Biotechnology Camp for High School Students (Focus on Nucleotide Hybridization)

This camp combines UNIX usage, wet-lab experiments, and thermodynamics calculation of nucleotide hybridization to teach current nucleotide biotechnology (qRT-PCR, microarray, next-generation sequencing). Wet-lab experiments will include PCR and gel-electrophoresis. As part of the camp, students will be encouraged to make a plan using new technology or improve technology, design it, and pitch the idea. No prior knowledge besides of DNA and RNA is necessary except for students’ motivation.

Please note that this camp is not residential.

DATE: August 8 – 12, 2016 (Mon – Fri)       TIME: 9 am – 4:30 pm

LOCATION: Undergraduate Science Building, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

INTENDED AUDIENCE: Academically motivated current (2016-17) high school and exceptional 8th grade students interested in computers, math, science, and medicine.

FEE*: $485 (with premium membership**: $405.00)

*After reviewing your essay in the registration form, we will inform you regarding acceptance within 5 buisness days. If accepted, you will be sent payment options. Limited partial scholarships are available for financially difficult students such as those who are in free or reduced lunch program. Proof of income are required.

**You may want to consider membership.

Bring a laptop and lunch (morning and afternoon snacks provided).

Students with camp certificates will be qualified to become miRcore volunteers. High school volunteer program runs throughout the school year, determining a disease of focus of the year, collaborating with similar level students to research the disease, and leading a school club GIDAS (pronounce: guide-us; Genes in Diseases and Symptoms). Out-of-state students can join the volunteer meetings through an online meeting platform.

Sponsors:

Goals

1. Expose high school students to career opportunities in biomedicine through hands-on experience in computational genomics and prepare them for the emerging era of medical genomics, when all doctors must be well-acquainted with genetic discoveries, technologies, and applications.
2. Identify potential GIDAS (Genes In Diseases And Symptoms) club leaders at their schools.

Specific Aims

1.   Become familiar with Unix commands and run programs using command lines.

2.   Understand nucleotide hybridization and related thermodynamics.

3.   Design primers.

4.   Practice basic lab technology (PCR and Gel).

5.   Understand the progress of the biotechnology and needs for next technology.

Overall daily activities (subject to change)

Tentative Career focus

university scientists (academic career)

business

law (ethics, patents, policy, etc)

pharmaceutics/biotechnology (careers in industry)

Fridays

Parents are invited to students’ presentations

Each group will pitch a biotechnology busines plan based on the week’s research

Recognition of the best pitch