UChicago Summer Immersion Programs for High School Students - Biotechnology for the 21st Century (Session 2)

This course is designed to provide a stimulating introduction to the world of biotechnology. Starting with an overview of the basic concepts of molecular biology and genetics that serve as a foundation for biotechnology, the course will segue into the various applied fields of biotechnology. Lectures and some of the corresponding hands on experiments will include microbial biotechnology, agricultural biotechnology, biofuels, cloning, bioremediation, medical biotechnology, DNA fingerprinting, and forensics. The goal of this course is to provide students with an appreciation of important biotechnology breakthroughs, the techniques involved, and the associated bioethics issues. Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed one year of high school biology. Session I: Orientation June 16-17; classes meet June 18 to July 5, 2018; MTWRF daily schedule varies Session II: Orientation July 7-8; classes meet July 9 to July 26, 2018; MTWRF daily schedule varies Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, 14 years and older. Admissions: the Priority application deadline is February 2. Students who apply by the Priority application deadline will have their $50 application fee waived. Any applications received after the Priority deadline will be admitted using rolling admission and will require a $50 application fee. For domestic students, rolling admissions will typically close by early May; this may be earlier for specific programs that fill. Application process includes an online application, writing sample, personal profile, and recommendations. Need-based partial scholarships are available, with the completion of a scholarship application.