UNIVERSITY of WISCONSIN-MADISON

Engineering Fundamentals: From Concepts to Creation

Print

Upcoming dates (0)

Not scheduled at this time. Join the mailing list.

Summary

How do engineers transform ideas into working solutions? This hands-on course introduces students to foundational engineering concepts through collaborative problem-solving, experimentation, and design. Students will explore principles of mechanics, use mathematics to analyze engineering problems, learn computer-aided design (CAD), and investigate introductory electronics while discovering how engineers approach real-world challenges. Through hands-on experiments, collaborative problem-solving, and engineering design challenges, students will apply engineering concepts to investigate problems, develop potential solutions, and evaluate their effectiveness. These experiences encourage critical thinking, creativity, communication, and teamwork while connecting theoretical concepts to practical engineering applications. The course culminates in a collaborative design project and presentation, providing students with an opportunity to integrate their engineering knowledge, reflect on the challenges and successes of their work, and showcase their final designs. By the end of the course, students will have gained a broad understanding of engineering fields and the tools engineers use to design, build, test, and improve the technologies that shape our world.

Student profile

The recommended prerequisites are not required but are helpful for success in this class: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Physics I, Introduction to Engineering, Introduction to Computer Science

No prior engineering experience is required. Students should be prepared to participate actively in hands-on activities, engineering design challenges, collaborative projects, and introductory mathematical analysis as they explore how engineers develop solutions to real-world problems.

 

All students will need a laptop, tablet, or similar device to use for coursework in this class. We ask students to bring their own device or request to use one of the program's devices.  

Each ALP course provides approximately 68 instructional hours, comparable to one-half high school credit. Students interested in receiving credit should check with their school before enrolling, as credit decisions are made solely by the student's school or district. At the end of the program, students receive a grade report with the course description, overall grade, and instructor comments that may be shared with their school when considering credit.

Important dates

Application deadlines

Application opens: Jan. 12, 2027
Deadline: Apply by May 1, 2027

Tuition deadlines

The first half of tuition is due by May 15. The second half of tuition is due by June 1.

Upcoming dates (0)

Not scheduled at this time. Join the mailing list.

More ALP (grades 9–12) Offerings

Get in touch!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name*
Questions or comments about Badger Precollege or precollege programs.
Join Mailing List*
Age Verification*
Interested in Badger Precollege programs for international students?

Program Questions?

Contact info@precollege.wisc.edu or 608-890-3260