior to initial registration or no later than the last day of the course change period in their first semester, PhD candidates must have their study plan approved as per the procedures outlined in Article 6.

74.2   Advisory Committee

The advisory committee is a group of 3 or 4 experts who, by sharing knowledge and skills, constructively support the research supervisor in his or her doctoral supervision work, and provide advice to doctoral candidates throughout their training. The advisory committee also aims to empower doctoral candidates with regard to their success and in meeting the quality criteria in their scientific, as well as personal and professional, development.

Assistance from an advisory committee is optional. It is created at the suggestion of the research supervisor or at the request of the doctoral candidate with the supervisor’s agreement. The graduate studies coordinator concerned must be informed of the creation of each advisory committee.

The advisory committee is created as soon as possible, and at the latest 1 year from the date of the initial registration in the doctoral program. The advisory committee meets at least once per year to discuss the student’s doctoral progress.

All PhD candidates must pass the comprehensive examination. The exam is used to verify students’ ability to synthesize information and ensure that they have the knowledge and maturity needed to work in their chosen field and conduct original, advanced research.

75.1   Exam Structure

The comprehensive exam consists of 2 separate parts: the oral exam and the written exam.

The written exam is used to assess knowledge of a specific field acquired by candidates throughout their program of study, along with their capacity for synthesis and critical thinking. The exam may take place over a number of days but must be completed within a set period that may not exceed 2 weeks.

The oral exam normally takes place in a closed room. Related to the written exam and/or to other appropriate topics, the oral exam is used to assess candidates’ expertise, mental agility and capacity for original thought, as well as their synthetic and analytical abilities. The oral exam addresses candidates’ capacity for synthesis in relation to the written exam and research proposal. The proposal must show that the student’s research topic is original and well defined, that the student is well versed in the related scientific literature, and that he/she has set out a realistic work plan and schedule.

75.2   Committee

The committee consists of at least 3 members. It is strongly recommended that at least one member come from outside the department of the student’s program. The committee must be formed before the exams begin. The student’s research supervisor or co-supervisor cannot serve as committee chair.

75.3   Procedure

The comprehensive exam, which consists of written and oral parts, must be completed no later than the end of the fourth semester of studies following a student’s initial registration (excluding any duly authorized leaves of absence).

Students who fail to meet the above requirement will have the mention Autorisé à poursuivre sous conditions (“Conditional authorization to proceed”) appear on their transcript. Unless they are to retake the exam, students who do not complete the comprehensive exam in their next semester will be subject to the decision N’est plus autorisé à poursuivre (“Not allowed to proceed”), thus annulling their candidacy.
 
The written exam takes place before the oral exam.

At least 2 weeks prior to the oral exam, students must provide the committee with a written research proposal that includes a comprehensive literature review pertaining to their topic.

During the oral exam, the committee questions the student about the research proposal as well as topics connected to the written exam (as needed) and any other relevant topics.

75.4   Evaluation

The comprehensive exam is given a single grade. Neither the written nor the oral portion will be graded independently or have such a grade posted, unless and only if the committee unanimously decides to end the comprehensive exam following the written portion (see below).

Following the written exam, the committee may do one of several things: invite the student to continue the comprehensive exam (in which case the committee may inform the student of the strengths and weaknesses of the written portion); request a repeat sitting of the written exam; or, following a unanimous decision, declare the student to have failed the comprehensive exam. If the written exam is to be retaken, the student must take the exam based on terms set by the committee, which may require the student to retake part or all of it. Results unanimously deemed unsatisfactory by the committee will result in failure of the comprehensive exam.

Following the oral exam and after deliberation, the committee may declare the student to have passed or failed the comprehensive exam, or may have the student retake the oral portion.

If the oral portion is to be retaken, the student must do so based on terms set by the committee, which may require the student to retake the oral portion, the written portion or both parts of the exam. The timeframe for doing so shall not exceed 3 months. Results that fall short of committee requirements will result in failure of the comprehensive exam.

Only 1 retake exam is authorized. A candidate who has already repeated the written exam may not retake the oral exam.

Following the committee’s decision, the committee chair informs the Registrar’s Office of the verdict in writing (using the form titled Rapport du committee d’examen général de synthèse), mentioning whether or not this is a repeat exam. Should the student have successfully completed the comprehensive exam, he/she receives a grade of P (pass) and becomes a thesis candidate. If the student has been authorized to repeat the exam, the note Autorisé à poursuivre ses études sous conditions spéciales (“conditionally permitted to continue”) will appear on his or her transcript. Students who fail the comprehensive exam receive a failing grade (F) and their PhD candidacy is withdrawn.

The committee’s report must be signed by the graduate studies coordinator

76.1   Objectives

The PhD thesis must make an original contribution to the advancement of knowledge or technology.

76.2   Research Topic and Deadline

Before the end of their third semester, students in the PhD program must submit the form titled Research topic and timetable to the Registrar’s Office. This form must be completed and duly signed by the student, the research supervisor and the graduate studies coordinator.
 
Should the research topic undergo significant change in the course of the program, a modified research topic must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office. Any such change must be approved by the student’s research supervisor and the graduate studies coordinator.

76.3   Writing and Initial Submission

76.3.1   Before they can submit a thesis to the department, students must meet all other program requirements.

76.3.2   The thesis format (writing and presentation) must comply with the standards and procedures in effect.

Details on the thesis standards and procedures in effect can be found in the «Guide de présentation et de soutenance de thèses» , available on the Registrar’s Office website.

Article-Based Thesis
A thesis that incorporates published works must include papers published in or submitted to peer-reviewed scientific journals. Students must follow standard procedure regarding the inclusion of published works in a thesis by completing the appropriate forms, available on the Registrar’s Office website. The forms must be signed by the research supervisor and the graduate studies coordinator.

76.4   Committee Composition and Appointment

A PhD thesis is examined by a 4-person committee, at least 1 of whom must be chosen from an institution outside of Polytechnique Montréal, Université de Montréal and affiliated schools.

Based on the recommendation of the graduate studies coordinator and department director, committee members are appointed by the Director of Graduate Studies at Polytechnique Montréal.

Any individual with recognized expertise in the area of research in question may sit on the committee. The student’s research supervisor can be a committee member but not its chair. The committee chair must be a full, associate, assistant, adjunct or emeritus professor at Polytechnique Montréal. A professor who is part of a joint program with Polytechnique Montréal may also serve as chair.

For a jointly supervised thesis, the committee may be increased to 5 members to comply with the oral defence rules or requirements of the partner institution.

76.5   Evaluation for Oral Defence

After evaluating the thesis, the committee must come to one of the following decisions:

1. The thesis is recommended to proceed to oral defence;
2. The thesis must be revised and resubmitted only once, within a time limit set by the committee that is not to exceed 1 year (if the revised work is not submitted within the stated deadline, the student’s candidacy shall be withdrawn);
3. The thesis is deemed unacceptable and the student’s candidacy is withdrawn.

Decision a) must be a majority vote; decision c) requires unanimity.

The department director must be informed of the committee’s decision.

Note: Should the committee be unable to agree on whether to accept or reject a thesis that has been revised and resubmitted, a second committee must be formed as per Article 76.7. This decision must be communicated to the department director.

76.6   Oral Defence

76.6.1   The department director, having determined that the work complies with the standards in effect and that any corrections requested by the committee have been made, sets and publishes a date for the oral defence.

The oral defence is public unless the department director, acting on the committee’s recommendation, should decide otherwise.

76.6.2   When notice of the oral defence is posted, a copy of the thesis must be submitted to the department secretary, making it available for those who wish to consult it prior to the oral defence.

Any major objection to the work made by someone other than a committee member must be submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies at least 1 week prior to the oral defence date. The committee will be informed of any such objections before the oral defence.

76.6.3   The oral defence takes place before the committee and the Director of Graduate Studies representative, who must be a Polytechnique Montréal professor. The representative is proposed by the graduate studies coordinator and department director, then appointed by the Director of Graduate Studies at Polytechnique Montréal. He/she cannot be affiliated with the same program as the candidate.

The representative ensures that the process complies with the standards and procedures in effect, and provides a report to the Director of Graduate Studies. In the event of difficulty, the Director of Graduate Studies shall determine the follow-up to the committee’s decision, as required.

76.6.4   Following the oral defence, the committee must render one of the following verdicts:

1. The thesis is pronounced satisfactory and is approved;
2. The thesis is satisfactory but requires certain minor changes. In such a case, any corrections and modifications are indicated by the committee chair, who later ensures that the changes have been made;
3. The thesis requires substantial modification. In such a case, the final decision is adjourned and the committee convenes at a later date to render its verdict;
4. The thesis is unacceptable and the student’s candidacy is withdrawn.

The committee’s verdict must be unanimous. In the absence of unanimity, the committee is dissolved and a second committee is formed.

76.7   Second Committee

The second committee must be formed based on the terms set out in Article 76.4, and in compliance with the terms set out in Articles 76.5 and 76.6.

Normally, a member of the first committee (including the research supervisor) may not sit on the second committee.

The second committee must come to a majority decision. This decision is final. Should the committee be divided, the chair casts the deciding vote.

Should the second committee reject the thesis, either before or after the oral defence, the student’s candidacy is withdrawn.

76.8   Submitting the Thesis

Following a successful oral defence, the committee chair ensures that any corrections requested by the committee have been made. The graduate studies coordinator and Registrar’s Office ensure that the work complies with the standards in effect. Submitting the work to the Registrar’s Office is the student’s responsibility.

The thesis must be submitted electronically. The procedure is set out at:

http://www.polymtl.ca/es/memoire-these.

77.1   PhD Degree

To obtain the PhD degree, candidates must have:

1. Successfully completed all obligatory courses in their study plan, including complementary courses;
2. Obtained a GPA of at least 3.0 for all courses, seminars or assignments in their study plan, including complementary courses (an exception is made for candidates who are exempt from course credits as per Article 73.1.2);
3. Produced and successfully defended a thesis which has been accepted as per the terms set out in Article 76;
4. Complied with all other regulations of the school.

77.2   Obtaining the PhD Degree

Students admitted to the PhD program in accordance with Article 71.2 (on the basis of a bachelor’s engineering degree from Polytechnique Montréal) or Article 71.3 may obtain a master’s and a PhD degree in the same field of specialty, provided they meet the following conditions:

• Have successfully passed all obligatory courses in the study plan with a GPA equal to or greater than 3.0/4.0.

• Have passed the comprehensive exam.

  Have completed 8 semesters of the program1;
• Have submitted, to the satisfaction of the research supervisor, a report synthesizing the research conducted throughout the program.
• Have made the request in a semester that predates the semester in which the degree is obtained.
• Have obtained the recommendation of the research supervisor and the graduate studies coordinator concerned.

Note 1 : For students who have gone directly from the master’s to the PhD program without submitting a thesis, the 8 semesters may include semesters completed at the master’s level.

Candidacy for the PhD program shall be annulled if:

1. The candidate has not been authorized to continue studying after failing a first course, failing the same course twice, or failing 2 different courses in the study plan (see Article 8.4).

2. After having completed at least 9 credits, the candidate’s GPA at the end of the semester is less than 2.75.
3. The candidate fails the comprehensive exam.
4. The candidate’s progress is unsatisfactory (Article 9.3.4).
5. The candidate’s thesis was rejected.
6. The candidate fails to meet the conditions required for graduation within the prescribed academic time limit or by the end of any authorized extension of the academic time limit.
7. The candidate fails to complete the comprehensive exam within the prescribed time limit (Article 75.3).

8. The candidate fails to meet specific program requirements (in which case the decision is conveyed in writing to the Director of Graduate Studies).

Polytechnique Montréal has created a 12-credit non-program structure made up of a series of complementary doctoral training workshops. This structure, equivalent to a short graduate program, includes 3 successive 4-credit training steps: Step 1, “Toward the Comprehensive Examination” Step 2, “Toward Dissemination and Publication;” and Step 3, “Toward Defence and Employment”. Each step is structured over a 16-month period, or 4 semesters. When all 12 credits are complete, the student will obtain an attestation of complementary doctoral training.

All newly enrolled doctoral students, starting in the winter 2012 semester, must take the 4 workshop credits in the first step, “Toward Your Comprehensive Examination.” These 4 out-of-program workshop credits must be passed in order to obtain a doctoral degree. The 8 other credits are optional, but necessary for students who wish to obtain the attestation of complementary doctoral training.

Full workshop list: http://www.polymtl.ca/es/en/ateliersdoctorat/.

As part of the interuniversity agreement of the Conférence des recteurs et des principaux des universités du Québec (CREPUQ — conference of rectors and principals of Québec universities), regular students may take courses in other universities under the following conditions:

• Only courses listed in the study plan may be taken at another institution (for courses not listed in the study plan, students must obtain the authorization of the academic or research supervisor and have their study plan modified accordingly).
• Students must have paid their tuition at Polytechnique Montréal.

Authorization to study at an outside institution must be obtained electronically, through the CREPUQ’s website http://www.crepuq.qc.ca, which is also the means used to drop courses at outside institutions. (N.B.: any such withdrawals must comply with the deadlines set by the host institution.)

No regular student may be exempt from the evaluation process of a course taken at an outside institution.

The regulation below, which came into effect in fall 2007, affects all new students enrolled in graduate programs (DESS, course- or research-based master’s, PhD). There are 3 levels of occupational health and safety training available:

1. A 3-hour introductory course (obligatory).
2. Complementary modules based on area of specialization.
3. Training specific to a given laboratory.

Compulsory workplace health and safety introductory course
The 3-hour introductory course on workplace health and safety is compulsory for all new graduate students. SST6000 Atelier de formation santé-sécurité (3h) is automatically included in student’s study plan as of first registration. Successful completion of the course appears in the student’s transcript as the grade P (pass).

Obligation to pass the introductory course
Students who do not complete the course in their first semester obtain the grade R (withdrawal). In such cases, they will be required to take the course in the following semester.

Students who do not successfully complete the course in their second semester will receive a failing grade (F) and have their candidacy annulled.

However, at students’ request and with the approval of their academic or research supervisor and graduate studies coordinator, the Registrar’s Office may permit the student to repeat the course on a one-time basis only. Should the course remain uncompleted, students will again receive a failing grade (F) and their candidacy will be definitively annulled.

Workplace health and safety introductory training: course description
This workshop introduces students to occupational health and safety fundamentals and provides a general overview of the Québec and Canadian legal framework. The course also covers Polytechnique Montréal’s standards, regulations, workplace health and safety training and basic emergency measures. Lastly, the course looks at workplace hazards, existing personal safety equipment and basic workstation ergonomics.

Complementary modules based on area of specialization
A range of complementary courses is offered in addition to the introductory course. These courses concern:

• biorisks
• lasers
• machine safety
• radiation protection
• hazardous materials

These courses are open to all students, but particularly concern those whose field of studies or research is related to the aforementioned risks. During the introductory training, the complementary course(s) to take will be specified based on students’ areas of specialization. The list of complementary specialization-based workplace health and safety courses is available on the Polytechnique Montréal website at http://www.polymtl.ca/drfm.

Laboratory-specific training
Students may also need additional training to work in various laboratories at Polytechnique Montréal. For more information, students must consult the person in charge of the laboratory concerned.

Polytechnique Montréal’s policy on graduate student supervision (Politique d'encadrement des étudiants des cycles supérieurs) aims to ensure qualified supervision for all graduate students. In spite of the policy, conflicts or disputes may still arise between students and their academic or research supervisor. Students are advised to try to resolve the situation by discussing it with their academic or research supervisor. Should this prove unsatisfactory, students may consult the graduate studies coordinator concerned or even the department director in order to find a departmental solution to the problem. If the conflict or dispute persists, students may turn to the Director of Graduate Studies and/or the institution’s ombudsman. They may also, at any time, seek aid from the education representative at the Association des étudiants des cycles supérieurs de l'École Polytechnique (Polytechnique Montréal’s graduate student association). Lastly, students may invoke Article 12 (“Appeals”) of the Graduate Studies Regulations.

Note : these terms have the force of regulations

M1.1 Students in the integrated bachelor’s–master’s stream at Polytechnique Montréal, and who have a GPA of at least 3.0/4.0, may, on the recommendation of a professor (who will become their academic or research supervisor) and the support of the graduate studies coordinator of the program in question, enter a master’s program without completing their undergraduate degree requirements. To do so, students must have completed, or will complete in the current semester, a minimum of 105 credits (these 105 credits include graduate courses taken in advance, which will be recognized in the 15 credits common to the 2 programs, bachelor’s and master’s). Admission to the integrated bachelor’s-master’s stream constitutes enrolment in the master’s program.

M1.2 The graduate studies regulations apply in full to all students in the integrated bachelor’s-master’s stream throughout their course- or research-based master’s. Students who entered the master’s program without completing certain obligatory undergraduate credits must complete these courses during their master’s studies, even if the courses do not count toward the master’s degree.

Students in the integrated bachelor’s-master’s stream are obliged to complete the 6-credit integration project that is part of the final undergraduate year, even though these credits cannot count toward the master’s degree.

M1.3 Students with a satisfactory GPA after 90 credits must find a professor who will agree to supervise their work for the remaining 60 credits if they are accepted into the integrated bachelor's–master's stream. Before approving the student’s study plan, the professor (academic or research supervisor), in collaboration with the person in charge of the undergraduate program in question, must ensure the coherence of all 150 credits of the student’s study plan. In all cases, students must complete the Registrar’s Office form “Plan d’études BMI” which must be signed by the appropriate academic or research supervisor and graduate studies coordinator.

M1.4 Students in the integrated bachelor’s-master’s stream may request to obtain a bachelor’s engineering degree in their specialty once they have successfully completed the following 120 credits:

• Credits identified as obligatory in the undergraduate program, including the final 6-credit integration project.
• Credits from other undergraduate or graduate courses that are part of the 120-credit requirement.

Students normally receive their undergraduate degree before they meet the master’s program requirements.

M1.5 Students in the integrated bachelor's–master's stream who do not have the GPA (3.0/4.0) required to obtain the master’s degree after their coursework is completed must withdraw from the program. Students who then wish to obtain the undergraduate engineering degree must meet the bachelor’s program requirements, particularly the 6-credit integration project.

M1.6 Students from other universities must complete at least 45 undergraduate credits at Polytechnique Montréal before they can enter the integrated bachelor’s–master’s stream.

M1.7 The 12-credit orientation or option that is part of certain undergraduate programs may be replaced with 12 graduate course credits. Three course credits from 4000- or 3000-level courses in the undergraduate program may also be counted toward the master’s degree.

Students in integrated bachelor’s-master’s stream that include a concentration must complete all required coursework in the concentration to have it mentioned on their undergraduate transcript. They must complete all graduate courses in the concentration (which can be credited to the master’s program) and may also have up to 9 undergraduate course credits from the concentration credited to the master’s program (course- or research-based). These course credits must be deemed pertinent and approved by the academic or research supervisor.

The 6-credit integration project that is part of the final undergraduate year may not count toward the master’s degree, since the project is part of the undergraduate degree requirements.

The Registrar’s Office must approve any courses withdrawn from the undergraduate program.

M2.1 Students in an integrated bachelor’s-DESS stream at Polytechnique Montréal, who have a GPA of at least 2.75/4.0, may, on the recommendation of a professor (who will become their academic supervisor) and with the support of the graduate studies coordinator concerned, enter a DESS program without completing their undergraduate degree requirements. To do so, students must have completed, or will complete in the current semester, a minimum of 105 credits (these 105 credits include graduate courses taken in advance, which will be recognized in the 15 credits common to the 2 programs, bachelor’s and DESS). Admission to the integrated bachelor’s-DESS stream constitutes enrolment in the DESS.

M2.2 The graduate studies regulations apply in full to all students in the integrated bachelor’s–DESS stream. Students who entered the DESS program without completing certain obligatory undergraduate credits must complete these courses during their DESS studies, even if the courses do not count toward the DESS.

Students in the integrated bachelor’s–DESS stream are obliged to complete the 6-credit integration project that is part of the final undergraduate year, even though these credits cannot count toward the DESS.

M2.3 Students with a satisfactory GPA after 90 credits must find a professor who will agree to supervise their work for the remaining 45 credits in the integrated bachelor's–DESS stream. Before approving the student’s study plan, the professor (academic supervisor) in collaboration with the person in charge of the undergraduate program in question, must ensure the coherence of all 150 credits of the student’s study plan. In all cases, students must complete the Registrar’s Office form “Plan d'études BDI” which must be signed by the appropriate academic and graduate studies coordinator.

M2.4 Students in the integrated bachelor’s–DESS stream may request to obtain a bachelor’s engineering degree in their specialty once they have successfully completed the following 120 credits:

• Credits identified as obligatory in the undergraduate program, including the final 6-credit integration project
• Credits from other undergraduate or graduate courses that are part of the 120-credit requirement.

Students normally receive their undergraduate degree before they meet the DESS program requirements.

M2.5 Students in the integrated bachelor's–DESS stream who do not have the GPA (2.75/4.0) required to obtain the DESS after their coursework is completed must withdraw from the program. Students who then wish to obtain the undergraduate engineering degree must meet the bachelor’s program requirements, particularly the 6-credit integration project.

M2.6 Students from other universities must complete at least 45 undergraduate credits at Polytechnique Montréal before they can enter the integrated bachelor’s–DESS stream.

M2.7 The 12-credit orientation or option that is part of certain undergraduate programs may be replaced with 12 credits from graduate courses. 3 credits from 4000- or 3000-level courses in the undergraduate program may also be counted toward the DESS.

Students in an integrated bachelor’s–DESS stream that includes a concentration must complete all required coursework in the concentration to have it mentioned on their undergraduate transcript. They must complete all graduate courses in the concentration (which can be credited to the DESS) and may also have up to 9 undergraduate course credits from the concentration applied to the DESS. These course credits must be deemed pertinent and approved by the academic supervisor.

The 6-credit integration project that is part of the final undergraduate year may not count toward the DESS, since the project forms part of the undergraduate degree requirements.

The Registrar’s Office must approve any courses withdrawn from the undergraduate program.

M3.1 Any conditions regarding justified or unspecified absence that are mentioned in the course syllabus handed out at the start of the semester shall take precedence over the terms of this section.

M3.2 In the event of justified absence for a final examination in the winter semester, the deferred exam may be postponed until the exam period of the following semester (summer) if the course in question is offered. In all cases, the deferred final exam must take place during the exam period.

M3.3 It is not possible to repeat a deferred exam.

M3.4   Justifiable Cause for Absence

The following reasons are considered valid reasons for absence:

• Illness or incapacity (supported by a medical certificate).
• Childbirth (supported by a medical certificate).
• Paternity leave during childbirth (supported by a medical certificate): the absence is justified only if it takes place between the start of the delivery process and a maximum of 5 working days following the birth.
• Death of an immediate family member (mother, father, spouse, brother, sister, child) supported by a death certificate: the absence is justified only if the death took place in the 10 days preceding the exam date or assignment deadline.
• Scheduling conflict between an exam and an obligatory academic activity (same time/day).
• Three exams in 24 hours or 4 exams in 48 hours: the decision as to which exam will be deferred shall be issued by the Registrar’s Office.
• An act of God, force majeure or other extenuating circumstances (with supporting documentation as needed): the absence is justified at the discretion of the Registrar’s Office or delegated authority.

M3.5   Unacceptable Reasons for Absence

Since the academic calendar and exam schedule are published, personal events (e.g. travel arrangements, start of work/internship) will not be accepted as valid reasons for absence. A medical certificate that does not explicitly declare the student’s incapacity to attend the evaluation will be rejected.

M3.6   Repeated Absence

Students who have requested absence 3 times in 4 consecutive semesters and who request additional absence must, within the deadlines specified in Article 8.8.1, meet with the Registrar (or a delegated authority) to find out about the justification procedures for frequent and repeated absence. Being late for or failing to attend the meeting, whether intentional or involuntary, will automatically entail a mark of 0 for the assignment, test or exam affected by the absence. Non-compliance with the requirements imposed by the Registrar’s Office or a reason for absence deemed unacceptable will also automatically entail a mark of 0 for the assignment, test or exam affected by the absence. As required, the Registrar may form an ad hoc committee to help determine whether the additional absence is justified. The procedures that apply to frequent absence for assignments, tests or exams can be obtained from the Registrar’s Office

Violations include the following:

1. The substitution of a person during an exam or graded work.

2. Submitting an assignment, thesis or thesis prepared by another person.

3. Presenting the work of others as one’s own, without indication as to the reference or source, including any texts taken from the Internet.
4. Obtaining, through theft, bribery or other dishonest means, exam questions and/or answers and/or any other unauthorized document.
5. Modifying an evaluation result and/or any documents that formed part of the evaluation.
6. Possessing and/or using any unauthorized documents, materials or equipment during an exam.
7. Copying from the exam of another candidate during an exam.
8. Having recourse to any unauthorized aid during an exam, whether collective or individual.
9. Falsifying a document or data, or using falsified documents or data.
10. Presenting the same work, in whole or in part, for evaluation in more than one course.

Note This table is provided as a guide only; each case is treated individually.