Smith Eng Prep - Get Prepared for the Fall!

Are you wondering what to expect in your first term in Smith Engineering? Get ready with our free online Smith Eng Prep Program, designed to help you build your skills and confidence as you join the Smith Engineering community.

Find out what you need to know in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and programming – and take advantage of our self-guided modules and resources to prepare you for success!

Test Your Knowledge Before You Get Here

Designed in consultation with current professors, local secondary school teachers, and our expert teaching and learning team while leveraging years of experience with online course delivery, we have developed three separate diagnostic tests in the subjects of mathematics, physics, and chemistry. These diagnostic tests have been carefully crafted to highlight key concepts from the Grade 12 Ontario secondary school curriculum in mathematics, physics, and chemistry while ensuring alignment with our first-year engineering curriculum. Identify your strengths and areas for improvement by completing the diagnostic tests.

Self-Guided Online Modules

Four self-guided online modules have been developed for mathematics, physics, chemistry, and programming and will be delivered via onQ – the enterprise learning management system at Queen’s University. These free resources have been designed to emphasize key concepts, theories, and calculations, and provide reinforcement with self-check quizzes along the way. The online modules are delivered using a variety of mechanisms, including short readings, video clips, step-by-step calculations, and practice problems.

The key concepts covered in our diagnostic tests and self-guided online modules include:

Mathematics
Trigonometric functions, logarithms and exponentials
Formal and geometric aspects of limits
Limits of elementary functions
Rates of change
Computing derivatives
Problem solving with derivatives
Vector properties

Physics
Units of measure, common symbols
Vector addition, subtraction and multiplication
2D kinematics, including projectile motion, free fall, circular motion, relative velocity
Newton’s Laws, including pulleys, inclined planes, friction and springs
Work and energy
Conservation of momentum and collisions

Chemistry
Organic chemistry and nomenclature
Atomic structure, the periodic table and Bonding theory
Quantum mechanics and electron configuration
Thermodynamics and rates of reaction
Le Châtelier’s Principle and equilibrium
Acids, bases and oxidation-reduction reactions

Programming
Why are computers and programming important
What are binary numbers
Simple programs
Decision making with conditional logic
How to avoid repetitive code with loops

Access and Registration

The program will be available to all incoming first-year Engineering students by the end of July. After you have been assigned your unique student identifier (NetID) and loaded into your first-year courses, you will be automatically enrolled in the program in your onQ portal. Stay tuned for an email later this summer letting you know when you can get started on Smith Eng Prep!

Contact Us

Do you have any questions about the Smith Eng Prep Program? Feel free to contact us.