Course Descriptions

The Courses We'll be Taking from July 7 to July 26

Med School 101 (Loan Chung and Kimberly de Dios)

The field of medicine is constantly growing and changing, and Vanderbilt University's Medical School is at the forefront of the latest advances in technology and teaching. The course is designed for students who want to learn more about the practice of medicine, and about what it means -- practically and ethically -- to be a doctor today. Taught by a team of medical students, with guest lectures featuring members of the medical faculty, the course will utilize small group discussions, lab exercises, traditional lectures and Problem Based Learning -- an exciting approach in which students will learn to analyze and diagnose case studies of real medical conditions. We will utilize many of the resources available through the Vanderbilt School of Medicine, including computer patient modeling and other virtual medical simulations.

Principles of Engineering (Keli'i Rubin)

Engineering is everywhere -- from cars and smartphones to medical devices and skyscrapers! Students in this course will experience some of the diversity that engineering has to offer, which includes mechanical, electrical, civil, biomedical, and chemical engineering. They will learn the core scientific and mathematical concepts that apply to the field as a whole, paying particular attention to the sub-disciplines of biomedical and mechanical engineering. In addition, they will gain an inside-view of undergraduate and graduate engineering, doing hands-on work and observations with experts and scholars in Vanderbilt's state-of-the-art facilities. 

Special Topics in Math (Thomas Johnston)

The course offers a unique opportunity for highly motivated students to expand their knowledge and comprehension of math. Students will spend part of their time working independently on a math area of their choosing (Pre-Calculus or Calculus, depending on prior experience). Students will demonstrate their progress and increased competence through brief tests administered by the instructional staff, who will always be available to provide guidance and feedback. Additionally, students will participate in whole-class discussions and activities that introduce advanced disciplines such as linear Algebra, combinatorics, logic, and game theory. Students will leave this class with a sampling of these higher-level topics, a more advanced understanding of their chosen math area, and an increased awareness of how math is used in the world today.