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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Fill out the quick form below with your contact information to learn more about the course you’re interested in.
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)

This course introduces students to computer systems, networking, and interfacing, as well as electronics and robotics. Students will assemble, repair, and configure computers with various types of operating systems and application software. Students will build small electronic circuits and write computer programs to control simple peripheral devices or robots. Students will also develop an awareness of related environmental and societal issues and will learn about secondary and postsecondary pathways and career opportunities in computer technology.

Quantum Computing: Students will start with classical computing fundamentals (circuits, bits, gates) before advancing to quantum concepts, learning Python through interactive quantum simulators.

Artificial Intelligence: Students will apply the Engineering Design Process to design, program and test AI projects using electronic circuits and micro-controllers. They will build a real AI device that responds to external stimuli.

Cyber Security: Students will design, configure and test computer networks, identify cyber security risks, and lean encryption methods. They will examine cyber security ethical and security issues and their effects on society. This unit includes practical training at the uOttawa-IBM Cyber Range laboratory, where students will experience real-world cyber response scenarios.

Download the TEJ2O course outline for fall 2024 (PDF, 348 KB)

Student using 3D modelling technology

Exploring Technological Design (TDJ1O)

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 2024 (PDF, 273 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 2024 (PDF, 360 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 for summer 2024 (PDF, 205 KB)

Two teenagers learning computer programming

Introduction to Computer Science (ICS3U)

WebDev Bootcamp: Introduction to Computer Science 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 2024 (PDF, 348 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 2024 (PDF, 334 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

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 letter (PDF, 167 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].