Rising Researchers – Summer Research Intensive Course

During Rising Researchers, a Summer Research Intensive Course, students will explore microbiology and bioinformatics under the guidance of a scientist from UMass. This is a 4-week online summer research class with four learning units organized by themes. The course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the principles of the scientific method, microbiology and bioinformatics; the use of online computer resources to understand molecular biology information. 

Through lectures, hands-on experiments at home, online databases, computer software, class and small group discussions, students will delve into the microbial world with emphasis on the interactions of microorganisms with humans and plants, and their impact on disease and agriculture. The hands-on experiments and bioinformatics analyses will emphasize the proper use of the scientific method to answer a research question, develop a hypothesis, safely carry out experiments at home, make observations, analyze, interpret and communicate results. 

Course syllabus and learning objectives can be found here

Learning Units

• The scientific method and introduction to microbiology and bioinformatics to analyze molecular biology information. 

• Host-microbe interactions including the human microbiome and bacteria-plant interactions. 

• Microbial genetics and isolation of bacteria from host tissue. 

• Bioinformatics tools to address a microbiology or molecular biology question by searching and analyzing DNA and protein sequences from online databases and computer software, and interpreting search results. 

Apply here.

Program Details

Dates: July 5 – July 29, 2022

Schedule: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs 3pm – 5pm ET (live lessons), office hours + Q&A on Friday 3pm – 4pm ET

Academic Credit: 2 College Credits + Certification of Completion issued by University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass)

Student Profile: Rising 9th – 12th grade. International students are welcome to apply.

Course Prerequisites: This course has no course prerequisites, but requires students to be committed to attend classes, learn, fully participate in the class experiments and discussions, and be respectful to each other.

Format: Online with live (synchronous) sessions + offline (asynchronous) assignments.

Cost: $4,900.

Payment Details: A 50% deposit is required to secure a student’s spot, with the remaining balance due 60 days prior to the program start date. Non-refundable.

Application Deadline: June 1, 2022 or when all spots have been filled (rolling admissions). Space is limited.

Apply here. Students get a $200 discount if they apply by May 1.

Find more information on RisingResearchers.com