College Pathway Programs - Pathway Program in Molecular Engineering (Session 2)

Molecular engineering is an emerging interdisciplinary field combining insights and approaches from physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, and engineering, that will impact technologies from advanced medical therapies to energy and the environment to quantum computing. The University of Chicago’s Institute of Molecular Engineering (IME) has a similarly innovative approach to engineering education, introducing engineering principles of invention and design alongside scientific methods of inquiry and discovery. In this three-week program led by IME faculty and teaching assistants, participants will receive an overview of the field and will learn about how key molecular engineering concepts relate to real-world design problems, engaging both in the process of scientific inquiry and in the process of technological design. Through demonstrations and hands-on laboratory investigation, participants will explore molecular engineering concepts, enhance their problem-solving skills, engage in teamwork, and interact with top engineers in the field. The program will lead participants beyond the boundaries of traditional fields and into the intersection of physical, chemical, biological, computational, and engineering sciences – the forefront of technological problem-solving – so that they are able to engage in the lateral, multi-disciplinary thinking that is required to solve some of the most fundamental problems facing society. Field trips may include visits to the University of Chicago’s Pritzker Nanofabrication Facility and Argonne National Laboratory. Participants may apply to one of two sessions, depending on their availability – the content is the same for both sessions. Session I: Orientation June 17; Classes meet June 18 To July 5, 2018 Session II: Orientation July 8; Classes meet July 9 To July 26, 2018 Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, 14 years and older. Admissions: the Priority application deadline is February 2. Students who apply by the Priority application deadline will have their $50 application fee waived. Any applications received after the Priority deadline will be admitted using rolling admission and will require a $50 application fee. For domestic students, rolling admissions will typically close by early May; this may be earlier for specific programs that fill. Application process includes an online application, writing sample, personal profile, and recommendations. Need-based partial scholarships are available, with the completion of a scholarship application.