Spend Summer Beyond the Basics in Life Sciences

College Research Intensive is an 8-week immersive research program designed for college and advanced students seeking real-world experience in biomedical science. Students will spend four days per week in the lab gaining extensive hands-on experience in a professional research environment.

Participants will step into the world of cutting-edge biomedical research to explore how the human microbiome influences health and disease. Throughout the program, students will culture human cells, investigate microbial ecosystems, and work with microfluidic devices to model how the gut environment interacts with colon cancer cells. By engaging in experimental design, data analysis, and collaborative research, students gain meaningful insight into how modern biomedical discoveries are made and how laboratory research translates into advances in medicine.

Summer Research Experience is an 8-week immersive program for high school students who want to gain hands-on experience in a real biotechnology laboratory. Students will spend four days per week in the lab learning the tools and techniques used in modern biomedical research.

Participants will learn cell culture and molecular biology techniques used in research and development immuno-oncology laboratories, while exploring how biotechnology harnesses the surveillance mechanisms of immune cells to develop new cancer therapeutics. Students will also learn how to read scientific papers, design experiments, analyze data, and communicate their findings.

At the end of the program, students will present their research to industry professionals and mentors at the ROCK the Science showcase on August 12th.

Prerequisites: Participants must be 14 years or older and have completed high school biology.

This 8-week laboratory intensive provides hands-on training in the core techniques used in modern biotechnology and molecular biology laboratories. Students will spend four days per week in the lab gaining practical experience with experimental design, execution, and data analysis.  This intensive will serve as a combined completion of Molecular Biology 1 and Molecular Biology 2 in a single summer course.

Participants will learn key techniques including bacterial cloning, genomic and plasmid DNA isolation, PCR, restriction digest, gel electrophoresis, qPCR, protein purification, and protein quantification. Students will also explore emerging genome engineering technologies such as CRISPR and TcBuster™ to understand how scientists modify cellular DNA in research and therapeutic development.

Upon completion, students will be eligible to earn the Molecular Biology Laboratory Techniques badge through UCI Division of Continuing Education.

Prerequisites: Students must be 14 years or older and have completed high school biology.

This 8-week course introduces students to the scientific approaches used to study cancer and develop new therapies. Participants will attend one hands-on laboratory session each week, gaining practical experience with techniques used by researchers to investigate how cancer develops and how it can be detected and treated.

Throughout the program, students will learn foundational laboratory methods such as DNA isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and basic molecular analysis, while exploring how these tools help scientists understand cancer biology and identify potential therapeutic targets. The course emphasizes experimental thinking, data interpretation, and the role of laboratory research in advancing cancer treatment.

Prerequisites: Students must be 14 years or older and have completed high school biology.

This 8-week course introduces students to the foundational techniques used in modern molecular biology and biotechnology laboratories. Participants will attend one hands-on laboratory session each week, gaining practical experience with the tools scientists use to study DNA and engineer cells.

Throughout the program, students will learn and apply key techniques including bacterial cloning, genomic and plasmid DNA isolation, PCR, restriction digest, and gel electrophoresis, while also exploring emerging genome engineering technologies such as CRISPR and TcBuster™. The course emphasizes experimental design, laboratory execution, and scientific problem-solving, giving students insight into how molecular biology research is conducted.

The skills and knowledge gained in this course provide a strong foundation for students interested in biotechnology, biomedical research, and life science careers.

Prerequisites: Students must be 14 years or older and have completed high school biology.

Choose from 2 courses this summer with lab sessions on either Tuesday or Wednesday:

This 8-week course builds on the skills developed in Molecular Biology 1 and provides deeper training in laboratory techniques used in biotechnology and biomedical research. Students will participate in one hands-on laboratory session each week, supported by asynchronous learning modules that prepare them for the weekly experiments.

Throughout the program, students will gain experience with qPCR, gel electrophoresis, protein purification, and protein quantification, while continuing to strengthen their skills in experimental design, data interpretation, and laboratory execution. The course integrates scientific theory with practical application, helping students understand how molecular biology techniques are used in biomanufacturing, pharmaceutical development, and biotechnology laboratories.

Upon completing Molecular Biology 1 and 2, students are eligible to earn the Molecular Biology Laboratory Techniques badge through UCI Division of Continuing Education.

Prerequisite: Completion of Molecular Biology 1 with University Lab Partners.