Course Overview
This course examines the human-made world, the impact of technology on the human drive to invent and explore solutions, the impact of technology on society and civilization, and the overall impact on the environment. The course will highlight issues and problems which future engineers will be asked to solve – Energy, Climate Change, Agriculture, and associated Ecological Economics.
Through hands on projects the course will provide you with interesting information about the engineering profession, its various branches, engineering fundamental dimensions and concepts, some elementary engineering design tools, and most importantly, the power of teamwork.
General Engineering:
- This section details the evolution of humans on the planet, their ever-changing energy demands, and subsequent impact on the environment. Students will learn about the physics of energy, relationships of force, work and power, and associated units – Newtons, Joules, and Watts.
- Non-renewable energy versus renewable energy are examined, as well as the need to address greenhouse gases and consequent climate change. Detailed sessions on Hydro, Solar, Geothermal and Wind systems will be presented.
- Lab work includes the chemical reactions, and associated energy, of hydrogen fuel propelled vehicles.
Common lectures include:
- Fundamental Units of Engineering
- Intellectual Property, Engineering Ethics, Global and Local Initiatives & Stakeholders
- Stress & Strain and Material Response to Conditions
All students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to request a Syracuse University noncredit transcript.
Learning Objectives
- What is engineering? Engineering disciplines (Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer Science, Electrical, Environmental, Mechanical)
- Engineering problems and basic steps involved in solution of engineering problems
- Communication skills through student presentations
- Electronic spread sheets
- Length, Time, Mass, Temperature and other related SI engineering parameters
- Force, Power and Work
- Engineering Materials
- Introduction to Engineering Design through term project
Course Information
Course Prefix and Number: TBD
Format: On Campus (at Syracuse University)
Eligibility: Students must be of rising high school junior, or senior status – or a 2026 high school graduate.
Credit: Noncredit
Grading: Pass/Fail
- Residential: $4,995
- Commuter: $4,024
Program rates are subject to change and will be approved by the board of trustees. Discounts and scholarships are also available.
Program Information
Summer College – On Campus: Experience what college is really like: take a college-level course, live in a residence hall, have meals with friends in a dining hall, and participate in activities and events on campus.
Course Dates and Details
| Program | Course Dates | Class Time (Eastern Time) | Credit/Noncredit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer College – On Campus | 2-Week Session I: Sunday, July 5 – Friday, July 17, 2026 | MTWThF; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Noncredit |
To see if this course is ‘open,’ refer to the full course catalog.
Required Textbooks
Two books will be required reading:
- The Climate Book, 2023, Greta Thunberg, Penguin Press NY, 446 pages.
- Here comes the Sun, 2025, Bill KcKibben, Northrop Press, 212 pages.
Students will be broken into groups to give oral presentations on sections from these two books
Typical Day
A typical say includes detailed lectures in the morning and hands on activities in the afternoon – including field trips.
When class is over, and on weekends, students can look forward to various Summer College – On Campus activities to meet and connect with other students! Check out our On Campus Experience page for more information!
Field Trips
Field trips include visiting a Hydrologic power plant, a Solar Photovoltaic Farm, ESF’s Gateway building and associated Energy Exhibit on Willow harvest and thermal energy, and a Wind farm. Additional trips may include visiting National Grid and interacting with Energy Engineers and learning about careers in the electrical service fields.
Instructor Bio
Dr. Peter Plumley – Research Associate Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Dr. Peter W. Plumley has been associated with Syracuse University from 1984 to 2025 in a number of academic positions. Additionally, he held the position of Chief Program Officer at the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology from 2016 – 2022, and is a Research Associate Professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering department at Syracuse University (2004-present). Dr. Plumley is an Earth Scientist with an extensive background in computers and technology. Dr. Plumley’s research has been in the areas of plate tectonics and application of paleomagnetic techniques to regional tectonics. Most recent and active research is focused on educational issues of secondary students related to motivation and the Science of Learning. Dr. Plumley was responsible for development, implementation and funding of K-12 outreach for the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Students impacted by his outreach programs number approximately 3,000 students from middle schools (4th – 8th grade) per year and 2,500 high school students (9th – 12th grade) per year. Dr Plumley was honored with “2003 College Educator of the Year,” by the Technology Alliance of Central New York and the Post Standard Achievement Award in 2011.