Scientific On-line Test

INSTRUCTIONS

1. You have 1h30 to answer each part of the test.

2. Each question or statement in this test is followed by five suggested answers or

completions. Only one is right. Select the best one for each question or statement.

3. +1 point for a right answer. -1/4 for a wrong answer. 0 for no answer.

4. Mobile phones must be switched off.

5. Calculator and electronic dictionaries are not allowed during the test.

6. No documents are allowed except bilingual paper dictionaries if they do not contain any
formula.

1st Part: Mathematics and applied mathematics

7. For each question, a level of difficulty (+, ++ or +++) is indicated.

8. All candidates are expected to answer questions of lower difficulty (+).

9. Candidates from a math department are expected to answer questions of higher

difficulty (+++).

2nd part: Physics / Chemistry / Life Sciences and Environment

10. For each question, a level of difficulty (+, ++ or +++) is indicated.

11. All candidates are expected to answer questions of lower difficulty (+) in physics.

12. According to their current field of studies, candidates are expected to answer questions
of higher difficulty (+++) in the corresponding field.

13. Answer questions related to your field of studies first.

 Required knowledge in mathematics

1 - Algebra

1.1 (+) Set theory. Operations on sets, characteristic functions. Maps,

injectivity, surjectivity. Direct and inverse image of a set. Integers, finite
sets, countability.

1.2 (+) Real numbers, complex numbers, complex exponential. Applica-

tion to plane geometry and to trigonometry. Polynomials, relations between
the roots and the coefficients. Elementary arithmetics in Z/nZ. Order in
R. Maximum, minimum, supremum, infimum.

1.3 (+) Finite dimensional vector spaces. Free families, generating fami-
lies, bases, dimension. Determinant of n vectors, characterization of bases.
Matrices, operations on matrices (product, inverse, rank, etc.). Determi-
nant and trace of a square matrix. Linear map, matrix associated with a
linear map. Linear systems of equations.

1.4.1 (++) Diagonalization of matrices. Eigenvalues, eigenvectors of a

square matrix. Stable subspaces. Similar matrices, geometrical interpreta-
tion. Characteristic polynomial.
1.4.2 (+++) Minimal polynomial, Cayley-Hamilton theorem.

1.5 (++) Euclidean spaces, Euclidean geometry, scalar product, Cauchy-

Schwarz inequality. Norms and associated distances. Euclidean spaces of
finite dimension, orthonormal bases, orthogonal projections. Orthogonal
matrices. Diagonalization of symmetric real matrices.

2 - Analysis and differential geometry

2.1 (++) Finite dimensional normed vector spaces. Equivalence of norms,

open and closed sets, open balls and closed balls. Convergent sequences
in normed vector spaces, continuous mappings. Compact sets, images of
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compact sets by continuous mappings, existence of extrema.

2.2.1 (+) Real or complex valued functions defined on an interval. De-

rivative at a point, functions of class C k . Mean value theorem, Taylor’s
formula. Primitive of continuous functions. Usual functions (exponential,
logarithm, trigonometric functions, rational fractions).
2.2.2 (++) Sequences and series of functions, simple and uniform conver-
gence.

2.3.1 (+) Integration over a bounded interval. Integral of piecewise con-

tinuous functions. Fundamental theorem of calculus. Integration by parts,
change of variables. Cauchy-Schwarz inequality. Improper integral.
2.3.2
R (++) Integrals depending on aR parameter. Continuity under the
sign , differentiation under the sign .

2.4.1 (+) Series of real or complex numbers, simple and absolute conver-
gence. Integral comparison criterion.
2.4.2 (++) Product of absolutely convergent series. Power series, radius
of convergence. Functions that can be expanded as power series on an
interval. Taylor series expansion of usual functions: exp(t), sin(t), cos(t),
ln(1 + t), (1 + t)a where a is a real number.

2.5.1 (+) Differential equations. Linear scalar equations of order 1 or

2. Homogeneous equation, method of separation of variables. Particular
solution, variation of parameters. Initial-value problem.
2.5.2 (++) Linear systems with constant coefficients. Notions on nonlin-
ear differential equations.

2.6.1 (++) Functions of several real variables. Partial derivatives, dif-

ferential of a function defined on Rn. Chain rule, functions of class C k .
Schwarz theorem.
2.6.2 (+++) Diffeomorphisms, inverse function theorem, implicit function
theorem. Critical points, local and global extrema.
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2.6.3 (+++) Double integrals. Computation of double integrals by Fu-

bini’s theorem or by a change of variables (e.g. use of polar coordinates).
2.6.4 (++) Plane curve, tangent vector at a point, length of a plane curve.

2.7.1 (+) Probability, conditional probability. Independent events.

2.7.2 (++) Random variable, expectation. Gaussian random variable,
mean, variance.
Required knowledge in Physics
NB: General concepts as energy conservation and momentum conservation laws are a must for the test.

1 Newtonian mechanics
The laws of mouvement of a point with mass m submitted to external forces must be known, in one, two
and three dimensions. The core Newton laws must be mastered by the candidates : the principle of inertia,
the principle of action and reaction, the fundamental equation of dynamics, as well as the angular momentum
theorem, the kinetic energy theorem. Notions of non-inertial frames and forces referred to as inertia forces are
pre-supposed (in particular, in the case of linear acceleration and uniform rotation frames). The questions of
this part will cover the three levels (+),(++) and (+++). Basics knowledge of newtonian mechanics applied
to ideal fluid as well as hydrostatic laws must be known by the candidates, and these questions will be of level
(++).

2 Solid mechanics
Within this syllabus, the mechanics of solids deals with both rigid and deformable bodies. Additionally, only
solids rotating about a fixed axis are a possible examination topic. The knowledge of tensors is required. The
expression of the kinetic energy of a rotating solid should be known. Some question might also cover the chock
between solids, therefore the knowledge of conservation laws are required. All these questions will be of level
(++) and (+++).

3 Thermodynamics: ideal gas, reversible thermodynamical cycle

The usual thermodynamics functions as internal energy, entropy, enthalpy, free energy, free enthalpy, as well
as their differentials must be known. The candidates are also expected to master the concepts and equations
related to the thermal flux. The heat capacities at constant volume and at constant pressure equal the partial
derivatives of internal energy and of enthalpy with respect to the temperature must also be known by the
candidates. The definitions of extensive and intensive variables, as well as of thermodynamic equilibrium must
be known. The gas will be considered as perfect, and the equation P V = nRT must be mastered. The entropy
for ideal gas as function of volume, pressure and temperature must also be known. The three principles of
thermodynamics must be known. The reversible thermodynamical cycles must also be known. The isobaric
and adiabatic process must be known by the candidates. The questions will cover the three levels (+),(++)
and (+++).

4 Geometrical optics
The concept of light rays, reflection and refraction by a plane mirror and the Snell – Descartes’ laws, as well
as the focalisation by lenses, must be known. The questions will not concerns wave optics, and will cover the
three levels (+),(++) and (+++).

5 Electromagnetism
Coulomb’s law, the concept of electric field, electrostatic field E, current circulation and flow under static electric
field must be known. The magnetic field B, the symmetry properties of B ans the interaction of magnetic field
with a charged particle must be mastered by the candidates. The candidates must also know the Maxwell
equations. These questions will cover the three levels (+),(++) and (+++).

6 Electronics
Electric voltage, Kirchoff’s laws of knots and meshes, electrical current, Ohm’s law and the superposition
theorem must be known. The physical bases of operation of the basic circuit components: resistor, capacitor,
induction coil, are required. Circuits with flip-flops and MOS, as well as filter gain must also be known by
the candidates. Their impedances in a sinusoidal regime must be known, as well as the transient regime of

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charging and discharging a capacitor. The candidates must also know the basic examples of RC, RL, LC and
RLC circuits, as well as circuits with operational amplifiers and transistors. Candidate must also kwon the
boolean logic. The questions will cover the three levels (+),(++) and (+++).

7 Quantum mechanics
Candidates must master the concept of hamiltonian, and must know the Schrödinger equation, as well as how
to solve it in the majority of simple cases, when the potential energy is constant and in the case of the harmonic
oscillator. The eigen energies and eigen vectors of the hamiltonian in the case of standard potential energy like
quantum well, harmonic oscillator and Coulomb potential must be known. The candidates must also master
the concept of wave function, together with its meaning and its physical properties. The questions will cover
the three levels (+),(++) and (+++).

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Knowledge required in life sciences and environment

1. Genetics and evolution
A. CARACTERISTICS OF MAIN BRANCHES OF THE LIFE PHYLOGENETIC TREE: Bacteria,
Eubacteria and Eukaryotes
B. POPULATION GENETICS: mutation-migration-genetic drift-selection, polymorphism
C. MENDELIAN GENETICS: allele transmission, genetic relationship
(dominance/recessivity)
D. NOTIONS OF EVOLUTION: Darwin, Wright, Fisher and Kimura’s main contributions

2. Biochemistry and molecular biology
A. MAIN CELLULAR COMPONENTS BIOSYNTHESIS: Proteins, Lipids, Amino Acids, Sugars
B. PROTEIN FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS: Hemoglobin, Myoglobin, Enzymes Kinetics
(Michaelis-Menten principles), Digestion and blood coagulation, Structure of biological
membranes
C. MAIN METABOLIC FUNCTIONS: Glycolysis, Citrate cycle, Pentose-phosphate pathway
and TCA, Fermentation, Photosynthesis
D. BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION FLUXES: transcription, translation, replication, regulation

3. Plant and animal main physicological functions
A. NUTRITION
B. DEVELOPMENT: organs, hormones, immunology, defense
C. REPRODUCTION

4.Populations, ecosystems and earth system
A. INTERACTIONS: between living organisms (biotic) and with the environment (abiotic).
B. ATMOSPHERE, BIOSPHERE, HYDROSPHERE AND GEOSPHERE: description, main
features and interactions
C. NATURAL RESSOURCES: different types, distribution, threats, conflicts, preservation