Penn Arts & Sciences: Biomedical Research Academy

The Biomedical Research Academy introduces the experimental basis of cellular, molecular, and genetic aspects of biology, focusing on relevance to diseases. Fusing daily lectures, faculty research talks, laboratory experiments, and small group investigations into current research topics, students gain insight into the core of biomedical research. The Biomedical Research Academy is fully residential with no commuter or online options.

Features

• Lectures: Featured lecturers include scientists, clinicians, and faculty from the Department of Biology and Penn's School of Medicine. Topics include genome sequencing, CRISPR/Cas-9, vaccines, antibiotic resistance, bioethics, and much more. Penn researchers present recent discoveries made in their labs here on campus.
• Journal club: Students are placed into small groups to discuss peer-reviewed research articles. Under the guidance of a Penn researcher or faculty member, students learn how to read, interpret, analyze, and critique primary research.
• Laboratory: Students perform molecular biology experiments in the same labs that are used for undergraduate courses. Using techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction analysis, bacterial transformation, and ELISA, students will determine their own blood type, investigate gene expression in bacteria, and analyze a mock disease outbreak.

Prerequisites

• One year of high school biology is required for application
• One year of high school chemistry is strongly advised
• For any students who will be using the course Living Earth or Living Environment as their one year of biology prerequisite, please include the course description with your transcripts for the admissions committee to review.