The Faculty of Engineering Secondary School offers high school students the opportunity to take technological design and computer science courses while earning credits toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

Who can take these courses?

Courses are open to students in Grades 8 to 12 and are offered in English only

Any Grade 8 students enrolling in a high school course will be taking it as a reach-ahead course; as such, a principal's written recommendation will be required prior to confirmation of enrolment.
 

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Discover the Faculty of Engineering Secondary School courses

Courses offered

Students working on the Cyber Range computers

Computer Technology: Quantum computing, AI and Cyber Security (TEJ2O)

In this project-based course,  students will explore a wide range of topics. From the basics of computer technology to the exciting world of quantum computer, they will gain a solid understanding of the innovations that have shaped the technology we use today. Through hands-on activities, students will learn about computer systems, networking, and interfacing, as well as electronics and robotics. Throughout the course, students will explore important environmental and societal issues related to AI and cybersecurity. To wrap things up, the course will introduce students to secondary and postsecondary pathways and career opportunities in computer technology.

Fundamentals of computer technology: Students will explore the core concepts of computer technology, such as binary numbers, logic gates, and networks. They'll learn how computers work from the ground up and will have the opportunity to design and build their own computer system. Through the Engineering Design Process, students will design, program and test projects using electronic circuits and microcontrollers that respond to external stimuli. 

Quantum Computing: Building on their knowledge of classical computing (such as circuits, bits, and gates), students will gain an introductory understanding of quantum computing concepts and how they differ from traditional computing systems.

Artificial Intelligence: Students will be introduced to the world of AI and machine learning, including an exploration of their ethical and societal impacts. Students will train machine learning models to solve real-world problems.

Cyber Security: In this unit, students will explore ethical and security issues in cybersecurity and their effects on society. They'll get practical experience at the uOttawa-IBM Cyber Range laboratory, where they'll participate in real-world cyber response scenarios.

Download the TEJ2O course outline for summer 2025 (PDF, 413 KB)

Student using 3D modelling technology

Technology and Trading Skills (TAS1O)

This four-week long course introduces students to concepts and skills related to technological design, involving solutions to design challenges and fabrication of prototypes of those solutions. Students will develop an awareness of related environmental and social issues, and begin to explore secondary and postsecondary pathways leading to careers in the field. The course curriculum focuses on the engineering design process, which is taught through hand sketching, 3D drawings and 3D modelling. 

This is an open course designed for all high school students. Students in Grade 8 can enrol as a reach-ahead course with approval from their parents and written support from their principal. Those who pass the course receive a full credit toward their secondary school diploma.

All students will gain hands-on design skills right at the Faculty of Engineering. 

Download the TDJ1O course outline for summer 2025 (PDF, 362 KB)

Teenager wearing Virtual Reality headset

Technological Design (TDJ2O)

Technological Design – TDJ2O is a course that provides students with a better understanding of the engineering design process through projects done with microcomputers and virtual reality. Students will have the opportunity to learn about micro:bit microcomputers, use multiple sensors and develop their coding skills to solve common problems. They will also explore, create and program a virtual world using CoSpaces. At the end of the course, students will take part in an engineering design challenge by creating a virtual world that solves a defined problem.

The course is offered in two parts. Students can take only Part 1 or Part 2 if they wish. However, students must complete both parts to earn a high school credit. Each part can be done independently, so you can start with Part 2 without having completed Part 1.

Students in Grade 8 can enrol in this reach-ahead course with their parents’ approval and their principal’s written support.

Download the TDJ2O course outline for summer 2025 (PDF, 346 KB)

A person scrolling on a tablet.

Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World (ICD2O)

Be part of the change and gain a high school credit at the same time!

In this course, students write simple computer programs by applying fundamental programming concepts and learn to create clear and maintainable internal documentation. They also learn to manage a computer by studying hardware configurations, software selection, operating system functions, networking and safe computing. They also study the social impact of computer technologies and develop an understanding of environmental and ethical issues related to computers.

Students will use the skills acquired in this course to build a business plan and mobile app that will address a community problem.

Students in Grade 8 can enrol in this reach-ahead course with their parents’ approval and their principal’s written support.

Download the ICD2O course outline (PDF, 702 KB)

Two teenagers learning computer programming

Introduction to Computer Science (ICS3U)

The Introduction to Computer Science course provides students with an immersive experience in the world of computer science, exploring the basics of software development through a variety of programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Students learn through a variety of hands-on activities, including virtual computer dissection and website application design (for example, creating an online game and online store). Course learning is complemented with talks by speakers from leading Ottawa tech companies, where students will meet industry professionals. 

Although this course has no prerequisites, it helps to have taken Creative Computing: Introduction to Computer Studies - ICD2O (or to have some coding background).

Download the ICS3U course outline for summer 2025 (PDF, 246 KB)

Two students learning about physics

Physics, Grade 11 (SPH3U)

This course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics in a very hands-on way. Through a variety of projects and experiments, they will explore kinematics, forces and energy transformations, the properties of mechanical waves and sound, and electricity and magnetism. They will enhance their scientific investigation skills as they test laws of physics. In addition, they will use multiple technologies throughout the course, such as 3D modeling software and 3D printers to analyze the interrelationships between physics and technology. 

Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10

Download the SPH3U course outline for summer 2025 (PDF, 237 KB)

uOttawa Logo.

Creating Opportunities through Co-op, Grade 11 (DCO3O)

This course consists of an online portion to prepare for the workplace followed by a practical unpaid internship that will be done at the university. In the internship preparation portion, students receive health and safety training and tools to prepare for the workplace. During their internship, students develop skills and knowledge that will protect and promote their health, safety and well-being, and that will improve their research, analysis and communication skills, as well as decision-making and leadership skills. Students will go through an interview process to determine the best internship for them.

Note: This course is only offered to students finishing their grade 10 to 12. Limited number of places. 

Download the DCO3O course outline for summer 2025 (PDF, 294 KB)

Why the Faculty of Engineering Secondary School?

Julie-Olivier

A word from the Principal

"Our program goes beyond traditional education by providing a unique blend of experiential learning and exposure to industry professionals all while studying in a university environment.
What sets us apart is our unique approach – no final exams, but rather an emphasis on practical, real-world applications. Students learn through a variety of interactive and hands-on projects using the latest technologies.
The experience in these courses not only provides students with state-of-the-art facilities and design spaces unavailable at their regular high schools, but also it can help teens in deciding on a post-secondary path."
Discover why Ottawa teens should consider taking courses at the faculty.

Course schedule and details

Summer 2025

Two sessions will be offered this summer.

Session 1: July 2 to July 25, 2025

Courses offered:

  • Computer Technology: Quantum computing, AI, and cyber security – TEJ2O
  • Creating Opportunities through Co-op, Grade 11 – DCO3O

Delivery method: In person, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: SITE Building, 800 King Edward

Cost: $975 for all courses except for DCO3O. 

  • Cost for DCO3O course in co-op: $480 

Registration deadline: June 18, 2025 (session 1)

Session 2: July 28 to August 22, 2025

Courses offered: 

  • Physics, Grade 11 – SPH3U
  • Introduction to Computer Science – ICS3U
  • Technological Design – TDJ2O

Delivery method: In person, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Location: SITE Building, 800 King Edward

Cost: $975 for all courses

Please note there will be no class on August  4, 2025.

Registration deadline: July 13, 2025 (session 2)

Registration details

Required documentation 

When registering for courses, students will need to provide the following information/documentation:

  • their student or personal email address
  • their legal status in Canada: Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident or visitor
  • proof of age (copy of birth certificate)
  • proof of grade and school (copy of recent report card)
  • for Grade 8 students exceptionally: a completed permission form (PDF, 174 KB), signed by their parent/guardian and current principal, approving their enrolment in a reach-ahead course
  • their Individual Education Plan (IEP), if they have one

School policies and procedures

Please refer to the school course calendar for all policies and procedures.

Note: Following a 2023 inspection, the Faculty of Engineering Secondary School received credit-granting authority from the Ministry of Education. The school has been assigned a BSID number by the Ministry and is listed as a private school on the Ministry website.

Course cancellation and refund policy

Course registrations may be cancelled and refunded up to two weeks prior to the start date of the registered course. However, a $30 administrative fee will be charged for every refund. For cancellations happening less than two weeks prior to the start date, up to the second day of the course, a refund of 50% will be given, less an $30 administrative fee. No refunds will be offered for cancellations made after the first two days of the course. 

Questions?

Visit our FAQor contact us at [email protected].