DEECS: Discover Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

While you might imagine that Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) is limited to “circuit hackers” and “code monkeys,” in reality EECS graduates can be found in almost every field of academia and industry, including communications, biology, manufacturing, energy systems, finance, physics, and many more. MIT’s EECS program is designed to give you the breadth of problem solving tools and creative thinking you need to tackle any of these fields, and there are great opportunities to specialize and apply these skills in the department as you advance. In the Discover Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (DEECS) program, you will experience the strength of Course VI first-hand, and you’ll see what makes us the most popular department at MIT. During the week, we will focus on three things: familiarizing you with the department through research presentations, lab tours, and a robot project, introducing you to other students and faculty, and showing you around MIT and the Boston area.

DEECS provides an excellent introduction to the department. The program is designed to be both challenging and exciting, regardless of whether you have been programming and wiring for years or just have an interest in the field. The program kicks off with a puzzle/scavenger hunt, giving you an overview of what the department has to offer while you work with the other freshmen and our student staff. Throughout the five days, you will see demonstrations of cutting-edge research in a variety of labs across campus. You will also work in groups of three to build and program a LEGO robot; this is a great opportunity to learn and apply core EECS skills while you see if the department may be the right fit for you.

During DEECS, you will spend five days with 38 other freshmen who are also new to MIT, giving you a great opportunity to make new friends before orientation even starts. You will also get to know our DEECS counselors, current EECS undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty. They will be able to answer any questions that you have, including how to plan your first academic year, how to get involved with research, and what it is like to be a Course VI student.

We will also give you an introduction to MIT and Boston. You will get to know your way around campus and visit two science museums. We will bring you many varieties of interesting and nutritious food. You will have dinner in Harvard Square one night and venture into Boston another night. There will be opportunities for soccer, ultimate frisbee, movies, visiting a nearby shopping mall, and other activities. All in all, we want to help you become comfortable with the people and opportunities that will shape your MIT experience.

Robot Project Overview

Your team of three students will build a Lego-based robot, developing both the hardware and software for it. We will give LEGOs, a controller-board, and the instructions/support necessary to design and build your team’s robot. When you are done, the robot will be able to navigate its way around the playing surface and recognize other robots. The DEECS robots will be totally autonomous, requiring no human intervention; the robots will rely on basic artificial intelligence that you will develop and implement during the week.

Tours and Demonstrations Overview

Tours and Demonstrations Overview

EECS students and faculty have the opportunity to work in any of 19 EECS-affiliated interdepartmental research laboratories at MIT. During DEECS, you will visit many of these labs and see some of their groundbreaking research in progress. Some of the labs that we will visit are:

• Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory – Research areas include computer architecture, cryptography, graphics, machine learning, natural and spoken language, networks, robotics, and software.
  
  
• Research Laboratory of Electronics – Research areas include circuits, physical sciences, and quantum computation.
  
  
• Media Lab - Current research foci include machines with common sense, viral communications, “smart” prostheses, advanced sensor networks, innovative interface design, and sociable robots.
  
  
• Center for Biomedical Engineering – Combines engineering with molecular and cellular biology to develop new approaches to biomedical technology.
  
  
• Microsystems Technology Laboratories – Covers diverse fields of microsystems engineering including MEMS, electronic and photonic devices, and molecular and nanotechnology applications.

We have found that students can learn everything they need to know by working with each other, being introduced to some of the basic concepts involved, and receiving interactive help and support. There is no experience necessary; we are looking for interested novices!

The program culminates in a final demonstration of all robots, along with fun awards for most
original design, best-decorated robot, etc.

DEECS Specifics

• Dates: Tuesday, August 19 through Saturday, August 23.
  
• Place: Freshmen will be housed in their assigned dormitory.
• Available Spaces: 39
  
• Cost: No charge. The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science will be covering all costs for all on-campus activities and food. For off-campus trips, students will be responsible for paying for meals themselves; we will try to keep the costs of such meals to a minimum.

DEECS is looking for students with interest in the department, but not necessarily any robotics or electronics experience. Underrepresented minority candidates and women are especially encouraged to apply.

Check out the DEECS website at http://www.eecs.mit.edu/DEECS/ for more information.