On-Campus Pre-College Summer Programs
Filter your search to customize your view into the catalog. Qualified pre-college students seeking on-campus undergraduate courses should visit the Full Catalog of Offerings under the Programs and Courses menu.
These courses were offered in Summer 2024. Check back in a few months to view the Summer 2025 catalog.
Anatomy, Physiology, & Disease: Core Systems - AS.020.131
Pre-College students June 23 - July 2 Homewood CampusAn understanding of physiology is an invaluable part of any budding physician’s or scientist’s repertoire. This course introduces classical physiology in the human body, and how it functions in both health and disease. This, the first of a two-part course (Anatomy, Physiology & Disease: Guts, Hormones and Reproduction is optional but should be a consideration), will cover core topics including the nervous, muscular, and cardiopulmonary systems, and physiology and disease. Additionally, students will be working outside the classroom to consolidate and reinforce their new understanding of the subject. Ultimately, knowledge of basic physiology should impact future research and serve as a foundation for all future scientific and biomedical endeavors.
Students in this course must bring a laptop or tablet, such as a Chromebook.
Prerequisite: Background in Biology is strongly recommended.
Required Text: The textbook for this course is Lauralee Sherwood’s HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY: FROM CELLS TO SYSTEMS 9th Edition (Cengage Learning, ISBN 978-1285866932). Students may purchase either a hard copy or eTextbook.
Anatomy, Physiology, & Disease: Core Systems - AS.020.131
Pre-College students July 21 - July 31 Homewood CampusAn understanding of physiology is an invaluable part of any budding physician’s or scientist’s repertoire. This course introduces classical physiology in the human body, and how it functions in both health and disease. This, the first of a two-part course (Anatomy, Physiology & Disease: Guts, Hormones and Reproduction is optional but should be a consideration), will cover core topics including the nervous, muscular, and cardiopulmonary systems, and physiology and disease. Additionally, students will be working outside the classroom to consolidate and reinforce their new understanding of the subject. Ultimately, knowledge of basic physiology should impact future research and serve as a foundation for all future scientific and biomedical endeavors.
Students in this course must bring a laptop or tablet, such as a Chromebook.
Prerequisite: Background in Biology is strongly recommended
.
Required Text: The textbook for this course is Lauralee Sherwood’s HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY: FROM CELLS TO SYSTEMS 9th Edition (Cengage Learning, ISBN 978-1285866932). Students may purchase either a hard copy or eTextbook.
Anatomy, Physiology, & Disease: Guts, Hormones & Reproduction - AS.020.131
Pre-College students July 7 - July 17 Homewood CampusAn understanding of physiology is an invaluable part of any budding physician’s or scientist’s repertoire. In this, the second of a two-part course introducing classical physiology in the human body, and how it functions in both health and disease, we will cover guts (renal, digestive, and immune systems), as well as hormones (basic endocrinology) and sex/reproductive physiology. In addition to classroom study, students will be challenged to synthesize their newfound knowledge by taking part in immersive afternoon activities. While this represents a wholly separate course that may be taken independently, students should also consider taking the first part of this series (Anatomy, Physiology, & Disease: Core Systems) to bolster their understanding (offered in Summer Sessions 1 and 3). Ultimately, knowledge of basic physiological processes should impact the student's future research and serve as a foundation for all future scientific and biomedical endeavors.
Students in this course must bring a laptop or tablet, such as a Chromebook.
Prerequisite: Background in Biology is strongly recommended.
Required Text: The textbook for this course is Lauralee Sherwood’s HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY: FROM CELLS TO SYSTEMS 9th Edition (Cengage Learning, ISBN 978-1285866932). Students may purchase either a hard copy or eTextbook.
Big Data and Advertising - AS.061.106
Pre-College students July 21 - July 31 Homewood CampusEver wondered how the ads you see seem to know exactly what you want even before you do?
Dive into the world of Big Data and Advertising where technology meets creativity to shape
consumer behavior and business strategy. This course offers a deep exploration of how big data is revolutionizing advertising, from personalized ads to predictive analytics. By integrating perspectives from psychology, economics, computer science, and marketing, you’ll gain insights into how data drives decisions in the advertising world. Explore the psychological principles behind consumer behavior, learn how data is collected, and understand the ethical implications of using personal information in advertising. Through hands-on programming in Python, you’ll manipulate large datasets to discover patterns that drive ad campaigns. This interdisciplinary course challenges you to think critically about the intersection of technology, ethics, and business, preparing you to navigate the complexities of data-driven advertising. No prior coding experience is required, making this course accessible to all students interested in the powerful combination of big data and advertising.
Big Data and Social Media: Behavior, Ethics, and Civic Engagment - AS.196.110
Pre-College students June 23 - July 2 Homewood CampusCurious about how big data and social media shape democracy and everyday life? This course
offers an interdisciplinary exploration of big data, focusing on its applications and ethical
concerns at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, civic engagement, and data
security. You'll examine how algorithms and big data influence brain function, behavior,
and political polarization. The course addresses ethical implications such as privacy,
misinformation, and security, alongside the role of social media in shaping democratic
processes. Through hands-on programming in Python, you'll manipulate large datasets,
with a final project exploring data's role in democracy, entertainment, safety, or social
media. Discussions and quizzes will cover broader societal and ethical impacts, providing a
well-rounded understanding of data origins, analysis, and use in civic life. This course is ideal
for students interested in careers in computer science, data science, neuroscience,
psychology, cybersecurity and civic engagement. No prior coding experience is required.
Big Data and Social Media: Behavior, Ethics, and Civic Engagment - AS.196.110
Pre-College students July 7 - July 17 Homewood CampusCurious about how big data and social media shape democracy and everyday life? This course
offers an interdisciplinary exploration of big data, focusing on its applications and ethical
concerns at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, civic engagement, and data
security. You'll examine how algorithms and big data influence brain function, behavior,
and political polarization. The course addresses ethical implications such as privacy,
misinformation, and security, alongside the role of social media in shaping democratic
processes. Through hands-on programming in Python, you'll manipulate large datasets,
with a final project exploring data's role in democracy, entertainment, safety, or social
media. Discussions and quizzes will cover broader societal and ethical impacts, providing a
well-rounded understanding of data origins, analysis, and use in civic life. This course is ideal
for students interested in careers in computer science, data science, neuroscience,
psychology, cybersecurity and civic engagement. No prior coding experience is required.
Exploring the Universe with Space Telescopes - AS.171.135
Pre-College students July 7 - July 17 Homewood CampusThrough a mix of lectures and hands-on activities, you will learn how astronomers study objects in space using different types of light, observatories, and instrumental techniques. You will also hear from active researchers about the big, open questions in astronomy and how we use space telescopes such as Hubble and Webb to answer those questions. Building on this knowledge, you will work with a small group to design your own space telescope and present that design to your peers. No prior knowledge of astronomy, physics, or mathematics is assumed.
Students in this course must bring a laptop or device capable of opening PDFs and running Google docs for project and group work.
Exploring the Universe with Space Telescopes - AS.171.135
Pre-College students July 21 - July 31 Homewood CampusThrough a mix of lectures and hands-on activities, you will learn how astronomers study objects in space using different types of light, observatories, and instrumental techniques. You will also hear from active researchers about the big, open questions in astronomy and how we use space telescopes such as Hubble and Webb to answer those questions. Building on this knowledge, you will work with a small group to design your own space telescope and present that design to your peers. No prior knowledge of astronomy, physics, or mathematics is assumed.
Students in this course must bring a laptop or device capable of opening PDFs and running Google docs for project and group work.
Exploring the Universe with Space Telescopes - AS.171.135
Pre-College students June 23 - July 2 Homewood CampusThrough a mix of lectures and hands-on activities, you will learn how astronomers study objects in space using different types of light, observatories, and instrumental techniques. You will also hear from active researchers about the big, open questions in astronomy and how we use space telescopes such as Hubble and Webb to answer those questions. Building on this knowledge, you will work with a small group to design your own space telescope and present that design to your peers. No prior knowledge of astronomy, physics, or mathematics is assumed.
Students in this course must bring a laptop or device capable of opening PDFs and running Google docs for project and group work.
Foundational Mathematics of Artificial Intelligence - AS.110.110
Pre-College students June 23 - July 2 Homewood CampusAs artificial intelligence models like ChatGPT become increasingly capable and part of our everyday life, the need to understand their inner workings intensifies. This course introduces the mathematical and statistical principles behind machine learning and AI technologies. Students will assimilate basic concepts including math models and performance measurement. They will apply software to build machine learning applications that serve as AI building blocks including linear regression, classification trees, neural networks, and reinforcement learning. Participants will be challenged to assess the quality of their analyses to better understand the opportunities for, and the limitations of AI.
Students in this course must bring a laptop or device capable of opening a spreadsheet, running cloud-based code, and running cloud-based programs like Microsoft Word and PPT.
Foundational Mathematics of Artificial Intelligence - AS.110.110
Pre-College students July 7 - July 17 Homewood CampusAs artificial intelligence models like ChatGPT become increasingly capable and part of our everyday life, the need to understand their inner workings intensifies. This course introduces the mathematical and statistical principles behind machine learning and AI technologies. Students will assimilate basic concepts including math models and performance measurement. They will apply software to build machine learning applications that serve as AI building blocks including linear regression, classification trees, neural networks, and reinforcement learning. Participants will be challenged to assess the quality of their analyses to better understand the opportunities for, and the limitations of AI.
Students in this course must bring a laptop or device capable of opening a spreadsheet, running cloud-based code, and running cloud-based programs like Microsoft Word and PPT.
Foundational Mathematics of Artificial Intelligence - AS.110.110
Pre-College students July 21 - July 31 Homewood CampusAs artificial intelligence models like ChatGPT become increasingly capable and part of our everyday life, the need to understand their inner workings intensifies. This course introduces the mathematical and statistical principles behind machine learning and AI technologies. Students will assimilate basic concepts including math models and performance measurement. They will apply software to build machine learning applications that serve as AI building blocks including linear regression, classification trees, neural networks, and reinforcement learning. Participants will be challenged to assess the quality of their analyses to better understand the opportunities for, and the limitations of AI.
Students in this course must bring a laptop or device capable of opening a spreadsheet, running cloud-based code, and running cloud-based programs like Microsoft Word and PPT.
Introduction to Experimental Design in Biology - AS.020.141
Pre-College students July 7 - July 17 Homewood CampusWhat does it mean to “design” an experiment? How do scientists go about planning experimental approaches that test specific hypotheses and provide informative results? These are the types of questions that lie at the heart of independent research. For example, scientists might ask: What analytical methods are best suited to answering a specific question? Which samples should be included in the analysis? What types of variables could influence the outcome of the experiments? This course will address such questions by having students design and carry out experiments to test specific hypotheses. Emphasis is placed on planning the experimental approaches and setting up experiments that include appropriate controls. The specific techniques used in the lab will vary but include standard techniques in molecular biology such as gel electrophoresis, PCR, and gene expression.
Introduction to Experimental Design in Biology - AS.020.141
Pre-College students June 23 - July 2 Homewood CampusWhat does it mean to “design” an experiment? How do scientists go about planning experimental approaches that test specific hypotheses and provide informative results? These are the types of questions that lie at the heart of independent research. For example, scientists might ask: What analytical methods are best suited to answering a specific question? Which samples should be included in the analysis? What types of variables could influence the outcome of the experiments? This course will address such questions by having students design and carry out experiments to test specific hypotheses. Emphasis is placed on planning the experimental approaches and setting up experiments that include appropriate controls. The specific techniques used in the lab will vary but include standard techniques in molecular biology such as gel electrophoresis, PCR, and gene expression.
Introduction to Experimental Design in Biology - AS.020.141
Pre-College students July 21 - July 31 Homewood CampusWhat does it mean to “design” an experiment? How do scientists go about planning experimental approaches that test specific hypotheses and provide informative results? These are the types of questions that lie at the heart of independent research. For example, scientists might ask: What analytical methods are best suited to answering a specific question? Which samples should be included in the analysis? What types of variables could influence the outcome of the experiments? This course will address such questions by having students design and carry out experiments to test specific hypotheses. Emphasis is placed on planning the experimental approaches and setting up experiments that include appropriate controls. The specific techniques used in the lab will vary but include standard techniques in molecular biology such as gel electrophoresis, PCR, and gene expression.
Introduction to Laboratory Research - AS.020.120
Pre-College students June 23 - July 2 Homewood CampusIn this program you will be introduced to a variety of biochemical and molecular biological laboratory techniques. These will include DNA analysis by restriction enzyme mapping, amplification of DNA segments by PCR, and lipid analysis by chromatography. Additionally, you will visit a variety of biological laboratories to observe actual research projects.
Prerequisite: Background in Chemistry and Biology is strongly recommended.
Introduction to Laboratory Research - AS.020.120
Pre-College students July 21 - July 31 Homewood CampusIn this program you will be introduced to a variety of biochemical and molecular biological laboratory techniques. These will include DNA analysis by restriction enzyme mapping, amplification of DNA segments by PCR, and lipid analysis by chromatography. Additionally, you will visit a variety of biological laboratories to observe actual research projects.
Prerequisite: Background in Chemistry and Biology is strongly recommended.
Introduction to Laboratory Research - AS.020.120
Pre-College students July 7 - July 17 Homewood CampusIn this program you will be introduced to a variety of biochemical and molecular biological laboratory techniques. These will include DNA analysis by restriction enzyme mapping, amplification of DNA segments by PCR, and lipid analysis by chromatography. Additionally, you will visit a variety of biological laboratories to observe actual research projects.
Prerequisite: Background in Chemistry and Biology is strongly recommended.
Introduction to Surgery - AS.020.134
Pre-College students July 7 - July 17 Homewood CampusGain a broad understanding of surgery, including historical milestones in the field, surgical anatomy, pre- and post- operative patient care, subspecialties within the field, and surgical technology. Complete daily modules, including lecture content and activities, such as a fetal pig dissection, which provide opportunities to apply your understanding of course materials. This program is designed to engage your interest in a diverse set of medical careers ranging from surgery and nursing to biomedical engineering.
Prerequisite: Background in Biology is strongly recommended.
Introduction to Surgery - AS.020.134
Pre-College students June 23 - July 2 Homewood CampusGain a broad understanding of surgery, including historical milestones in the field, surgical anatomy, pre- and post- operative patient care, subspecialties within the field, and surgical technology. Complete daily modules, including lecture content and activities, such as a fetal pig dissection, which provide opportunities to apply your understanding of course materials. This program is designed to engage your interest in a diverse set of medical careers ranging from surgery and nursing to biomedical engineering.
Prerequisite: Background in Biology is strongly recommended.
Introduction to Surgery - AS.020.134
Pre-College students July 21 - July 31 Homewood CampusGain a broad understanding of surgery, including historical milestones in the field, surgical anatomy, pre- and post- operative patient care, subspecialties within the field, and surgical technology. Complete daily modules, including lecture content and activities, such as a fetal pig dissection, which provide opportunities to apply your understanding of course materials. This program is designed to engage your interest in a diverse set of medical careers ranging from surgery and nursing to biomedical engineering.
Prerequisite: Background in Biology is strongly recommended.
Medical School Intensive - AS.020.132
Pre-College students July 21 - July 31 Homewood CampusLearn the basic knowledge and techniques related to surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, and biomedical science by participating in interactive lectures and labs, including a fetal pig dissection. You and your fellow high-school students will explore new aspects of this critical field at one of the nation’s leading institutions as you are taught and guided by experts in the field of medicine.
Prerequisite: Background in Biology is strongly recommended.
Medical School Intensive - AS.020.132
Pre-College students June 23 - July 2 Homewood CampusLearn the basic knowledge and techniques related to surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, and biomedical science by participating in interactive lectures and labs, including a fetal pig dissection. You and your fellow high-school students will explore new aspects of this critical field at one of the nation’s leading institutions as you are taught and guided by experts in the field of medicine.
Prerequisite: Background in Biology is strongly recommended.
Medical School Intensive - AS.020.132
Pre-College students July 7 - July 17 Homewood CampusLearn the basic knowledge and techniques related to surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, and biomedical science by participating in interactive lectures and labs, including a fetal pig dissection. You and your fellow high-school students will explore new aspects of this critical field at one of the nation’s leading institutions as you are taught and guided by experts in the field of medicine.
Prerequisite: Background in Biology is strongly recommended.
Social Inequality and the Public's Health - AS.280.140
Pre-College students June 23 - July 2 Homewood CampusIn epidemiology, public health scientists use quantitative and analytic tools examine to the distribution of disease across the population and to identify the various factors that shape these patterns. This course will explore how epidemiologic tools can be used to interrogate the social and structural factors that create health disparities in society. Students will learn about key social determinants of health (including class, race, and gender), the various pathways by which social experiences “get under the skin” to impact physiologic disease states, and how epidemiologists investigate these processes through population-based research. Students will leave the course with an understanding of the ways public health professionals and community members alike can use this public health research to develop policies and programs that protect the health of vulnerable groups and reduce inequality.