Tulane Summer Enrichment Institute Courses

Course Offered: June 9 - 13

Students will explore encryption/decryption techniques and methods of mathematical modeling through hands-on experience with codes, biological systems, and financial markets. Math areas covered include logic and set theory, number theory, and linear modeling. Additionally, students will learn to apply these mathematical concepts to analyze complex real-world problems and develop innovative solutions.

Course Offered: June 16 - 20, July 21 - 25

This course offers an overview of key biomedical concepts and human body measurements, designed to pique the interest of high school students exploring diverse career paths from medicine to engineering and beyond. Students will delve into muscles, bones, and other body systems, and how they all interact. Through interactive sessions, students will cover a wide array of topics, make hands-on body measurements, and innovate in biomedical design labs. Students will gain valuable insights into how the human body works and learn more about potential career avenues.

Course Offered: June 9 - 13, July 14 - 18

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Students will investigate how engineers apply Newton's third law of motion to studying the causes of traumatic brain injuries and design solutions to prevent them. Students will collaboratively apply that knowledge to design and test helmets for Quidditch players in Harry Potter’s world and undergraduate muggles.

Course Offered: June 16 - 20, June 30 - July 3

Can you predict the future? In this course, students will expand their understanding of climate change and the impact that factors such as rising global sea-surface temperatures have on our communities. They will be challenged to propose solutions on how humans can counteract climate change and develop safeguards for their own future.

Course Offered: June 9 - 13, July 7 - 11

Can you picture yourself solving critical issues along our coastal waterways? As our climate changes and we see the sea levels rise, scientists and engineers must work together to create practical solutions for the future. Students will explore the current issues that impact coastal communities and collaboratively strategize how they can make positive changes for resilience and sustainability now and moving forward.

Course Offered: June 9-13

Is it wrong to enjoy true crime media because it’s based on harm done to real people? Is it ok for one country to threaten another with nuclear warfare, to avoid world destruction? Should some books be banned from schools? Such ethical questions surround us, and each one comes with a range of reasonable answers. Through lectures, discussions, and practice drills based on Ethics Bowl cases, students will learn to develop the foundational skills required to discuss complex issues productively, build strong arguments, respond to objections, and explore ethical theories. The course will conclude with a tournament-style scrimmage where students will apply their newly acquired understanding of public speaking, argumentation, and ethical theory. This course has no prerequisites, though current or future Ethics Bowlers and Debaters are especially encouraged to attend.

Course Offered: June 30 – July 3

Do you have a passion for data and a love for working with fibers? If so, this unique class is perfect for you! In this innovative course you’ll learn to tell compelling stories through data, using the beautiful and tactile mediums of textile arts. We’ll dive into various techniques such as weaving, felting, knitting, and quilting to creatively represent data. By the end of the course, you’ll have completed a unique piece that combines your love for data and textiles, showcasing your ability to merge art and information in a visually captivating way. Join us and bring your data to life through the art of textiles!

Course Offered: June 16 - 20

Have you ever wondered how neuroscientists learn more about the brain? In this course, students will be introduced to laboratory techniques fundamental to the study of neuroscience. These techniques will range from processing brain tissue for microscopy to recording electrical activity from living neurons. Students will gain practical experience that will provide them with a frame of reference for how research is conducted, as well as gain skills that are translatable to other scientific fields.

Course Offered: July 7 - 11, July 21 - 25

Embark on an exhilarating journey into the realm of molecular and cellular biology with our dynamic hands-on course! Dive deep into essential lab techniques such as gel electrophoresis, PCR, and microscopy, all while unraveling the fundamental concepts of biology. Through captivating experiments, you’ll not only gain practical skills but also build the confidence to excel in the lab. This course is designed for high school students aspiring to a future in science, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience to prepare you for success in advanced biological studies. Join us and uncover the incredible processes that sustain life—unlock your potential as a future scientist and let your curiosity thrive!

Course Offered: July 21 - 25

This course offers high school students an exciting opportunity to explore the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians native to Louisiana. Through engaging activities, including hands-on habitat modeling, species identification, and interactive discussions, participants will learn about the local herpetofauna's unique adaptations and ecological roles, such as green anoles and American alligators. The course will also highlight the importance of conservation and introduce students to citizen science projects that allow them to contribute to herpetological research. This course aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and conservationists committed to protecting local ecosystems.

Course Offered: June 9 - 13, July 7 - 11

From changing social norms to transforming economies, epidemics have left a lasting impact on society. This hands-on, discussion-driven course explores how culture, society, politics, and the environment shape the spread and control of epidemics—and how public health experts use data to inform policies that protect us all. In this cross-disciplinary experience, students will explore the history of major epidemics like the Spanish Flu, cholera, HIV, SARS-CoV-2, and the plague, gain foundational skills in detecting and controlling disease, and learn effective communication strategies to combat misinformation. Discover for yourself how epidemics not only affect our lives but shape our world.

Course Offered: June 16 - 20, June 30 - July 3

As a leader in public health for over a century, Tulane University recognizes the importance of community outreach and action. Students will examine the factors leading to outbreaks of disease and the impact that infectious diseases have on our society. Empowered with this information, they will design public health campaigns to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases.

Course Offered: July 14 - 18, July 21 - 25

Step into the thrilling world of forensic science, where you’ll become a detective in your own right! In this exciting course, you’ll explore the fascinating techniques used to solve crimes and uncover the truth. From analyzing fingerprints and DNA to examining blood spatter and trace evidence, you’ll learn how forensic scientists bring justice to light. Gain hands-on experience with real-life case studies, engaging experiments, and interactive activities that will challenge your critical thinking skills. You’ll dive into the methods used by crime scene investigators, learn how to gather and analyze evidence, and explore the role of forensics in the criminal justice system. Join us and start your journey to becoming a forensic expert!

Course Offered: June 16 - 20, July 30 - July 3, July 14 - 18

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey through the fascinating world of medicine? In this engaging course, students will explore diverse specialties—from pediatrics to surgery— through hands-on experiences, and opportunities for self-reflection. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and daily challenges faced by providers in different fields. This course encourages personal growth and self-discovery, inviting students to reflect on their strengths and interests while considering various career paths within the medical field. By the end of the course, students will have a clearer vision of their future and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a doctor. This course will cover a variety of topics that medical practitioners engage in, including patient education on preventative care, contraception, postoperative care, and palliative care.

Course Offered: June 9 - 13, July 7 - 11, July 21 - 25

Medical professionals play one of the most critical roles in our society, improving the lives and well-being of those in need - but how do they get to a diagnosis? Students will get firsthand experience with how doctors process information to formulate their next steps, gaining insight into how doctors think. Along the way, students will practice seeing patients to collect history, learn potentially life-saving medical skills, and get a glimpse into what medical training really entails. Students will be challenged to use what they learn to present their own mystery case to their peers.

Course Offered: July 7 - 11, July 14 - 18

In this immersive course, students will explore the evolution of plants from algae to angiosperms, tracing key milestones that shaped modern plant lineages. We’ll take a field trip to visit the City Park Botanical Garden, where students will investigate diverse plant forms. Back in class, we’ll study floral morphology and pollination through hands-on data collection and analysis of local plants and pollinators. Diving into plant genetics, we’ll examine the roles of inbreeding and gene flow through interactive activities. A hands-on DNA extraction lab will allow students to compare DNA yields from various plants, like strawberries and bananas. Finally, students will collaborate in a mock poster session to analyze local adaptation data, honing their scientific communication skills and deepening their understanding of how plants evolve in response to environmental pressures.

Course Offered: July 7 - 11

In this course, students work with experienced faculty to learn techniques for music and audio production using Digital Audio Workstation software like Ableton, Logic, and Reaper. Students engage in critical listening and work on daily creative projects, culminating in a concert of student work at the end of the week. Topics and techniques covered in the class include Sound Synthesis, Sample Manipulation, Songwriting and Arranging, Mixing and Mastering.

Course Offered: June 30 - July 3

This course will explore the science of well-being and what influences happiness. Specifically, research has found that happiness is strongly tied to our social connections and feelings of meaning, and that happiness can be influenced by intentional behaviors. In this course, we will address how psychologists define and measure happiness, identify specific psychological factors related to happiness, and examine research-based interventions that improve happiness. This course will provide opportunities for students to apply this science to their own lives to promote well-being, as well as consider how we can more broadly implement these findings to better our communities.

Course Offered: July 7 - 11

Should a football team punt on 4th down or go for it? How much money should a team invest on its starting shortstop? Does home-court advantage really matter? These questions were once answered by a coach’s gut-instinct, player’s skill, or perhaps even team tradition. The sports industry is now turning to statistical analysis and data-driven reasoning for answers. In this course, students will focus on how analytics is utilized to guide different aspects of sports teams from game strategy to team operations and management. Students will learn foundational analytical skills and apply them in a variety of situations in the sports industry, ranging from in-game play calling to salary negotiations.

Course Offered: June 16 - 20

How do we know that the Pythagorean Theorem is true or that there are infinitely many prime numbers? It is not based on any measurement or scientific experiment. Instead, mathematical truths are known by constructing logical proofs. In this course, you will solve challenging problems and discover new truths the way mathematicians do.

Pre-requisite: Algebra I