If you enjoy math, science and teamwork and are seeking an undergraduate experience that challenges you to think deeply and creatively, Engineering Science (EngSci) might be for you.
EngSci is well suited to students who are curious about how and why things work, and who are motivated by accelerated learning, theory and research.
Everything about the EngSci experience is designed to enable theoretical thinking and a first principles mindset. Sometimes described as the skill that will outlast every tech trend, first-principles thinking is a powerful way to deconstruct complex problems into fundamental parts and put them back together in new ways — often leading to innovative solutions.
Throughout the EngSci program, you can expect:
- An emphasis on theoretical foundations
- Broad integration of fundamental math, science and engineering concepts
- An accelerated pace of learning
- Sustained engagement with research
Unique curriculum
The EngSci curriculum is designed to train you to hone your ability to think deeply and holistically about real-world engineering challenges. For this reason, EngSci follows a different curriculum structure than the Core 8 programs.
In the first two years, you'll build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills through a suite of courses in engineering, math, science, computing, the social impact of engineering and engineering design. In the final two years, you'll specialize in one of nine majors for discipline-specific learning:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Biomedical Systems Engineering
- Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Energy Systems Engineering
- Engineering Mathematics, Statistics & Finance
- Engineering Physics
- Machine Intelligence
- Robotics
- Transportation Systems
An emphasis on research, design, teamwork and communication
Research is a cornerstone of the EngSci experience. Starting in first year, you can apply to the Engineering Science Summer Research Opportunities Program, enabling you to pursue summer research positions at U of T and partner institutions around the world. And in the fourth-year research thesis, you will complete an independent project under faculty supervision, further solidifying your ability to make new contributions to your chosen field of study.
Engineering design is also a key part of the EngSci experience. It begins in first year with a course series called Praxis. In Praxis I and II, students apply their design, communications and teamwork skills while working in groups with community partners on local, real-world engineering challenges. Students build on this experience in Praxis III in second year, and into their upper years with more advanced design projects.
Sample PEY Co-op Employers
Airbus (France)
Harvard Medical School (U.S.)
Scotiabank
Verity Studios (Switzerland)
Sample Career Trajectories
EngSci grads are adaptable, technically rigorous and well prepared for leadership across many sectors and career pathways, including advanced studies at top graduate schools, entrepreneurship and fruitful careers at major companies around the world.
Meet Our Students
ENGINEERING SCIENCE ALUMNI PROFILE
Kramay Patel
EngSci Major:
Biomedical Systems Engineering (with a minor in robotics and mechatronics)
Graduation Year:
2016
Memorable Experience:
In second year, he travelled to Turkey as a National Science Foundation Fellow to learn about the intersection of bioinformatics and systems biology.
Fun Fact:
In 2020, Kramay co-founded Stitch4Corona, a volunteer-based initiative to produce face masks for Toronto’s most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Current Job:
Vanier Scholar and MD-PhD candidate at U of T, focusing on neuromodulation, neurofeedback, brain-machine interfaces and human memory augmentation.
“I chose EngSci because I wanted a challenge — and it was one of the best decisions of my life. From academic learning to personal growth and amazing friendships, it was everything I hoped for and more. EngSci prepared me to be successful after graduating, not just through the wealth of knowledge I gained, but by helping me develop a personality that embraces challenges and chases the impossible.”
Engineering Science First-year Courses
Fall Term
- Structures and Materials - An Introduction to Engineering Design
- Praxis I
- Engineering Mathematics and Computation
- Introduction to Computer Programming
- Calculus I
- Classical Mechanics
Winter Term
- Fundamentals of Electric Circuits
- Praxis II
- Computer Algorithms and Data Structures
- Calculus II
- Linear Algebra
- Molecules and Materials
* EngSci students may opt-in to a 4 month co-op term at the end of second year.
Did you know?
U of T is one of the few institutions worldwide to offer a program that integrates enriched science fundamentals with engineering. The EngSci curriculum is nimble with dynamic majors that evolve and anticipate emerging technologies.
