Hey there future, detectives! Are you ready to dive into the exhilarating world of forensics’ science and crack some mind-bending cases? Throughout this interactive course, aspiring young detectives will embark on a journey to understand how chemical analysis plays a crucial role in solving crimes. From analyzing mysterious substances to deciphering hidden clues at crime scenes, you’ll learn the essential skills used by forensic chemists to crack even the toughest cases.

Fingerprint lifting, blood typing, hair, fiber, soil and food analysis are just some of the criminalistics that will be introduced! You’ll learn everything about fundamental but nifty techniques that help CSI investigators sniff out clues and identify the perpetrator, such as titration, chromatography, spectroscopy, DNA electrophoresis. But wait, there’s more! Did you know that forensic scientists can determine a person’s age by analyzing their bones? You’ll explore the fascinating world of forensic anthropology and learn how to estimate the age and gender of skeletal remains—just like a real-life bone detective.

Your skills will be put to the test as you tackle thrilling crime scenarios, from mysterious burglaries to dastardly poisonings. You’ll work in teams to collect and analyze evidence, follow leads, and catch the culprit before they strike again!

So, if you’re ready to unlock the secrets of forensics and become the ultimate crime-solving superstar, join us in “CSI @CTY ” and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime! Because with a little chemistry know-how, anything is possible!

Learning Objectives:

• Collect, handle and analyze different types (fingerprints, blood, DNA, fibers, glass, bullets, etc) of evidence
• Identify, perform and report scientifically, analytical chemistry techniques 
• Write a forensics report using data to support findings reached after reviewing the available evidence.
• Understand chemistry topics needed for the proposed forensic skills 

Do computers make mistakes? How does a machine even know what to do? Is Artificial Intelligence really intelligent? This course will guide students through the principles of computer science, exploring the theory and real-world applications of the concepts that govern it. Students will learn about the concepts of algorithms, binary mathematics, Boolean algebra and digital logic, and the theory of computation. They will be introduced to the workings of computer architecture, operating systems, computer networks and embedded systems, and gain insight into the neural networks that power modern AI systems. Throughout the course, the students will have the opportunity to build on their newfound theoretical knowledge through simulations on topics such as Digital Design and Turing Machines, as well as a plethora of hands-on programming challenges, primarily in C++.

Learning Objectives

• Gain a broad understanding of how computing and technology are shaping our world.
• Formulate and implement algorithms in one or more industry-standard programming languages; Investigate code errors, debug and test programs, and evaluate complexity of algorithms
• Think algorithmically to solve programming problems using conditional, iterative and recursive structures, and other techniques.
• Compare and contrast procedural and object-oriented programming paradigms
• Develop collaboration skills in team, project-based learning environments

Did you know that if one person’s DNA was unraveled and placed end to end, it would stretch to the sun and back at least 60 times? Or that humans and chimps share a surprising 98.8 percent of their DNA? How can we be so similar and yet so different? How does all that relate to having your mother’s eyes, or your father’s nose? Or even your great grandmother’s hair? And how did complex, multicellular organisms evolve from simpler, single-celled ones? We begin with an exploration of Mendelian genetics to determine how simple traits are passed from parents to offspring, delve into more complex concepts such as sex-linked traits and polygenic inheritance, to move towards understanding the genetics of inherited disorders. We will also take a look into the fascinating world of 6 million years of evolution. Furthermore, we learn and practice some of the methods and techniques that geneticists use to explore these concepts, such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and bacterial transformations. 

Learning objectives

• Predict the impact of mutations and the inheritance patterns of different diseases.
• Utilize biotechnological laboratory skills to determine the genotypes of individuals and explore the process of transformation, a key technique in genetic engineering. 
• Research and present a genetically inherited disease/syndrome including characteristics such as genetic heterogeneity, penetrance and expressivity.

Which organ has over 400 functions? Are there liquid tissues in the human body? What factors contribute to the development of cancer? Much like Leonardo da Vinci’s fascination with human anatomy, our course delves into these intriguing questions! Drawing upon fundamental biological and chemical concepts, students explore the intricate anatomical and physiological mechanisms that govern normal human function, as an introduction to human biology and the science of medicine. Students learn about the human body’s different systems, including the digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, excretory, nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, highlighting their interconnectedness. Laboratory activities encompass histology, anatomy and physiology (including dissections) and biochemistry techniques. Students also learn practical skills, such as suturing, and dive into group work, solving epidemiology mysteries and investigating the causes and cures for different diseases.

Learning Objectives

• Model the interrelatedness of three human body systems working together to maintain homeostasis. 
• Demonstrate the skills and tools to complete scientific dissections.
• Select, review and report on a disease or syndrome that impacts one human body system, including its causes, manifestation, symptoms and treatment methods. 

Mathematics is more than just numbers and symbols on a page. Applications of mathematics are indispensable in the modern world. Math can be used to determine whether a meteor will impact Earth, predict the spread of an infectious disease, or analyze a remarkably close presidential election. In this course, students create and evaluate mathematical models to represent and solve problems across a broad range of disciplines, including political science, economics, biology, and physics.

Students begin with a review of some of the core mathematical tools in modeling, such as linear functions, lines of best fit, and exponential and logarithmic functions. Using these tools, students examine models such as those used in population growth and decay, voting systems, or the motion of a spring. Students also learn how to use Euler and Hamilton circuits to find the optimal solutions in a variety of real-world situations, such as determining the most efficient way to schedule airline travel. A introduction to probability and statistics lead into a study of using deterministic versus stochastic models to predict the spread of an epidemic and explore classic mathematical problems such as the traveling salesman problem, birthday paradox, and light switching problem.  Students are introduced to logic proofs by induction and contradiction.  Students leave this course familiar with all steps of the modeling process, from defining the problem and making assumptions, to assessing the model for strengths and weaknesses.

What is the difference between science and engineering? What are the techniques that must be applied for successfully tackling any engineering challenge, from designing and building a bed-side table to conceptualizing and sending a shuttle to space? How can a group of engineers efficiently compartmentalize a multi-system project, allocate tasks and optimize the budget provided to solve a multifaceted constructional problem? This course explores a range of topics from physics and science and bridges the gap between pure theoretical knowledge and its practical application. Through daily doses of lectures, class discussions, problem-solving and plentiful hands-on lab activities, the students will be exposed to an array of concepts, varying from Newtonian dynamics and circuitry to fluid dynamics and thermal physics and through their application, complete engineering tasks of progressively increasing complexity. 

Learning objectives:

• Apply concepts from various topics of physics into practical constructional projects with strict requirements, aimed at tackling specific problems of varying complexity and constraints.
• Train in the engineering design process, practical problem-solving and collaborative teamwork to complete assigned engineering design and production tasks. 
• Develop and train a variety of technical skills, including detailed technical drawings of projects, precision soldering of electronic components and wood work skills.