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.

So small yet so powerful … We cannot see it, but it can change our everyday life! “Nano” indicates something small, something minute, about a billion times less than a meter. In these dimensions materials can go ‘crazy’ and display unique, unprecedented properties. How does the size of a material affect its properties? How do some plants manage to repel water and clean themselves? How can I make my clothes stain resistant? How does the gecko lizard walk on the ceiling? How can a robot climb onto a glass window? How do all this relate to bio-mimicry and everyday life?

Nanotechnology is linked to many disciplines, such as physics, biology, chemistry and mathematics, to produce useful applications with innovative properties. Through a series of approaches, including problem-solving, designing and conducting experiments, games, studying natural and artificial nanomaterials, searching for information, modeling, and group activities, students are introduced to the exciting world of science and technology at a nanoscale!

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. 

Are robots smarter than humans? Will automated control systems eventually become clever enough to control us? In this course, students embark on a journey into the world of technology, engineering, algorithmic thinking and programming. They learn how to design, build, and program their own robots and clever control systems using LEGO EV3 Mindstorms and Arduino UNO.

In the course’s robotics segment, students delve into the capabilities of LEGO EV3 Mindstorms, a versatile robotics kit renowned for its ease of use. Through engaging activities and challenges, students learn to assemble robots, utilize sensors, and program behaviors using a Scratch 3-based programming environment tailored for EV3. They discover how to navigate obstacles, follow lines, and complete tasks, all while honing their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

In the course’s automation segment, students explore the world of electronics and clever control systems using Arduino UNO, a popular microcontroller platform. With Arduino, students learn to interface sensors, motors, and other peripherals, enabling them to automate processes and create clever control systems like an automated plant watering system or a home security system. Using a Scratch 3-based programming environment adapted for Arduino, students write code to control inputs and outputs, create responsive behaviors, and bring their projects to life.

By the end of the course, students emerge with a deeper understanding of robotics, automation, and programming, equipped with the skills and knowledge to tackle real-world challenges in the ever-evolving field of technology.

Learning Objectives

• Develop construction skills for building robots using LEGO technic pieces, including structural stability, gear mechanisms and attachment methods, and assimilate the basic features of the Arduino UNO board including digital and analog input/output pins, power supply options, and communication interfaces.
• Understand the use and different types of sensors (e.g. touch, color, ultrasonic, and gyro sensors) to gather and use sensor data to create responsive behaviors in robots, such as obstacle avoidance, line following, and object detection.
• Learn basic principles of electronics, including voltage, current, resistance, circuits, and components such as resistors, LEDs, and how to connect and use various sensors with Arduino boards, including temperature, light, motion sensors and ultrasonic sensors.
• Develop problem-solving skills to diagnose issues, troubleshoot hardware or software problems, and debug Arduino or robot projects effectively, utilizing the basic safety practices when working with electronics.