The second year of the Microelectronics and Computer Systems Engineering (ISMIN) program marks a crucial stage in an engineer’s training.
Students transition from acquiring fundamental knowledge to a comprehensive systems approach, where electronics, computer science, and project management converge.
They learn to connect technological building blocks, lead a team project, and prepare for future specialization.
This year also focuses on creativity and the entrepreneurial spirit, with the implementation of the Entrepreneurship Visa, a key experience for understanding the transformation of an idea into a concrete project.
🎯 Educational Objectives
- Integrate various disciplines to design and manage complex systems.
- Develop technical and scientific autonomy through structuring projects.
- Initiate students to the entrepreneurial approach and project management.
- Prepare for the choice of the 3rd-year major and refine their professional project.
- Strengthen communication, management, and foreign language skills.
📚 Year Structure
| Semester | Main Focus Areas | Projects and Internships |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 7 (S7) | • In-depth study in electronics, microcontrollers, IoT, and processor architecture • Courses in object-oriented programming, intelligent systems, and cybersecurity • Modules in management, strategy, innovation, and languages | • IoT (Internet of Things) Capstone Project • Entrepreneurial Project |
| Semester 8 (S8) | • In-depth study in advanced electronics, embedded systems, signal processing, and telecommunications • Strengthening skills in computer science, databases, and operating systems • Courses in management, strategy, languages, and intercultural communication for comprehensive engineering training | • School Project: addressing a concrete need for a company or laboratory. Or • Technical Internship (3 to 4 months) in France or abroad. |
🧩 Second-Year Projects
The IoT Project – Connecting the Real and Digital Worlds
The main project of the 2nd year, the IoT (Internet of Things) project mobilizes all skills acquired in electronics, computer science, and communication.
Students design a complete connected object, from the electronic board to the supervision application.
They learn to manage an innovation project by following all its stages:
specifications → prototyping → testing → validation → communication of results.
🎯 Objective: Develop the ability to design, integrate, and present an intelligent system, rooted in real-world applications.
The Entrepreneurial Project – From Idea to Project
All students participate in an entrepreneurial event (hackathon, challenge, or creatathon) dedicated to innovation and business creation.
This introduction to entrepreneurship allows each student to identify their stance:
Do I want to become an entrepreneur, now, someday, or never?
🎯 Objective: Understand the business creation process and experience the transformation of an idea into an innovative solution.
School Project or Technical Internship: Two Paths to Apply Skills
At the end of the 2nd year, each student chooses between two equivalent practical application options.
The School Project
Carried out in teams within the School or with an industrial partner, the School Project allows students to apply scientific and technical knowledge to a real-world problem.
Topics cover various fields: electronic design, software development, industrial optimization, pedagogical innovation, or applied research.
🎯 Objective: Lead a complete project – from needs analysis to prototype realization – while developing autonomy and engineering rigor.
The Technical Internship
Lasting 3 to 4 months (May to August), it places students in the role of a junior engineer within a company or laboratory.
They participate in a concrete project, applying their skills in a professional environment.
🎯 Objectives: Understand digital professions and industrial contexts; collaborate with experienced engineers; develop one’s professional network.
The internship can be completed in France or abroad, and is eligible for Erasmus+ grants for European mobilities.
💼 Propose a Project or Internship
To strengthen ties between companies and students, Mines Saint-Étienne has a Career Center in partnership with JobTeaser.
This portal allows companies to post offers for internships, projects, or innovation assignments, and to interact directly with ISMIN engineering students.
Companies can: publish and track their offers online; archive or republish their announcements independently; access a pool of qualified students.
Students benefit from a career intranet: over 1,500 career videos, updated offers, company events, and personalized alerts.
🎯 Objective of the system: Facilitate exchanges between companies, laboratories, and students, and strengthen professional integration from the start of training.
Technical Electives – Building Your Profile
Each student chooses advanced modules to prepare for their 3rd-year specialization:
- Advanced electronics and cleanroom technologies,
- Analytical computing and artificial intelligence,
- Future industry and automation,
- Security and communicating systems.
💬 Key Skills Developed
- Mastery of complex system design and integration.
- Spirit of innovation and problem-solving.
- Organizational skills and ability to manage a complete project.
- Communication and team leadership skills.
- Knowledge of how a technology company operates.
🌍 International Outlook and Interculturality
In the second year, international preparation takes shape:
- Courses in English and bilingual projects,
- Preparation for 3rd-year academic or professional mobility,
- Opportunity to complete the technical internship abroad,
- Participation in international workshops with partners from the Institut Mines-Télécom network.
Objective: To make international mobility an experience of personal and professional development.