Areas of Study
Aerospace Engineering
Explore the science of flight to learn how wings and aircraft create lift to fly. Basic concepts in aerodynamics including drag, streamlining, airfoil stall and aircraft design will be studied. You'll conduct wind- and water-tunnel experiments to visualize the flow over aircraft, and run computer simulations for different airfoil shapes. Using what you have learned, you'll design and build a simple model aircraft, test it in the wind tunnel, and see it soar in free-flight.
Biology and Biotechnology
Explore this science from molecules and cells to ecology and evolution. You will cut, splice, and insert DNA to engineer new bacteria; eavesdrop on your own nerves and muscles using computer-based technology; prepare and view cells in an electron microscope; extract and test hormones that make crabs change color; meet a tiny roundworm that is the new favorite of geneticists; use DNA fingerprinting and antibodies to track genes and the proteins they code for; and study reproduction, ecology, anatomy, and scientific contributions (including a Nobel Prize!) of the ancient horseshoe crab.
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Shrink down to the world of molecules and explore how life functions at one of its most fundamental levels. Combine the newest technologies in the fields of chemistry and biochemistry to explore what happens when molecules collide; peel apart proteins and DNA; discover how enzymes work; and use computer modeling to see what biomolecules look like in 3-D. You’ll see how chemistry can make color, fire, light, and electricity; you'll use the latest genetic and biochemical techniques to create organisms that glow.
Computer Science
In this self-paced program, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the world of programming as it is used in the World Wide Web and in object-oriented languages such as Java. You'll also explore graphical and distributed programming environments. You’ll have a chance to incorporate the work as part of effective multimedia interfaces for content of interest to you. In addition, special topics in computer science will be discussed according to student interest.
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Discover the fascinating world of analog and digital electronics through classroom exercises and laboratory hands-on activities. Learn to use lab equipment including power supplies, function generators, and oscilloscopes to test circuits that you build. Apply this knowledge to a design project that you'll be working on throughout the course. Topics include audio amplification, infra-red optical transmission, analog signal processing, and digital logic.
Interactive Media and Game Development
Combine technology with art to create an interactive experience. Take on the role of programmer or artist, and work on a team to bring a game to life. Draw and model your environment, add your characters and sound effects, and tell your story. Break down your idea into simple rules, write your algorithm, use powerful scripting languages, and publish your game on the Web.
Mathematics
Learn how a mix of classical mathematics and modern technology can be used to solve current problems and open up new areas. Use this background to examine encryption of numbers on the Internet via the RSA algorithm, and analysis of human voice patterns and musical instruments through Fourier methods. Specific problems of current information technology that these address include the the need for secure transmission of data, such as credit card numbers over the Internet, voice-print technology, and storage and use of music in digital format (WAV vs. MP3 files, for example).
Mechanical Engineering
This broad discipline includes many areas of interest: energy production and transfer, mechanical design, materials science, biomechanics, and fluid flow, among others. Explore the breadth of mechanical engineering through a mixture of fundamental concepts and experimentation. Focus will be on two designs: a trebuchet, and an exploration of energy transfer.
Physics
Investigate selected fields or applications of modern physics—such as interplanetary travel, atomic spectroscopy, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and black holes—through a combination of lectures, audio-visual presentations, hands-on laboratory experiments, and visits to research facilities.
Robotics
Discover the science and technology of robot design and operation. (This session is particularly useful in preparing participants for entry or leadership within the FIRST robotics team in their high schools.) Learn about sensor operations, programming, pneumatics, and manufacturing techniques. Use this information to solve a challenging robotics problem. Each subgroup in the session will brainstorm, design, build, and test its own creation. The chance to show your team’s design superiority will come when robots meet for the climactic end-of-session tournament!
Students involved in FIRST Robotics that enroll in the Robotics program of Frontiers are eligible to apply for one of two $500 scholarships. A scholarship application is available to download.
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.eduLast modified: April 25, 2008 10:40:27