Research in the Biological Sciences – RIBS (University of Chicago)
What is RIBS? No, not those kind of ribs! Many universities and colleges offer summer research programs geared towards high school level students. We note this is a great opportunity for high school students to learn more about the day-to-day life of a biological researcher. More important, they learn about what research involves if they choose this as a college major.
Looking closer, RIBS is offered through the U of C (as it’s often called in Chicago) and spans a total of four weeks. There are a number of questions that come to mind so let’s step through them one at a time.
First, who can attend?
Well, RIBS eligible students include those entering 10th through 12th grade. The RIBS program focuses specifically on molecular and cellular biology. Another way to describe these areas is that scientists focus on better understanding what’s happening inside the body at a very tiny level. Understanding how certain proteins interact to trigger an immune response or how certain kinds of immune cells can recognize a foreign invader like a virus are typical kinds of areas where the researchers will be working.
Second, who might fit best with this kind of program?
Well, in our view, a summer rotation through RIBS would appeal to students who want to major in or pursue those types of areas later in a college setting. Related majors or areas of study would include bacteriology, biochemistry, virology, immunology.
Third, how does the program actually work?
What will students do during their summer experience? First, students join a research lab. Once they enter the lab, students partner up with collegiate mentors who teach students about different lab techniques. After a few weeks, students work on a focused project under the direction of the lab’s mentors. Finishing up, students present their findings and what they’ve learned during their research experience.
Fair warning === intensive program. The researchers at U of C are second to none and this is one of the premier institutions in the world. RIBS includes a competitive application process, so apply EARLY. Tuition includes housing, food and tuition fees.
What We Like About It
The Biological Sciences Division at University of Chicago is second to none (so much so I said it twice on purpose!). This is exactly the type of exposure STEM students want! RIBS gives students an advantage versus their fellow entering college freshmen who’ve never set foot in a lab. Additionally, it makes lab courses down the road even easier to understand as the experience helps put abstract concepts into reality. Think about it: exposure to experiment design “basics” and lab notebooks save students headaches down the road. And learning from the best, well, that’s a pretty big deal.
*Note: tuition cost includes four full weeks
RIBS Summer Program (U of Chicago): Camp Details
Camp Website: https://summer.uchicago.edu/programs/research-biological-sciences-ribsPhone Number: 773-702-2149
Email: [email protected]
Weekly Cost ($): $11,400.00
Scholarships available? Yes
Food available? Yes
Extended care options: Yes
Overnight camp options? Yes
Co-Ed Camp? Yes
Social Media References:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SummerUChicago/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summeruchicago/
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