I was really curious about the "focus on information" part!

© 2015 EPFL

© 2015 EPFL

ANSELME GOETSCHMANN – student in first year of Bachelor's degree program.

From what I've heard, studies in communication systems are more focused on information, data transfer, encryption, etc. whereas studies in information technology place more emphasis on algorithms, computer architecture, programing…

I was really curious about and later felt more interested in the "focus on information" part. This is why I chose to pursue my studies in the "Syscom" section. Fortunately, the first year is the same for both sections and I can always change my mind at the end of the first year.

During my first year of studies, I really liked the ICC course. It's a bit like gaining a "general cultural background in computing" with various key concepts such as algorithms, signals and entropy. This course provided us with an overview of what will be covered in the large number of more mathematical and abstract courses in subsequent years.

The other branch that I liked the most was discrete structures, which I would describe as a sort of "math course for computer scientists". It's really the fun part of math! It was in this course that we learned the basics of logic and algorithms. The exercises were particularly interesting thanks to our outstanding professor!

Although the EPFL’s approach to teaching is different from the baccalaureate school, I would say that there is a certain degree of continuity in subject matter. And these studies are not just for fans of video games. The proof: I don’t like video games and I yet I feel perfectly in my element!

You don't have to be a fan of technology or wacky gadgets either. Information technology and communication systems are sciences in their own right, where programing is not the only area of focus and where computers are only a tool, a tool that is not always necessary.

Another advantage of these studies (based on what people have been telling us!) is that you don't have to worry about finding a job later on! I have not yet decided what I want to do after completing my studies at the EPFL, but I'm tempted by everything: taking part in a start-up venture, working for a huge computer company (e.g. Google), handling IT security at a company or conducting research.