How Scientists Build and Break Knowledge

Explore cells as the fundamental unit of life and how scientists build paradigms from observations. Research a biological paradigm shift and argue, using Kuhn's framework, whether it constitutes a scientific revolution.

The Structure and Function of Living Cells

Learn how organelles define cell biology and how diseases result from disrupted cellular functions. Investigate a real exception to cell size rules and design your own cell for a specific purpose.

Seeing Cells Through a Scientific Lens

Discover the various microscopes used and how new technologies are transforming our understanding of cell structures. Produce a scientific description of a live cell observation and explain a microscopy concept using evidence-based analogies.

Blobs, Globs, and a Shift in Scientific Thinking

Uncover the forces behind biomolecular condensates and how this discovery is reshaping our understanding of cell organization. Engage with the Brangwynne scientific paper and argue whether the discovery aligns with Kuhn's model of scientific revolution.

Connecting Cell Biology to Human Disease

Examine how disruptions to cell functions contribute to cancer, neurological disorders, and viral infections. Analyze a current scientific paper on biomolecular condensates and argue how this research may shape future treatments.

Your Path Into Biology and Beyond

Create an evidence-driven paper arguing where biology currently stands in Kuhn's cycle of scientific revolution. Build transferable skills that apply across careers in biological research, medicine, public health, science policy, and beyond.

A Capstone Project With Real-World Relevance

• Take a position on whether biology is currently undergoing a paradigm shift, supported by course readings and scientific literature.
• Distill your argument into a formal abstract, practicing the communication standards used in real scientific publishing.

Instructional Guidance And Mentorship

• Receive feedback from TAs as you develop arguments, interpret scientific papers, and refine your capstone project.
• Strengthen your ability to communicate complex biological concepts and construct evidence-based arguments with expert guidance throughout the course.

Flexible Learning With Clear Expectations

• Engage with online coursework designed to support steady progress alongside work, school, or other responsibilities.
• Complete assignments and the Final Capstone Project on a structured timeline that supports independent planning.

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Admissions

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Frequently Asked Questions

How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re admitted? Find answers to your questions here.

Scholarships

We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition. 

• If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.  
• If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.