10 Biology Courses for High School Students
- Jessica Zhou
- Nov 25, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 31
If you're a high school student who’s a biology enthusiast, be sure to check out the courses in this list! These courses allow you to deepen your understanding of biological principles, gain practical insights, and showcase your interest in the subject.
These biology courses can significantly boost your academic and professional profile by demonstrating your dedication to the subject and willingness to explore the topic outside your high school classroom. College admission committees and potential employers value candidates who exhibit genuine enthusiasm for the subject, making these courses valuable to your application and resume. Courses from institutions known for their biology curriculum can carry substantial weight. However, regardless of the course's prestige, emphasizing your coursework, achievements, and the skills you've honed through these courses is the key.
Here are 10 great biology courses open to high schoolers! You can also check out research opportunities in biology and prestigious biology competitions for high school students.
Location: Harvard University
Cost: $5,550
Eligibility: High school students who have completed AP Biology or any other biology/cancer course
Application Deadline: January (Early Deadline) and February (Regular Deadline)
Course Dates: Two weeks in June, July, or August (multiple dates available)
This course explores the main molecular pathways and biomolecular techniques used in the lab through the prism of cancer research. You will begin by looking at how the study of tissue formation during embryogenesis leads to the tumor classification that we now use, and then you will understand how this was made possible by specific histological and biochemical tools. Then, you will explore how genes and protein deregulation control cancer cells. At the end of the course, you will solve a learning case to understand how biomolecular techniques influence cancer medicine. This course covers the main molecular biology techniques used in labs worldwide.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,950
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: March
Course Dates: Two weeks in June, July, or August
This program offers an opportunity for high school students interested in neuroscience to explore cellular and systems neurobiology. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and JHU's faculty, you will learn about the intricacies of the nervous system, from the molecular and cellular level to the functioning of neural circuits. Through lectures, laboratory work, and discussions, you will gain a solid foundation in neurobiology and develop your research skills. The program allows you to interact with peers who share your enthusiasm for this field.
Location: Brown University
Cost: $7,038
Program dates: 3 weeks in June - July
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: High school students
This course is an opportunity for high school students to explore the critical field of cancer biology. Taught by faculty, the course examines cancer at the molecular and cellular levels. Through lectures, laboratory experiments, and discussions, you will understand the underlying mechanisms of cancer development, its diagnosis, and potential treatments. The course features guest speakers from careers related to cancer research. At the end of the course, you will be able to compare and contrast normal and cancer cell growth, critically read scientific literature, and perform common laboratory techniques used in cancer research.
Location: Harvard University
Cost: $5,550
Eligibility: High school students who have completed AP Biology or any other biology/cancer course
Application Deadline: January (Early Deadline) and February (Regular Deadline)
Course Dates: Two weeks in June or July (multiple dates available)
This course covers human physiology and pathophysiology of selected organs via lectures, readings, and discussions. The course's primary focus is on cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, and gastrointestinal systems, as well as endocrinology, cancer, and immunology. It aims to prepare you for a pre-medical track, research internships in pathophysiology, or advanced courses in physiology. While human biology is the focus, some examples are drawn from model organisms. In addition, the basics of recent therapeutic approaches, including gene therapy and genome editing, are covered. This course is a great option for you if you want to pursue medicine in the future.
Location: Online
Cost: $3,050
Eligibility: 9-12th graders who have completed at least one high school biology course
Application Deadline: March
Course Dates: July 10 - July 21
Stanford Precollege’s Investigations in Neuroscience is designed to serve as an introduction to neuroscience. You will examine the physics and chemistry underlying ion channels and neurons and how neurons create action potentials, which are the electrical pulses that send information down a neuron’s axon. This course will investigate these concepts through physical models of neurons and mathematical models of neurons and synapses. You will apply this information to sensory and motor systems, supplemented by at-home experimentation. You will then analyze brain structure and function, focusing on learning, memory, language, communication, and other behavior. You will research and present a neurological disorder of your choice.
Location: Online
Cost: Free without certificate and $672.30 with certificate (financial aid available)
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible to enroll in this course.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Course Dates: Self-paced
Designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to this complex field, the course covers the structure and function of the nervous system, neural communication, sensory and motor systems, and higher-order cognitive functions. This course, offered by Harvard University through edX, is an excellent choice if you’re interested in understanding the biological underpinnings of the human brain and how they relate to behavior, cognition, and neurological disorders. You will benefit from the expertise of Harvard's faculty and access to high-quality learning materials, including video lectures, interactive quizzes, and assignments that reinforce your understanding of key concepts.
Location: Online
Cost: $3,050
Eligibility: Grades 8-11 at the time of application
Application Deadline: March
Course Dates: 2 weeks in either June or July
This program is designed to give high school students a comprehensive understanding of bioscience. Under the guidance of faculty and researchers, you will explore topics ranging from genetics and molecular biology to ecology and biodiversity. Through a combination of lectures, laboratory work, and discussions, you will gain valuable insights into the fundamental principles that govern life on Earth. You will explore how gas exchange occurs in the lungs, the response of our heart and blood vessels to changes in oxygenation, how genetic material turns into proteins, and the relationship between mRNA and vaccine development.
Location: Online
Cost: $1,950
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: March
Course Dates: June 24-July 4
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the human body's intricate systems, functions, and disease's fundamental mechanisms. This program offers an exploration of anatomy and physiology, laying the groundwork for you to grasp the complexities of health and wellness. You will learn about the structure and function of various organs and systems and the underlying principles of health and disease. Through a combination of lectures, laboratory work (where applicable), and discussions, you will gain insights into the factors influencing human health.
Location: Online
Cost: $3,700 (4-credits) or $7,400 (8-credits)
Eligibility: 16-18-year-old high school sophomore or junior
Application Deadline: January (Early) and February (Regular)
Course Dates: July - August or June - August
This course allows you to explore molecular and cellular biology, providing a foundational understanding of the fundamental processes that underpin life. Harvard's faculty and resources ensure that you receive valuable instruction. This course gives you solid molecular and cellular biology knowledge and fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for success in the field. It's valuable for those considering careers in biology, medicine, or related disciplines.
Location: Online
Cost: $3,050
Eligibility: Grades 10-11 at the time of application
Application Deadline: March
Course Dates: 2 weeks in either June or July
This course is designed to offer high school students like you an exploration of the fundamental principles and cutting-edge developments in genetics. Guided by faculty and researchers, you will learn about genes, heredity, and genetic variations. Through lectures, laboratory experiments, and discussions, you will understand genetic processes, DNA structure, and the role of genetics in various aspects of life, from health to evolution.
You will be able to approach questions such as: What role does genetic mutation and regulation play in disease manifestation? How can we understand the microbiome's composition, and what insight can it provide regarding disease states?
One other option - Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you would like to dive further into research in biology, another way to stand out on applications and resumes, you should also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Jessica attends Harvard University where she studies Neuroscience and Computer Science as a Coca-Cola, Elks, and Albert Shankar Scholar. She is passionate about educational equity and hopes to one day combine this with her academic interests via social entrepreneurship. Outside of academics, she enjoys taking walks, listening to music, and running her jewelry business!
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