Courses

Program Overview

SHAPE offers two 3-week sessions: Session 1 is July 3rd-July 21st and Session 2 is July 24th-August 11th. Students will choose a subject, Robotics or Computer Science and participate in one of these introductory college-level engineering courses. The program also features research skills or entrepreneurship electives, college preparation workshops, labs utilizing Maker or Mech-Tech Space, engineering-themed field trips, support from Columbia student TAs, and access to the dining hall, library, gym, and health services.

Courses

Faculty: Professor Sinisa Vukelic

  • Overview of robot applications and capabilities
  • Linear algebra, kinematics, statics, and dynamics of robot manipulators
  • Survey of sensor technology: force, proximity, vision, compliant manipulators
  • Motion planning and artificial intelligence
  • Manipulator programming requirements and languages

Students will pick one course per session; both courses are available each session, but students may only take each course once.

Faculty: TBD

  • General introduction to computer science
  • Fundamental concepts of computer science, algorithmic problem-solving capabilities, and introductory Java programming skills
  • Assumes no prior programming background

Students will pick one course per session; both courses are available each session, but students may only take each course once.

Electives

  • Introduces and prepares students for the research environment
  • Covers topics from lab culture to writing research papers
  • Taught by Columbia post-doctoral researchers

Students will pick one elective to participate in during the session.

  • Fosters student innovation leading to technology commercialization
  • Guidance for students who explore entrepreneurship opportunities
  • Taught by Columbia Engineering staff

Students will pick one elective to participate in during the session.

Lab Spaces

Students can use Columbia’s MakerSpace lab daily to build project prototypes. The MakerSpace is equipped with 3D printers, a laser cutter, and CNC tools for digital fabrication. Dr. John Kymissis and Dr. Hod Lipson are the faculty directors of the Columbia MakerSpace. Course TAs will supervise student projects in the lab.

Students will use the Mech-Tech lab daily to channel their ideas into creating tangible technology. The lab comes with equipment and resources to build their tech projects. Dr. Jeff Kysar is the faculty director of the space. Course TAs will supervise student projects in the lab.

College Preparation Workshops

  • Students will attend college prep workshops every week
  • Session topics:
    • Essay writing
    • Admissions case studies
  • College tour and info session
  • Once per week
  • Facilitated by the Columbia undergraduate admissions office

Field Trips

We will expose students to the range of engineering fields with trips that relate to Civil Engineering, Earth & Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering, etc. Trips are optional and will be scheduled during project time.

Sample Schedule