The information presented below pertains to the 2008 Summer College program. We're currently putting the finishing touches on our 2009 program and we'll update the Web site with this information by mid-December. If you would like to be notified when the site is updated, please join the Summer College e-mail announcement list.
see also
Junior/Senior · 6 weeks (June 21 - August 5) · 6 credits
Biological research and the health professions are the hottest fields in science. From biotechnology to rediscovering ancient methods of healing and making brand-new medical breakthroughs—all of these careers and much, much more are part of biology and life sciences.
If you have a passion for science labs, love to read Discover and Scientific American, or feel that medicine is your calling, come explore those possibilities through this program.
You'll learn about different career options, hear what it takes to get the necessary training, and find out what everyday life is like as a researcher or doctor. Each day you'll explore a different aspect of biology with guest speakers. Some days will feature informal talks, others will focus on interactive laboratories or discussions. Possibilities include the chance to:
- Learn about the life of an orthopedic surgeon
- Talk to a top cancer researcher
- Experience case-based learning for medical school
- Hear how microorganisms tell the story of ecological change
- Explore space research with NASA's top physiologist
- Talk to bio majors, medical students, and graduate students about their lives
- Measure the electrical activity of motor nerves in a crayfish
- Find out about some nontraditional medical therapies
- Examine a chicken with a world-famous zoologist
- Test your understanding of biomechanics
We encourage you to explore your passions and we'll arrange visits to research laboratories, clinicians' offices, and even surgery suites for interested students. How far you go and how much you learn is up to you!
(Students interested in this program might also want to consider the Research Apprenticeship in the Biological Sciences [RABS] program.)
To be eligible for this program, you must have completed your junior or senior year of high school by June 2008.
Courses
This program meets Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3-4:30 p.m. Also, select two courses from the more than sixty on this Web site (see course roster).
Note: To get the most out of this career exploration, we strongly recommend that you do not choose any courses described as "extremely demanding."
Program leader
Leader Dr. Karen Gellman says, "I am a Cornell-trained veterinarian and research scientist who specializes in treating performance problems in athletic horses. I love Summer College because of the diversity of opportunities. As it says on the university seal, 'any person can find instruction in any study'—the only limitations you have are ones you place on yourself. Also, Ithaca happens to be the most beautiful place in the world, especially in the summer!"