Interested in completing your biology requirement over the summer? This laboratory course covers the traditional biology curriculum—cellular structures, genetics, evolution, human systems and experimentation—but in an accelerated format that reimagines how education can be delivered across space and time.
Key Points
Not available for honors credit
Completing this course does NOT allow an LJCDS student to take 4 classes during the school year. They must still enroll in a minimum of 5 classes
Offered in a hybrid online/offline model across two sessions
Students must complete both sessions to earn credit
UC/CSU approved and fulfills the LJCDS biology requirement
Cannot be used to earn a recommendation for an AP/honors science course
Session 1: Online (June 27–July 15, 3 weeks)
The first three weeks of the course are offered online in an asynchronous format. There are no set class times, so students can choose when and where to learn. However, the course is not self-paced (meaning students cannot finish the course as quickly or slowly as they want). Instead, session 1 is paced in weekly modules. Students work 15-20 hours a week for all three weeks. This weekly pacing maximizes collaboration with classmates and support from the instructor. The goal of the online component is to give students a strong understanding of the fundamental concepts of biology (e.g., the cell as the fundamental building block of life, how evolution and natural selection shape the natural world, and why DNA is the universal alphabet). Students MUST have regular access to reliable, fast internet during session 1.
Session 2: In-Person (July 18–August 5, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., 3 weeks)
The last three weeks of the course occur in person on the LJCDS campus. Students apply the core concepts from session 1 to various popular topics such as sleep, sports and nutrition (e.g., How is sugar processed by the cell? Is there a genetic basis for elite athletic performance? What is the evolutionary purpose of dreaming?). This session relies heavily on field experiences (field trips, labs, data collection, etc.) that otherwise could not be offered during the traditional bell schedule. As such, in-person attendance is a requirement. Students who miss more than two classes will be evaluated by the Upper School administration to determine if they can receive credit.
June 27–August 5 (6 weeks)
$2,250
Credit eligibility: 1 science credit (1-year equivalent)
Minimum 5; maximum 15
Led by Upper School science educator Chris Uyeda