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Course 1, Year 1

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Course 1 takes MIT’s “mind and hand” motto very seriously; students learn from lab exercises, hands-on projects and experimental research, which all supplement the material they learn in lectures.

Marcin Hajduczek ‘22

Welcome to MIT! Course 1 is all about understanding the world around us and taking on global challenges.  We work in areas such as renewable energy, autonomous transportation, and sustainable/resilient infrastructure.

Read more about our undergraduate program by downloading the brochure (PDF)

First Year Exploration in Course 1

Campus Preview Weekend

Course 1 hosts several events over the course of MIT’s CPW. You can find our scheduled events on the CPW events page.

Discover Course 1 First-Year Pre-Orientation Program (FPOP)

Participate in Discover Course 1 and make your first week at MIT one that will make an impact on the world and on your MIT experience. Organized around dynamic, hands-on modules and small team competitions, you will learn about the diversity of study in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and meet faculty and current students, as well as discover exciting opportunities engineers have at MIT – especially in Course 1! Apply through the Office of the First Year.

1.008 Engineering Solutions to Societal Challenges

This 3-unit Discovery Subject is a hands-on look at the diverse work done in Course 1. This seminar-style subject fosters discussions with leaders in infrastructure and environment on topics such as: smart infrastructure, cyber-physical systems, water, energy, and food security, sustainable materials, disaster response and community resilience. Learn more about 1.008

1.009 Climate Change

This 3-unit Discovery Subject provides and introduction to global climate change processes, drivers, and impacts. Students in this subject are exposed to the exciting research on climate changes that is taking place in Course 1. Learn more about 1.009.

mini-UROP

Interested in exploring the research in Civil and Environmental Engineering?
Register for CEE’s annual mini-UROP. The mini-UROP is a 6-unit subject over IAP (1.097) in which first-year students are paired with a CEE graduate student or postdoc mentor for an inside look at the exciting researching taking place in the department. This is a great opportunity to learn more about CEE!

ONE-MA3

A summer fieldwork program on materials in art, archeology, and architecture (ONE-MA3) that gives undergraduate students an unforgettable hands-on research experience in Italy. While in Italy, students are immersed in an in-depth, real-world analysis of ancient infrastructures and materials as a prerequisite for a fall subject, 1.057 Heritage Science and Technology. The subject extends the summer experience into a discussion of theory and practice.

Course 1 hosts several events throughout the year to give you a taste of CEE. Check our events page periodically for new event postings!

Request additional information about our undergraduate program by filling out our online form

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There is something really special about learning from this powerhouse of diverse faculty members and having the confidence that any professor I approach is eager to not just entertain, but also help realize my crazy ideas

Chelsea Watanabe ‘21
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I’m very fortunate to be a part of the Course 1 community and in the company of brilliant and creative minds. In classes, I enjoy the hands-on learning approach and the collaboration aspect of our various projects.

Zach Roberts ‘21
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Majoring in Course 1 has opened a lot of opportunities for me to do hands-on work that really interests me and so far these experiences have been highlights of my time at MIT.

Stephanie Baez ‘22