The Cutting-Edge of Biological Discovery
Cells are fantastically complicated, dynamic packages of life that we still poorly understand. What recent discoveries are revolutionizing our understanding of cells? What’s the connection between cell organization and human diseases? How do scientists use the tools of microscopy to further advance their knowledge? Get answers to these questions, dive into the world of cells, learn their language, and discover how new technologies are allowing us to not just better see, but also feel cells. Whether you’re looking to receive college credit or just immerse yourself in the world of biology before college, we have an option for you.
Program Dates
Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Enrichment Course Fees
$1,795
Eligibility
For students ages 13 and up
College Credit Course Fees
$3,495
What's the Difference Between Our College Credit and Enrichment Courses?
While both options include dynamic video lessons by renowned Georgetown faculty and access to support, the college credit courses contain additional coursework hours and allow you to earn college credit upon completion. We recommend selecting either the college credit or the enrichment option per subject as some content overlaps between course types.
College Credit Course$3,495
Length of Course: 6-weeks
Instruction & Activities: 128 hours
Grading: Letter grade
On Your Own Schedule: ✔️
Academic Support: ✔️ - TA
Final Project: ✔️
College Credit Hours: ✔️
Certificate of Completion: Georgetown Transcript
Enrichment Course$1,795
Length of Course: 1-week, 2-weeks, or 4-weeks
Instruction & Activities: 20-30 hours
Grading: Pass/Fail
On Your Own Schedule: ✔️
Academic Support: ✔️ - Mentor
Final Project: ✔️
College Credit Hours:❌
Certificate of Completion:✔️
Immerse Yourself in the World of Biology
Learn the Cellular and Multicellular Frameworks.
Uncover where all the information about cells in textbooks comes from. Understand how scientists discover new things about cells and how they organize and relay this knowledge.
Cover the Basics of Cells and Structure.
Recognize the wide diversity of cell functions and structures. Apply basic chemistry and physics principles to explain what limits the size and shape of cells.
Delve Into Microscopy: Seeing Cells.
Identify microscopes that are commonly used by biologists and define their function. Determine which microscope is best to answer various questions and learn to recognize their limitations.
Study the Blobs and Globs of Cells: Flipping the Paradigm.
Unravel recent discoveries greatly altering our understanding of cell organization. Learn to describe the core chemistry and physics principles at play in molecular interactions in water.
Discover Biomolecular Condensates in Medicine.
Gain insight into the four different disease states. Deepen your understanding of basic cell functions like gene expression, cell signaling, and division. Study how disease results from functional aberrations.
Explore College Majors and Future Careers in Biology.
Topics covered in this course offer a vital background for college majors and potential career paths: everything from science to medicine to epidemiology and more. This course is also great for students interested in technology, patent law, and journalism.
How You Will Benefit
- Know how to analyze why and how cells organize their contents.
- Be able to compare and contrast what we’ve traditionally known about cells against recent discoveries.
- Be able to discuss the idea of scientific epistemology, specifically how scientists learn about cell organization using the tools of microscopy.
- Gain knowledge about cutting-edge biological discoveries that are changing how we see the relationship between cells and illness.
- Complete a Final Capstone Project to demonstrate what you’ve learned.
- Earn a Certificate of Completion from Georgetown University.
Three Learning Advantages Designed for You
Final Capstone Project
All online courses culminate in a Final Capstone Project that allows you to:
- Demonstrate what you’ve learned in a presentation.
- Get feedback from your mentors on your work.
- Choose from a variety of topics covered in your course to show what you’ve learned.
- Use any media you prefer—text, video, photography, PowerPoint.
Mentoring
You’ll receive guidance from a mentor who can support you and answer questions as you deepen your learning experience. You can expect:
- Encouragement and direction on all assignments.
- Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you succeed.
- Brainstorming and ideation help as you prepare for your Final Capstone Project.
Flexible Learning
- 100% online learning that works with your schedule.
- Flexible learning format through video lessons. Tune in anytime that works for you.
- 20-30 hours of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support from mentors.
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
June 9 - July 21
Length: 6 weeks
Cost: $3,495.00
Application Deadline: Sunday, June 2, 2024
Type: College Credit
June 23 - August 4
Length: 6 weeks
Cost: $3,495.00
Application Deadline: Sunday, June 16, 2024
Type: College Credit
July 7 - August 18
Length: 6 weeks
Cost: $3,495.00
Application Deadline: Sunday, June 30, 2024
Type: College Credit
Course Designed by Georgetown University Faculty
Heidi Elmendorf, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology
Professor Elmendorf has been a faculty member in the Department of Biology at Georgetown University for 24 years. She also teaches for Georgetown’s Community Scholars Program; the Education, Inquiry & Justice minor (a program she now directs); the Summer High School Sessions Program; and the DC Jail through Georgetown's Prisons and Justice Initiative. She’s also an infectious disease researcher and a researcher/designer of educational equity initiatives.
Want to Know More?
Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re admitted? Find answers to your questions here.
Answers to Your Questions HereScholarships
We offer need-based scholarships in each cohort to students exhibiting high potential and an inability to pay full tuition. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship but you:
- Haven’t applied to the program, complete your application now. The scholarship application is included.
- Applied to the program and didn’t fill out a scholarship request, resume your application and click “Apply for Scholarship”.
- Are unsure about whether or not you applied for a scholarship, reach out to us at support@precollegeonline.georgetown.edu for assistance.
The University reserves the right to modify the course as may become necessary.