Intended for students interested in creating new business or social enterprises, this hands-on course focuses on the creation, evaluation, development, and launch-readiness of new business or social ventures. Participants are guided through the new venture creation process as applied to student team-selected venture ideas. Through interactive lectures, short case studies, and structured peer activities, students explore the elements of the new venture planning process in an innovative modular format.

For each student venture, key issues are addressed in a fashion highly consistent with other formal venture-planning processes including: business model development, customer discovery, product-market validation, in-depth industry and market analysis, product or service innovation, brand development and go-to-market strategies, team selection and management, profit models, financing, and legal considerations.

Students work through a series of structured activities and assignments that correspond with each phase of new venture planning. Throughout the class they refine their venture’s hypothesized business model on the basis of instructor and peer feedback. At each stage of venture plan development, they learn critical terms, apply tools that support research and decision making, and develop a deep understanding of how each major planning activity fits into formal venture creation. Additionally, they hone critical professional skills including creative problem-solving, communication and negotiation, project management, financial analysis, and collaborative leadership. By the end of the class, participants have generated robust business models, with supportive venture plan documents, investor pitches, websites, and crowd-funding videos. 

Participants learn the principles of finance and investment management, to include interest rates and compound interest, the time value of money, risk and reward, how stocks and bonds are valued, how the stock market functions, how the international financial market functions, and how to approach stock selection and portfolio management.

We explore the structure of the financial system, to include the role of individual participants, investment banks, asset managers, the Central Bank, and other players in the global economy. The course connects foundations of economics to financial markets. What is the role of risk in investment? How does the environment of the market and the broader world drive return on investments? Why have some investments done well in memorable history? Why have others not done well? How are the winners and losers of past investments explained by financial theory? What is the role of traditional investments, such as mutual funds, and of alternative investments, such as venture capital, private equity and hedge funds?

Students generate their own investment strategies and portfolios. As this is a quantitative course, should be comfortable with math and prepared for a challenging experience.

Curious about how knowledge is created – and ready to create your own? Whether you’re passionate about psychology, politics, tech, environmental studies, education, or something entirely different, this course invites you into the world of academic research! You’ll go behind the scenes of how researchers ask big questions, gather and analyze data, and build new understanding across various fields of study. As such, this course includes two complementary approaches: 1) an overview of research principles and fundamental research methods and 2) student led research projects. 

Using “case study” published research reports as a backdrop, you will be introduced to foundational research principles, concepts, techniques, and their application across various disciplines. We’ll review methods for carrying out eMective research and prepare to produce robust college level social science research utilizing various research methodologies. A broad range of research models, including the scientific method, research design, and data collection techniques, will be explored. We will discuss the selection process for conducting quantitative, qualitative, empirical, and hybrid analyses as well as explore their use across various disciplines. In short, we will review:

1. The use of mixed methods and triangulation of information to balance strengths and weaknesses.
2. Procedures for material data collection and sampling.
3. Common data analysis methods and tools.
4. Techniques for analyzing quantitative and qualitative data.
5. Considerations for determining implications and research limitations.

We will learn while being mindful of the ethical, moral, and philosophical considerations intertwined with: academic research; the possible open access to the findings; and the derived research-based applications.

By the end of this course, you will also work in groups to design and develop a research project (ready for publication), that you select based on your interests.

So if you’re excited by discovery, problem solving, and making an impact with your ideas, this course will give you the tools to do just that!

This workshop is geared toward students who have experience in creative writing or who demonstrate unusual talent. Students read and write fiction in all its forms with the goal of developing a final portfolio of work.

Students are introduced to a range of technical and imaginative concerns through creative exercises and discussions, and exposed to all aspects of the writing process, including generating ideas, writing and revising drafts, and editing. Participants practice their literary craft with an attentive group of their peers, under the guidance of an experienced instructor. They write extensively, read and respond to excerpts from outstanding works of literature, and participate in candid, helpful critiques of their own work and that of peers. Students are expected to come to the class with an openness to various approaches toward literature and writing. Classes are supplemented by conferences with the instructor.

This course focuses on reading case law and interpreting the underlying laws, the research and reasoning that underlie solid legal arguments, and legal writing, while also giving students an inside look at the practice of law today. The course is structured like a traditional introductory first-year law school class.

Students learn first to use the methods and tools of legal reasoning and research, which they marshal to create effective, persuasive, and sophisticated written legal arguments. Once they have a foundation in legal research, reasoning, and writing, they are given an in-depth look at various types of law through interactive sessions with practicing lawyers, via guest speakers and field trips to law firms. They learn how to problem solve using the lawyer’s toolbox and how to analyze legal sources and develop legal arguments based on and supported by the law and cases we research.

In-class drafting and public speaking exercises strengthen participants’ reasoning, argumentation, and writing skills while introducing them to various types of legal work, including written memoranda and arguments for oral delivery.

Students with strong writing skills will be most prepared for this course. Debate experience is helpful but not required.

Due to the sensitive nature of possible content and material covered in this course, it is recommended that students should only register if they have the maturity, and willingness to engage thoughtfully with challenging topics.

This course focuses on theoretical mathematics that is not typically part of a traditional high school curriculum. The course covers a variety of topics including: logic, set theory, number theory and combinatorics. An emphasis is placed on proof throughout the course and different techniques of proof, including mathematical induction, direct proof and proof by contradiction will be discussed. While some applications will be considered, this course will primarily focus on theoretical concepts.

This course is titled A Bridge to Higher Mathematics because it will help to teach you the reasoning and proof - writing skills that you will need for higher - level university mathematics, and more generally, STEM courses. It will give you a path for learning the skills that you need to succeed in higher - level mathematics.

Dive into the dynamic world of neuroscience with this course designed to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research methods and rewarding careers in the biomedical field. Students will explore the vast landscape of neuroscience, from the intricacies of neuroimaging and electrophysiological techniques to the frontiers of molecular neuroscience and computational modeling. Each week unveils a new dimension of neuroscience research, paired with experiments and interactive discussions that bring theoretical concepts to life.

Engage in practical activities like designing experiments, analyzing neuroimaging data, and exploring the ethical dimensions of animal models in research. The course incorporates real-time experiments, where you can observe the effects of neuropharmacological agents on neurons, record brain activity, and even delve into neuroprosthetics. This course not only demystifies complex neuroscience methods but also maps out the diverse career paths within the field, from clinical roles to research careers to cross-disciplinary opportunities.

Neuroscience is the study of the neural processes and mechanisms underlying human function and behavior. It is an interdisciplinary field that combines the ideas explored in the field of psychology with the science that governs the brain and body. In order to understand the etiology of disorders such as addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia, it is crucial to understand how molecular, cellular, and endocrine changes contribute to disease progression.

In this course, students learn about how the laws of neurons and neurotransmitters direct brain processes. Classes include interactive lectures, discussions, and assignments designed to help students understand the neuroscience of addiction, major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia. Outside of class, students explore case studies of neuropsychiatric disorders so as to fully understand the extent of debilitation and possibilities for recovery. 

At the core of most modern medical treatments is an understanding of how cells and biological molecules work. In this course we examine the functioning of medications such as antibiotics, antiviral drugs, chemotherapy, and psychiatric drugs. We also look at the molecular biology and treatment of conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and auto-immune disorders such as lupus.

Classes include interactive lectures and in-class assignments designed to help students understand the connections between science and medical treatments. Outside of class, participants are expected to write a number of short essays exploring how various modern medical treatments work on a cellular and molecular level. The course includes asynchronous work, which students are expected to complete between class sessions.

Becoming a physician—mastering the intricacies of the human body and working to heal when illness occurs—has long been considered a noble pursuit, but it’s not all guts and glory. It takes a particular kind of mind; one that can focus on the smallest details while keeping the big picture in sight. A doctor must see the forest and the trees.

This course is an investigation into how different types of physicians think within their discipline and what it means to be a doctor in today’s society. The course includes asynchronous work, which students are expected to complete between class sessions.

Potential topics to be discussed include the following:

• Logic and reasoning
• Evidence-based medicine
• Human psychology and its influence
• The crossroads of media, myth, and medicine
• Ethics
• Malpractice
• Medicine's history and future
• Medical School and Residency

Participants gain a deeper knowledge of the medical world as well as what it takes to think like a doctor—and acquire mental tools that can be utilized in any aspect of life. Please note that the field of medicine is far reaching and each class will vary depending on the instructor and their scope of knowledge and work within this vast field.

This course introduces students to major psychological theories and research on human social behavior. We look at why humans often help each other but also why they hurt each other. Topics covered include empathy, prejudice, helping, compliance, bullying, conformity, and the development of personality. A variety of psychological methods for predicting and preventing anti-social behavior are discussed.

The course establishes a strong grounding in scientific principles and methodology. Students are encouraged to think about how empirical methods can be used to measure complex social phenomena, to recognize and appreciate experimental rigor, and ultimately to question common assumptions about human behavior found in ordinary discourse and the popular press. The course includes asynchronous work, which students are expected to complete between class sessions.

Data science and machine learning are exciting and popular disciplines. While different fields, they work best in sync to help change the way humans think, behave, and interact. In fact, some of the most popular data science methods stem from machine learning. Through this course, students will be introduced to the foundations of both science areas and explore available career opportunities. Beginning with an overview of the landscape and real-world applications, students will learn how data science and machine learning impact the world in which we live, every day. Further, students will gain hands-on experience with introductory coding using Python and become versed in popular machine learning algorithms. By the end of the course, students will use their benchmark knowledge to analyze and present data ethically and effectively. Finally, students will leave the course prepared for more advanced practice in data science and machine learning. 

Please note, this course is for students with little-to-no previous experience with coding/programming. Students with more advanced knowledge should consider Data Science and Machine Learning II. 

This course provides an intensive introduction to coding with the language of Python, one of the most widely used and intuitive programming languages. Python is an interpreted language that, while syntactically simple, is equipped with a powerful set of libraries. Data analysis, machine learning, AI, data visualization, and web development can all be done quickly and efficiently with Python, making it the ideal language for beginners. 

Participants learn the fundamentals of programming with Python; they are introduced to best programming practices, data representation and storage, data structures, functions and scripts, and more. By the end of the course, students will have an understanding of the programming fundamentals required to approach novel and interesting problems with Python.

The course alternates between classic instruction, group work, and individual programming challenges. While learning to code in Python, students also develop logical thinking and problem solving skills that will be helpful to them in learning other programming languages as well as in college and beyond.

No previous programming experience is required, but participants should have an aptitude for logical reasoning and systematic thinking.

Student computers can either be a PC or a Mac, but should have 8GB – 10GB of free space. Students enrolled in the on-campus program should bring their laptop to class.