UC San Diego: Research Scholars

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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

Summer Program Offerings:

BIOENGINEERING

In partnership with the UC San Diego Department of Bioengineering, our programs provide the general science and engineering foundations of bioengineering based on fun, experiential, remote, hands-on lab activities.

BUSINESS RESEARCH

Through a combination of discussions, real-life venture case studies, and venture simulations developed at the top universities, this course prepares students for careers and advanced education in business, entrepreneurship, and management with a solid grounding in fundamentals. Students immerse themselves in the topics of business innovation, venture financing, and growth strategy. Simulations provide experience in the dynamics of a business venture and the challenges of raising money, leading an organization, ad building wealth for founders and stakeholders.

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. 

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.

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Designed with faculty from the UC San Diego School of Medicine, students can explore exciting fields of medicine. The Sports Medicine Summer Academy is an interactive, intensive summer course designed for incoming 11th and 12th-grade students who are interested in musculoskeletal medicine. This course familiarizes students with the focus, concepts, content, and activities of the area of clinical medicine called Sports Medicine. Students will actively participate in lectures from nationally acclaimed faculty, explore current research in sports medicine, and explore the assessment of their own wellness and fitness through the use of wearable technology.

HAWAII

The Research Scholars Marine Science - Hawaii Program offers a transformative educational experience on the island of Oahu, where students engage deeply with place-based knowledge and environmental education. This immersive program seeks to bridge traditional Hawaiian knowledge systems with contemporary scientific practices, fostering a holistic understanding of ecological stewardship and cultural heritage.

INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE (NEW)

In partnership with the UC San Diego Institute of Engineering in Medicine, Research Scholars is offering an exciting new program for high school students passionate about advancing medical science. Fundamentals of Neurosciences: Health and Disease explores the brain’s structure and function, covering neural circuits responsible for memory, emotion, and pain, as well as neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Introduction to Cell Biology and Imaging Processing Techniques provides a foundation in cell biology and microscopy, teaching students cutting-edge imaging techniques used in biomedical research. Designed with expert faculty, these programs empower students to explore groundbreaking science and its real-world applications in healthcare.

SCHOLARSHIPS 

Scholarship may be available depending on funding. Application required.

Summer 2025 Program Schedule:

BIOENGINEERING 

BioMechanics & MechanoBiology (BMMB)

• Dates: June 9 – June 13
• Format: Online or In-Person 
• Tuition: $1,300 (online); $1,450 (in-person)

Mammalian Cell and Tissue Culture (MCTC)

• Dates: June 16 – June 27
• Format: Online or In-Person
• Tuition: $2,600 (online); $2,900 (in-person)

BioImaging & 3D Printing (BI3DP)

• Dates: June 30 – July 10
• Format: Live Online
• Tuition: $2,000

Introduction to Bioengineering (BEI2R)

• Dates: July 14 – August 8
• Format: Online
• Tuition: $2,600 

BioEngineering Summer High School Program (BE-SHSP)

• Dates: June 9 – August 8
• Format: Hybrid
• Tuition: Please Inquire

BUSINESS RESEARCH

Business Research for Innovation, Design, Growth, and Entrepreneurship (BRIDGE)

This program is entirely online via Zoom. No in person sessions will occur. 

SESSION 1: July 7 – July 25

• Monday & Wednesday
• Time: 6pm - 8pm PST

SESSION 2: July 7 – July 25

• Tuesday & Thursday
• Time: 6pm - 8pm PST

LIFE SCIENCES

Introduction to Bioinformatics

• Dates: June 30 – August 1
• Format: Online
• Tuition: $2,000

Marine Biology: Mammalian Chemistry and Genomics

• Dates: June 30 – August 1
• Format: Hybrid
• Tuition: $3,000

MARINE SCIENCE

Investigating Human and Climate Impacts on Oceans and Biodiversity

• Dates: June 23 – July 25
• Tuition: $4800
• Course requires in-person attedance and online coursework

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE 

Sports Medicine Summer Academy

• Dates: July 7 – July 15
• Format: In-Person
• Tuition: $3,500

HAWAII - Marine Science

• Dates: July 30 – August 8
• Tuition: $3,675 includes course materials, room, all meals, ground transportation and activities. (Does not include airfare)
• Grade Level: 9th - 12th, recent graduates welcome

INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING MEDICINE

Fundamentals of Neuroscience: Health and Disease

• Dates: June 16 – June 20
• Format: Online
• Tuition: $2,700

Introduction to Cell Biology and Imaging Processing Techniques

• Dates: August 4 – August 8
• Format: Online
• Tuition: $2,700