Course Description
Micromouse is a year-long technical program where engineering students will learn how to design, program, and assemble an autonomous maze-solving robot (mouse). Though it may sound simple, this challenge demands exceptional problem-solving skills as you put your classroom knowledge to the test in a real-world scenario! Some concepts utilized include PCB design, soldering, embedded programming in C/C++, microcontrollers, and physical sensor use. Meetings will be held once a week, consisting of concept lectures, assembly workshops, and open lab time for troubleshooting and staff assistance. At the year, the goal is to compete at the All American Micromouse Competition (AAMC) at UCLA.
Enrollment Requirements
Undergraduate students attending the University of California, Irvine, can apply for course enrollment. The deadline for application submissions is October 2nd, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance to the program. Students who receive a course acceptance offer must pay the course deposit and fee before enrollment.
Course Deposit + Fee
Once you have formed a team with up to 2 other Micromouse members, each team is required to pay $160 (the fee might fluctuate slightly based on the component prices when we place the order) for a project kit that contains all the parts needed to assemble a Micromouse. If you plan to work alone, then you must be prepared to pay the entire fee on your own.
More Information
Learn more about the course schedule, parts kit components, lectures, and workshops in the PDF below or access it here.
Schedule
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Fall Quarter
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Week 3
Introduction to Electrical Engineering and Embedded Systems
LectureGet introduced to the OPS team, meet your peers, and learn about some fundamental electronics concepts.
ProjectBuild an LED circuit with a switch and solder it to a protoboard.
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Week 4
WorkshopLearn by doing with a hands-on soldering tutorial to complete your first electronics project.
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Week 5
Integrated Circuits & Debugging Tools and Techniques
LectureDiscover Integrated Circuits (ICs) through the 555 Timer. Learn the basics of networks analysis and use it to debug circuits with your multimeter.
ProjectCreate an electronic piano with the 555 Timer IC, and solder it to a printed circuit board.
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Week 7
Programming with C++
LectureExplore universal programming concepts through the C++ language.
Project (Optional)Solidify your understanding of functional programming, control flow, and loops with an exercise set.
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Week 8
Workshop (Pre-Recorded)Setup an IDE to write an compile your C/C++ code.
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Week 9
Microcontrollers, Architecture, and Arduino
LectureReceive a crash course in microcontrollers, how they work, and how to use an Arduino Board.
ProjectBuild and program a dimmable RGB LED using the Arduino Nano.
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Winter Quarter
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Week 1
Binary, Digital Logic, and Communication Protocols I
LectureLearn about the binary number systems and its applications in embedded systems. Then, explore the various protocols which define information-sharing between devices.
ProjectCreate an interactive MP3 player, upload your favorite tunes.
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Week 3
Communication Protocols II
LectureContinue your exploration of the various protocols which define information-sharing between devices.
ProjectBuild a weather station that wirelessly transmits temperature and humidity data to an indoor display.
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Week 4
Finite State Machines
Workshop (Pre-Recorded)Learn about the design of sequential-logic-based hardware and software, and create your own finite state machine.
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Week 6
Interrupts and Timers
LectureLearn about the hardware and software mechanisms that peripherals and timers trigger.
ProjectCreate a digital stopwatch using interrupts, timers, and a 7-segment display.
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Week 8
PCB Design with KiCAD
Lecture (Pre-Recorded)Learn the PCB design process and take a look at KiCAD's core features.
Project (Optional)Design a PCB for the 555 Blinker circuit.
WorkshopReceive in-person guidance as you design the accompanying KiCAD project.