École Polytechnique de Montréal
Montreal’s École Polytechnique is one of the three biggest engineering schools in Canada, and the largest in Quebec. Since its foundation in 1873, this French language educational establishment trains highly skilled engineers and specialists and contributes to the scientific and economic expansion of the region. Its graduates were part of most of Quebec’s major engineering works of the 20th century such as the construction of hydroelectric dams. École Polytechnique is now at the avant-garde of engineering in such fields as aeronautics, computer engineering, telecommunications, biotechnology, nanotechnology, environmental science, and many other high-end domains.Affiliated with the University of Montreal and on its campus, located on the northern face of Mount Royal, the school is autonomous and has its own governing board. More than 5,000 students, who enjoy a vast array of programs (some are Coop) and specializations, 220 teachers, and 150 researchers are part of the school’s community. Well-known for the quality of the teaching, approximately 600 diplomas, 200 masters, and 50 doctorates are awarded each year.
The École Polytechnique is known for its dynamic research, representing 35% of its budget for the year 1998-1999 (26.9 million CDN $). Forty research units receive more than 20% of the funding and contracts for research in the area of applied science given to Quebec’s universities.
The main objective of the school is to offer students the best training, services, and tools to undergraduates, allowing them to prosper personally, and professionally.
It is well known for its vivid student life, including its theater group Poly-Théâtre, its photo club Poly-Photo and its student newspaper Le Polyscope.
It is also the site of the École Polytechnique Massacre where 14 women students were killed on December 6, 1989.
