Through discussions with leading biomedical researchers and hands-on laboratory experimentation, SummerScience@Jefferson aims to foster an appreciation of the role of science in everyday life, to promote an informed understanding of scientific issues that make daily headlines, and to familiarize young people of all backgrounds with the vital and expanding field of biomedical research. Areas of study include cell biology, molecular biology, cellular pathology, and the biology of disease. Students learn laboratory techniques such as cell culture, DNA sequencing, and PCR (polymerase chain reaction, a technique used to amplify DNA). They discover how these techniques are applied to such diverse purposes as criminal investigations, paternity testing, disease diagnosis and the development of new pharmaceutical products. SummerScience@Jefferson instructors serve on the faculty of Jefferson Medical College and Jefferson School of Health Professions.
Summer Science @ Jefferson 2013
Biomedical Sciences for high school students
June 17 to July 12 (except July 4th and 5th)
Program Summary:
Week 1: Molecular biology
Students are introduced to the basics of molecular biology, including human genome and comparative genomics. The curriculum provides hands on experience with various molecular biology techniques such as determination of bacterial antibiotic resistance, gene cloning, DNA sequencing, PCR, and DNA fingerprinting. The laboratory component also includes examination of the structure and function of DNA, RNA, gene expression and protein synthesis. Students learn how to induce mutations and analyze DNA, RNA and proteins.
Week 2: Cell biology and protein chemistry
Students are introduced to the basic facts of cell biology, including cell morphology and physiology, and they study the role of antibodies in disease screening and prevention. Laboratory experience includes culturing of bacterial, animal and plant cells, as well as purification of proteins from cultured cells and their identification via various proteomic techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).
Week 3: Pathology and anatomy
Students are introduced to cell dysfunction and pathology as the basis of scientific medicine. They investigate the microscopic and macroscopic aspects of reversible and irreversible cell injury and learn about apoptosis (programmed cell death). Laboratory experience includes cellular morphology, cell viability, and cell counting. Students also have the option to perform hands on dissection of animals as well as human cadavers.
Week 4: Molecular mechanisms of disease
In the final week, students apply their knowledge and experience to understanding the pathogenesis of various diseases such as cancer, AIDS, diabetes, and obesity while focusing primarily on genetics and environmental factors. They examine microscopic and macroscopic features and learn how cellular morphologies are affected in diseased tissues. Working with oncologists and research professionals, students design experiments for solving the riddles of cancer and other diseases and prepare formal presentations based on their theoretical and laboratory experiences.
Sample Schedule:
| 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: | Lecture |
| 10:00 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.: | Lab overview and preparation |
| 11:40 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.: | Lunch |
| 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: | Guided laboratory work and/or field work experience (some classes may be extended until 4 pm) |
Location: Thomas Jefferson University campus (TJU does NOT provide housing)
*Local housing is available through Julian Krinsky Camps and Programs
Program information:
SummerScience@Jefferson
Department of General Studies
Thomas Jefferson University
130 S. 9th Street
6th floor, Edison Building
Philadelphia, PA 19107-5233
(215) 503-8414
(215) 503-0564 fax
Email: summerscience@
jefferson.edu
