Fundamentals of Engineering at UCSD
Design a scale model of a building using principles of mechanical, structural, and civil engineering.
Engineering program for teens on a university campus in San Diego
Program Highlights
Residential Tuition :
$5,498
Commuter Tuition:
$3,198
Session 1:
June 29, 2025
July 11, 2025
Session 2:
July 13, 2025
July 25, 2025
Session 3:
July 27, 2025
August 8, 2025
UC San Diego
San Diego, CA
Testimonials
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It was nice to have an actual engineer as the instructor of the course who had been on the job for most of his life.
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I enjoyed the real world insight from the field trips. We went to a construction site and Autodesk Gallery to learn about the mechanics of machines and buildings.
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I loved the opportunity to find what discipline of engineering I’m most interested in and touring the engineering labs.
Course Overview
Engineering is one of the top desired careers in many companies. If you are considering a career in Engineering, this course will help you explore what it takes to be an engineer. We will explore facets of mechanical, structural, civil, and electrical engineering in a hands-on, minds-on approach.
Excursions in San Diego – Students will engage with professionals in the industry and have an opportunity to visit one or more engineering firms or sites in the greater San Diego area.
Meet your instructor
Andrea (Andi) Frank
Engineering UCSD
Andrea (Andi) Frank is a Computer Science and Engineering PhD candidate studying robotics at UC San Diego's Contextual Robotics Institute. Andi has worked on a range of projects throughout her PhD, from how robots can learn to improvise tools out of household objects to how deep learning can improve human-robot teamwork in hospitals. Currently she is working in the Cognitive Robotics Lab on her thesis researching how robots can turn unsolvable problems into solvable ones by using "common sense" to hypothesize new ways to interact with the world. Andi has always held a fervent fascination for all branches of science and a particular passion for cross-disciplinary collaboration in engineering. Beyond computer science, she received her BSE in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied a range of scientific topics including biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, and more.
Learn moreTopics you'll explore
Hands-On Learning
Students will explore the design process and a standard problem solving approach used by engineers. They will also utilize a series of design challenges to test and gather data on the efficiency of our designs. Projects include building a scale model structure compliant with code, zoning, and budget requirements as well as creating an artificial limb.
Students will think on their feet as they work against time, budget, gravity, and limited resources to complete mini design projects covering different areas of engineering. The final project will be in the field of their choice so they can further explore a specific area.
Career Exploration
Through this course and program, you will get on-site experience and learn from experts in the field. We will gain an understanding of applied problem solving skills that are involved in Engineering.
Meet with successful professionals and experts in the fields of engineering and technology to learn more about careers and jobs in this field, and have the opportunity to ask questions and learn firsthand what it’s like to work as an engineer. This insight helps students reflect on which areas within the field of engineering is right for them.
