Queen's Summer Engineering academy

Senior

Do you know an aspiring engineer who is currently in grade 9, 10 or 11? Give them an introduction to the Queen’s Engineering experience with the Queen’s Summer Engineering Academy (QSEA) Senior. 

This program presents students with an overview of engineering using lab facilities and thought-provoking projects to inform and engage students without being technically overwhelming. Participants will get a taste of Queen’s Engineering through team-based design projects involving collaboration, leadership, communication, creativity, and critical thinking.

 

Engineering the Future of Ingenuity

Streams: Mechatronics (Computer, Mechanical, Electrical), AI (Computer), Robotics (Electrical).

Technology is evolving everywhere. Through innovation and collaboration, our participants will investigate the intricate relationship between hardware and software with hands-on activities, as well as develop and interact with artificially intelligent programs. This course will provide practical learning opportunities for students to explore mechatronics that enhance human productivity, safety, performance, and quality of life for all. 

Throughout this course, participants will explore the following engineering streams (disciplines) offered by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Queen’s: Mechatronics (Computer, Mechanical, Electrical), AI (Computer), Robotics (Electrical).

Sessional Dates:
July 3-7, 2023
July 24 – 28, 2023

Register Here

Note: This course focuses on highlighting the following engineering disciplines: Electrical and Computer (ECE), Mechanical, and Mechatronics and Robotics. 

x 

MONDAY 

TUESDAY 

WEDNESDAY 

THURSDAY 

FRIDAY 

AM (9-12) 

An introduction to the Engineering Design Process (EDP) with an expeditiously executed, *AI themed, project 

Aerospace themed SPIKE prime robotic activity, utilizing various sensors and coding practices, co-lead by PhD candidate Thomas Sears; complimented by virtual reality programs 

Combining electrical and computer engineering (ECE) to create and analyze circuit schematics, wire, solder, and test circuits; accompanied by programming in Python 

Exploring the Arduino (an 8-bit microprocessor board) and its components (i.e., potentiometers, inductors, etc.) to design, develop, and interact with a gesture-controlled robot  

Brief design challenges, relating to mechatronics, accomplished in rapid succession; discussion with Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science recruitment and admissions representative; participant survey and prizes 

PM 

(1-4) 

Activity at Ingenuity Labs: an interdisciplinary initiative combining AI, robotics, and human machine interactions to create future intelligent systems; including AI-framework (machine learning) discussions and activities  

A guide to 3D modelling with industrial level SOLIDWORKS; Mars rover design analysis with 3D-printed wheel testing, continued engagement with SPIKE prime robotics 

Activity with a mechatronics and robotics laboratory on campus; engagement with industrial level technology and machinery 

Continued development of gesture-controlled robot; **touring various ECE and mechatronics facilities on campus 

Departure from campus / participant pickup 

*AI: Artificial Intelligence 
**Campus tours will occur in many bouts throughout the course of the week; visiting the appropriate campus facilities that complement the day’s activities 

Note: all plans are tentative; Connections holds all rights to alter any plans. 

Engineering the Body and Beyond

Streams: Biochemical (Chemical, Biomedical (Chemical, Electrical), Biomechanical (Mechanical).

Advances in technology are helping more patients live healthier lives. Our participants will explore the role of technology in medicine, investigating current technological practices and using the engineering design process to develop new solutions to existing challenges in healthcare. In doing so, participants will understand the relationship between engineering, the medicinal fields, ethical dilemmas, and how to develop solutions accessible to all.  

Throughout this course, participants will explore the following engineering streams (disciplines) offered by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Queen’s: Biochemical (Chemical), Biomedical (Chemical, Electrical), Biomechanical (Mechanical).

Sessional Dates:
July 10 – 14, 2023 
July 31  –  August 4, 2023

Register Here

Note: This course focuses on highlighting the following engineering disciplines: Chemical and Biomechanical (Biochemical and Biomedical). 

x 

MONDAY 

TUESDAY 

WEDNESDAY 

THURSDAY 

FRIDAY 

AM (9-12) 

An introduction to the Engineering Design Process (EDP) with an expeditiously executed, biomechanically themed, project 

Activity at the Human Mobility Research Centre; focusing on pioneering the development of innovative and effective treatment strategies for bone and joint disorders; investigation and application of eye-tracking technology 

An introduction to soft robotics (v. rigid-body) through an interactive workshop and demonstration; inquiry into sports medicine and anatomical kinematics / dynamics; incorporates virtual reality programs 

Workshop highlighting alternative materials (i.e., waste materials, industrial by-products, etc.) testing and analysis 

Brief design challenges, relating to biomechanics, accomplished in rapid succession; discussion with Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science recruitment and admissions representative; participant survey and prizes 

PM 

(1-4) 

Introduction to prosthetics; configuring, wiring, and programming a gesture-controlled prosthetic hand; incorporates 3D modelling 

Combining biomechanical and chemical engineering to complete a polymer lab: understanding manufacturing processes for polymers by combining analysis, computer simulation, and experiments 

Workshop complimented by high technology to track various kinematical data of participants, related back to treatment and prevention of kinetic-related injuries; inquiry of chemical processes as related to various, major systems of the human body 

Lab on DNA extraction and analysis; *touring various chemical and biomechanical facilities on campus 

Departure from campus / participant pickup 

*Campus tours will occur in many bouts throughout the course of the week; visiting the appropriate campus facilities that complement the day’s activities 

Note: all plans are tentative; Connections holds all rights to alter any plans. 

Introduction to Engineering

Streams: Chemical, Civil, Mechanical, Mechatronics, ECE.

Engineering is for everyone, everywhere. Throughout this course, participants will learn and apply new critical thinking techniques to complete various hands-on workshops; whether new to the world of engineering or experienced, our team has developed a welcoming learning experience for all. Participants will learn the basics of the major engineering disciplines (civil, mechanical, electrical, computer, geological, mining), as well as visit various laboratories on campus and talk with a variety of guests about their engineering experiences – all here at Queen’s University. 

Theme/Highlights: Focused Content

Sessional Dates:
July 17-21, 2023
August 14-18, 2023

Register Here

Note: This course focuses on highlighting many of the major engineering (and applied science) disciplines, including Electrical and Computer (ECE), Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Physics, Mining and Geological. 

x 

MONDAY 

TUESDAY 

WEDNESDAY 

THURSDAY 

FRIDAY 

AM 

(9-12) 

 

An introduction to the Engineering Design Process (EDP) with an expeditiously executed, interdisciplinary themed, project  

An introduction to the ECE disciplines; activities relating to signals and systems, oscilloscope readings, electric circuit design and analysis; complimented by engineering physics exploration via projectile motion experimentation 

*Exploration of the mining discipline via activities at – including a tour of – Silver Queen Mica Mine; complimented by evaluation of various natural elements 

Participants will learn about mechanical and materials engineering by engaging with machinery located at the Machine Shop (which includes water jet cutting, milling, shaping with a lathe, welding, and more!) 

Brief design challenges, relating to various engineering disciplines, accomplished in rapid succession; discussion with Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science recruitment and admissions representative; participant survey and prizes 

PM 

(1-4) 

 

Introduction to a week-long EDP project that will produce data for participant extrapolation and analysis throughout the week 

Workshop revolved around a chemical lab from Queen’s University’s first-year engineering program  

*Exploration of the geological discipline via activities with **QUBS (conducting research in ecology, evolution, conservation, geography, and environmental science) 

Water filtration workshop in an advanced lab at the Beaty Water Research Center; ***touring various engineering facilities on campus 

Departure from campus / participant pickup 

Participants will progress through this project over the course of the week  
*Dependent on availability 
**QUBS: Queen’s University Biological Station 
***Campus tours will occur in many bouts throughout the course of the week; visiting the appropriate campus facilities that complement the day’s activities 

Note: all plans are tentative; Connections holds all rights to alter any plans. 

QSEA Pricing

There are several options for QSEA fees. More information about QSEA fees below.

$1200

In-Person
Fee

Frequently asked questions

During our in-person programs, students will typically participate in a structured morning instructional session from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and an afternoon session for 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm on Monday-Friday.

The total instructional time is 27 hours per week.

The evening activities are subject to change from week to week and are dependent on the availability of our local partners. In the past we have taken students swimming at a community pool, toured downtown Kingston, and gone to a local Escape Room. Evening activities are for residence option students ONLY.

QSEA Senior students (both residence and commuter) will receive a lunch in the cafeteria while residence option students will also receive breakfast and dinner in the cafeteria. The fees for these meals are included in your program fee.

Queen’s University is NOT a nut-free environment. Queen’s Food Services works closely with all students and guests to campus who self-identify their allergies and food restrictions to make appropriate accommodations. Therefore, it is important to provide Connections with all necessary dietary and medical information when registering and update us on any changes to your medical history so that we can ensure you have a safe and enjoyable dining experience while you are on campus.

We want students to be comfortable during their full day of classes. Residence option students leave for breakfast in the morning and do not return to their residence until the end of classes. We ask students to abstain from bringing or wearing clothing items with inappropriate language or images.

Some courses may require specific clothing (i.e. long pants, closed toe shoes) for safety purposes. Please be sure to bring at least one pair of closed-toe shoes and long pants.

Students who have selected the residence option will check in to one of our premium residence buildings on the Sunday afternoon prior to the start of program.

Students will be assigned (randomly) in single rooms. These single rooms are connected by an adjoining bathroom and therefore the residence floors will be segregated by gender. Premium residence buildings are climate controlled, and students do not need to bring bedding. Participants will be sent a complete list of items to bring to residence closer to the start of QSEA

Please find more information about our participant code of conduct here: Connections Code of Conduct

If you have any further questions regarding the Queen’s Summer Engineering Academy, please do not hesitate to Contact Us