UC San Diego: Research Scholars

Immersive, Real-World Research Applications

The Research Scholars programs at UC San Diego provide students with unparalleled educational opportunities that leverage the intellectual capital of an internationally ranked research university. Students assume the role of researcher, becoming fully immersed in projects that have real-world applications.

Dive into unique science research learning experiences that teach highly sought-after skills that can make students more competitive candidates for college admissions and internship opportunities. From Bioengineering and Life Sciences to Marine Science, explore a topic and apply today!

Fall courses (Sept 2023 - Dec 2023) are now open for enrollment!

Bioengineering

The UC San Diego Department of Bioengineering and UC San Diego Extended Studies are pleased to offer courses to high school students who are excelling in scholarship and would like to explore Bioengineering. The course offerings are based on fun, experiential, remote, at-home, hands-on lab activities.

• Mammalian Cell and Tissue Culture in this course, at UCSD (limited spots available, summer only) or in their home "lab", students will obtain (A) hands-on skills training for mammalian cell and tissue culture and (B) background knowledge of how such culture methods are used. Students will learn how to (1) plan, prepare, and deliver solutions to propagate mammalian cells and grow tissues, (2) visualize and obtain digital microscopy images of such cells, tissues, and cultures, (3) interpret biochemical assays to quantify cell and tissue growth, and (4) analyze qualitative and quantitative data in an integrative way. 

September 30 - November 18, 2023

Online 

Tuition: $2,600

• BioEngineering Research Project A students collaborate with a Bioengineering research lab to propose a Design or Science internship project, suitable for completion in the next quarter. Projects will build upon foundation knowledge from a pre-requisite BOAT course. Students will progress through literature review, problem or question definition; study design, and pilot studies in order to create the proposal. The project proposal can be coordinated to enable application to a Science and Engineering Fair.

September 30 - November 18, 2023

Online 

Tuition: $2,500

Life Sciences

In partnership with the Boz Institute, explore fundamental biology topics, modern laboratory techniques, and relevant bioinformatics and statistical applications. Learn to synthesize life science fundamentals, review literature, formulate hypotheses and design experiments, collect and process samples, execute experiments, analyze data, and showcase your work through poster presentations attended by local scientists and industry leaders.

• Introduction to Bioinformatics introduces the theory and practical applications of bioinformatics to genes and proteins in a lecture and computer lab format. Curriculum is structured on bioinformatics primary scientific literature and utility of custom data sets emphasizing recent developments and analytical applications in genomics and proteomics.

September 2023 – December 2023

Online Monday & Wednesdays 4:30–6:30pm PST

Tuition: $2,000

• Metagenomics introduces students to neurobiology and metagenomics research and gene expression regulation of female and male fruit flies exposed to environmental stressors relevant to pollution and climate change. This course incorporates multiple research methods, such as nucleic acid extractions, shallow RNA sequencing, nanopore metagenomics sequencing, and behavioral assays. 

September 2023 – December 2023

Hybrid: Online Tuesdays 4:30–6:30pm PST. In person at the lab Thursdays 4:30–6:30pm PST.

Tuition: $3,000

Marine Science

Gain foundational knowledge in ocean sciences, specifically marine biology and related disciplines. Explore the diversity of life and how biological, chemical and physical processes drive ecosystem dynamics in a marine environment. Investigate relevant, contemporary environmental issues and how to build a career in marine science.

• Introduction to Marine Science is designed to expose students to the processes, functions, and life forms of Earth’s incredible ocean environment. Students will develop a comprehensive foundation in biological, chemical, and physical oceanography by examining major taxonomic groups of marine organisms, important marine ecosystems and habitats, and by exploring current research and applied careers. Through interactive lectures, labs, and discussions, students will gain a basic understanding and appreciation of the ocean community and how it relates to their own lives.

September 26, 2023 - November 16, 2023

Online: Synchronous - Tuesday, Thursday (4-5:20 PM PST) and Asynchronous - 2 lessons / week

Tuition: $2,000

• Organismal Biology Lab  is designed to expose students to the incredible and rich diversity of life in the oceans through engaging and fun in-depth lab practicals and dissections. Identify the invisible life in the oceans such as marine plankton under the microscope and even dissect a dogfish shark and lamprey in partnership with Aburto Lab at Scripps Institution of Oceanography! The major focus of this course is diversity through the lens of an evolutionary and functional biologist, since evolutionary processes enrich our understanding of how genes, genomes, and finally species evolve.

September 30, 2023 - November 18, 2023

In-Person: Synchronous - Friday, September 29 (1 hour online); every Saturday (9 AM - 12 PM PST @ SIO, Aburto Lab) and Asynchronous - 1 lesson / week

Tuition: $2,500

Scholarships Available!

Scholarships may be available depending on funding. Application required.

Visit our website for more information on course offerings and to apply.