DCSIBS
Program Details
Here is a copy of our brochure.
About the program
Qualifications
Application process
Additional information
About the program
What is it? DCSIBS (Dordt College’s Summer Investigations in Biomedical Sciences) is for highly motivated and talented high school students. The program provides students with three days of investigations in medicinal chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry, and bioethics involving fun activities, real world research projects, and hand-on explorations, all while being mentored by Dordt chemistry and biology faculty. The program will also expose students to careers and research in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and the health professions.
When is it? Plan to arrive on Dordt’s campus the evening of Monday, June 17. After checking into the dorms and receiving a brief orientation that evening, you will be ready for three full days of learning and fun. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, you will participate in a variety of workshops, activities, and talks related to topics in medicinal chemistry, molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry and recombinant DNA technology. Interspersed throughout your day will be time for team-building and other fun activities on and around the campus of Dordt College. You will also have time hear about careers in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and the health professions as well as about the college search process. You will depart approximately 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 20.
What activities are involved? Be prepared to take to heart the motto “Work Hard. Play Hard.”
Throughout the week students will engage in activities with the goals:
- to have fun discussing topics in medicinal chemistry, structural biochemistry, molecular biology, and bioethics.
- to learn modern laboratory techniques/processes including:
- bioinformatics
- the polymerase chain reaction
- electrophoretic analysis and DNA sequencing
- molecular cloning and mutational analysis
- drug docking/molecular modeling
- to generate real data that will be used in on-going biomedical research project:
- defining correlations between heart disease and cell-signaling proteins
- understanding cell communication during cancer metathesis and inflammation
- to consider career options and college plans in fields related the biomedical sciences:
- medicine, biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology, pharmaceutical chemistry, etc
- visit local biomedical facilities
- to connect with fellow students interested in the biomedical sciences
- to see how a group of interdisciplinary scientists need to work together to solve complex medical problems:
- working with students and faculty from DCSIMS
- working with Dordt College research students
- listening to a keynote speech by an internationally respected scientist
- to explore how God reveals himself through his amazing creation
- to live as a person who glorifies God in everything he or she does
Qualifications
Who should participate? High school students who have completed three years of high school and will be seniors in fall 2013. Students should possess a strong interest and aptitude in biology and chemistry and should have the desire and ability to work hard and play hard with a like-minded peer group. Students should be able to arrive on Dordt’s campus the evening of Monday, June 17, and depart late afternoon on Thursday, June 20.
Am I the kind of person you are looking for? We anticipate accepting a diverse set of students to the program. If you have a passion for biochemistry, biomedical sciences and biology, have done well in your courses, are well respected by your teachers and are excited to spend a few days having fun and learning, then, yes!
Application process
When should I apply? We strongly encourage you to get your application submitted as soon as possible, and no later than May 15, 2013. Space is limited to just 15 participants.
When can I expect to hear about my application? Our hope is to contact those accepted to the program in early/mid-May. At the time you are accepted to the program, you will be asked to pay the registration fee of $295.
Additional questions
Who is leading the program? The biology and chemistry faculty at Dordt College will lead the program. There will be several current Dordt College students who are conducting research on campus and will be working with us. Additionally, we will include a select number of high school teachers and others as learning facilitators. They will stay in the dorms and participate in all activities as group leaders—working with groups of three or four students each.
What is the cost?
The DCSIBS program charges a nominal fee of $295 to cover room, board, and related expenses during the three-day program. Applicants will be asked to pay the fee upon acceptance to the program. Travel support (financial/logistical) may be available for students travelling from long distances. Please send an email to dcsibs@dordt.edu for details.
If you have any remaining questions please send an email to dcsibs@dordt.edu.
