Throughout the academic year we offer more than 200 introductory and advanced Scientific and Engineering Software Applications (SESA) training sessions for the entire WPI community in programs and topics including MATLAB, Python, Ansys, COMSOL, Abaqus, High Performance Computing, Linux, Git, Advanced Rapid Prototyping, 3D Printing, 3D Scanning, LaTeX, Generative AI tools for research, and more. For a complete list of trainings that we currently offer, please visit our Training Catalog.
You can also access supporting materials from previous training sessions through the SESA Canvas Website.
Upcoming Courses
Most SESA training sessions are held in the Design Studio in Higgins Labs room 234, and all registered participants will have access to a workstation in the lab that has all the required software preinstalled. To view and register for the current offerings of SESA training sessions, please visit arc.wpi.edu/register.
Students who are on the waitlist should watch for emails prior to the sessions as seats may become available on short notice.
Due to licensing restrictions, some applications used in the training sessions are not available for installation on personally owned computers. These license-restricted applications are accessible on our servers via remote desktop connection. To request access, please fill out the Windows Terminal Server Account request form.
Customized Sessions for Classes and Researchers
We also offer individualized training sessions and seminars for classrooms and researchers, including faculty, students, and project teams. View our previous training sessions to see examples of the types of training we can provide. We will also work with you to create customized training in multiple software applications.
For additional assistance integrating SESA programs into your classroom, we are also happy to collaborate with faculty and teaching assistants to develop SESA assignments and laboratory activities. To request customized training sessions and resources, contact archelp@wpi.edu.
We also provide in-depth consulting for students and faculty on research projects. If necessary, the group has the technical knowledge and expertise to go into the scientific details of the project and offer specific advice, recommendations, and appropriate applications.
Training Catalog
Scientific and Engineering Software Applications (SESA) Training Catalog
The training session schedule is emailed during the beginning of each term of the academic year, please look out for our email!
Artificial Intelligence
- Introduction to Generative AI Tools for Research
- Simplify Paper Writing and Formatting using LaTeX with AI
- Data Visualization in Python with AI
Linux, High Performance Computing (HPC), and Git
- Introduction to the Linux Command Line Interface
- Introduction to High Performance Computing (HPC)
- Introduction to Git
Advanced Rapid Prototyping and 3D Scanning
- Advanced (3D Printing) Rapid Prototyping
- 3D Scanning
Programming
- MATLAB Crash Course Series
- MATLAB Lecture 1: Getting started (introduction to the environment, variables, and functions)
- MATLAB Lecture 2: 2D plotting and user-defined functions
- MATLAB Lecture 3: 3D plotting and structures
- Introduction to Python Programming Series
- Introduction to Python Programming Lecture 1: Getting started (environment, variables, and functions)
- Introduction to Python Programming Lecture 2: Python libraries, graphing, working with data
- MATLAB for Mechanical Engineering Applications
- Introduction to Mathcad
Computer Modeling and Simulation (FEA)
- Resources and Best Practices
- Introduction to Ansys Mechanical (Static Analysis)
- Introduction to Ansys Mechanical (Dynamic Analysis)
- Introduction to Ansys Fluent (Fluid Dynamics)
- Introduction to COMSOL Multiphysics
Self-paced Online Courses with Certificate of Completion
Additional Training Resources
- Academic and Research Computing (SESA Training) Canvas page
- SESA for Projects Canvas page
- Request a one-on-one consultation
Introduction to Python
You may register for our online, self-paced Introduction to Python crash course with a WPI email account.
During the academic year, we offer in-person Python trainings each term which can be registered for at arc.wpi.edu/register.
Additional Materials to Accompany Introduction to Python SESA Course
- Introduction to Python Lecture I
- Introduction to Python Lecture II
- Python statements
- By Request: Python Socket Module
Last updated on August 31, 2026