Course Description

This course offers a thorough introduction to core machine learning methods and techniques, with a focus on applications in the healthcare and biomedical domains. Students will explore foundational concepts in computer vision, natural language processing (NLP), and deep learning, and learn how these tools are used to analyze and interpret complex medical data. The primary objective of the course is to equip students with the theoretical background and practical skills necessary to apply machine learning techniques to real-world problems. Through guided assignments and project-based learning, students will gain hands-on experience developing models for tasks such as medical image classification and clinical text analysis. The course will also address key ethical considerations in the use of AI in medicine, including fairness, transparency, and data privacy.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a foundational understanding of core machine learning frameworks and methodologies, including supervised and unsupervised learning.
• Apply practical knowledge of key machine learning techniques such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Transformer models, and object detection algorithms.
• Analyze real-world biomedical data using AI tools for both image-based and text-based tasks (e.g., X-rays, clinical notes, MRI).
• Develop and evaluate machine learning models using Python libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Scikit learn
• Identify and address key ethical considerations in AI development, including bias, data privacy, and model transparency.
• Work collaboratively on a team-based project that applies AI to a real-world healthcare problem.

Tangible Outcomes 

• A working CNN-powered web app for pneumonia classification from chest X-rays.
• Case study-style class projects solving real-world healthcare AI problems.
• Ethics in AI debate competition exploring controversial medical AI scenarios.
• IBM Z Certification in AI, recognized by industry employers.
• Kaggle platform experience with completed datasets and competition submissions.
• A GitHub portfolio containing code from all hands-on projects.
• Mini hackathon prototype built with a team to address a medical challenge.
• An “Ethical AI Checklist” co-created with peers, usable in real hospital settings.
• Project presentations to peers and guest speakers from academia and industry.
• Practical experience with AI tools such as Google Colab, PyTorch, TensorFlow, and 3D Slicer

Hands-on Activities 

• Hands-on coding labs using Google Colab, PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Scikit-learn.
• Medical image analysis simulations, including X-ray, MRI, and skin cancer classification.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) labs analyzing real clinical text datasets.
• Mini hackathon where teams build and pitch an AI healthcare solution under time constraints.
• Case study discussions on real-world AI in medicine challenges and successes.
• Ethics in AI debate competition to explore dilemmas like “Should AI make treatment decisions?”
• Team-based projects with collaborative coding, data analysis, and presentations.

Guest Speakers 

• Guest Lecture 1: Ayon Roy, HP Z Global Data Science Ambassador
  Ayon Roy, a leading data scientist and HP Z Ambassador, joined us to discuss real-world applications of AI across healthcare, finance, and industry. He shared insights into how HP leverages high-performance computing for AI development, and demonstrated how professionals implement machine learning at scale using HP Z workstations.
• Guest Lecture 2: Dr. Manu Goyal, Research Scientist at CPHAI
  Dr. Manu Goyal shared firsthand insights into the deployment of AI in clinical settings, focusing on radiology workflows and AI-driven skin cancer detection. Drawing from his research at Dartmouth’s CPHAI and clinical collaborations, he demonstrated how AI models are transforming real-world diagnostics and improving healthcare delivery.

Field Trips 

• Trip to DALI Lab
• Trip to the Mechanical Workshop

Benefits for Future Study

• Explore STEM careers in AI, data science, biomedical engineering, healthcare technology, and computational biology.
• Pursue academic research in fields like computer vision, natural language processing, bioinformatics, and medical imaging.
• Strengthen college applications by showcasing AI projects, hackathon experiences, and certifications.
• Compete in AI and coding competitions (e.g., Kaggle, hackathons, science fairs) with real healthcare datasets.
• For aspiring medical students – apply AI concepts to clinical workflows, diagnostics, and research, giving them an edge in technology-driven medicine.

Course Description

Neuroscience, as a field of study, emerged much later than conventional scientific disciplines, such as chemistry and biology. In recent years, a new area of specialization has come into focus: environmental neuroscience. This topic focuses on the many ways in which the brain is tightly linked to the environment. This course explores questions such as:

1. How does syncing with the sun impact our circadian rhythms and mental output?
2. How are water and air pollution correlated with disease states, such as Alzheimer's?
3. How can space travel give us insight into how our brains interact with the natural world around us? 

This course explores this exciting new frontier and highlights that being environmentally conscious is about much more than saving the planet; it is about healthy brains and minds for future generations.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the foundational principles of environmental neuroscience and how brain function is influenced by natural and built environments.
• Analyze case studies that link environmental conditions (light, air, water, pollution, and space) to neurological processes and disorders.
• Identify and describe key brain structures (e.g., suprachiasmatic nucleus, hippocampus) and their role in environmental adaptation and health.
• Evaluate scientific research on environmental impacts on cognition, mood, and neurological disease.
  Apply neuroscience concepts to real-world environmental challenges, considering both individual well-being and societal health.
• Reflect on how sustainability and environmental consciousness directly shape human brain health across generations.
• Design and conduct observational or experiential exercises using natural settings to investigate relationships between environment and mental states.

Hands-On Activities

To achieve these outcomes, students will engage in:

• Field Observations: Exploring diurnal rhythms by tracking sleep/wake cycles in relation to sunlight exposure, and documenting changes in alertness, mood, or focus.
• Nature as a Lab Activities: Outdoor exercises such as mindfulness walks, forest bathing, or environmental soundscapes, followed by reflection on neurological and psychological responses.
• Case Study Workshops: Examining links between pollution and neurological disorders, including review of primary scientific literature and group analysis.
• Data Collection Projects: Students measure environmental variables (e.g., air quality, noise, light levels) and connect them to self-reported or observed cognitive/behavioral outcomes.
• Simulation Experiences: Using VR or thought experiments to simulate space travel and disorientation, followed by discussions on hippocampal function and spatial navigation.
• Interdisciplinary Discussions: Conversations that bridge neuroscience with sustainability, urban planning, and public health.

Day by Day Itinerary: 

Sunday, June 28: Students arrive between 2-4 pm to Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH.

Monday, June 29 - Sunday, July 5: Regular classes and weekend programming on campus in Hanover, NH.

Sunday, July 5: Depart this afternoon for Dartmouth-owned Moosilauke Ravine Lodge. 

Sunday, July 5 - Thursday, July 9: Classes, residential activities and meals conducted at Moosilauke Ravine Lodge.

Friday, July 10: Students are picked up from Moosilauke Ravine Lodge between 10am - 12pm.

Course Description 

How do our brains shape the way we think, feel, and behave? In this two-week precollege course, students will explore the fascinating fields of psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Through interactive lectures, lab demonstrations, and hands-on activities, students will investigate topics such as memory, learning, decision-making, and emotion. They will also examine how researchers use cutting-edge tools—like brain imaging, cognitive testing, and behavioral experiments—to understand the mind.

Alongside faculty and graduate student mentors, participants will gain insight into the scientific process, from forming research questions to interpreting data. The course will also connect theory to everyday life: How does attention influence performance in school or sports? Why do we sometimes make irrational decisions? What does brain science tell us about mental health? By the end of the program, students will have a deeper understanding of both the brain’s complexity and the methods used to study it—and will leave with skills and perspectives useful for any future path in science, medicine, or the humanities.

Learning Outcomes 

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain core concepts in psychology and cognitive neuroscience, including memory, attention, perception, and emotion.
• Describe the scientific methods used to study the brain and behavior, including experiments and neuroimaging techniques.
• Analyze real or simulated data to draw conclusions about psychological phenomena.
• Apply psychological and neuroscience concepts to everyday situations, from decision-making to stress management.
• Evaluate ethical considerations in brain and behavior research.
• Reflect on their personal interest in psychology, neuroscience, or related fields as potential college and career pathways.

Tangible Outcomes

Capstone Project: In groups, design and present a mini research proposal on a question of their choice in psychology or cognitive neuroscience.

Hands-on Activities 

• Lab Demonstrations: Observe how EEG (brainwave recording) or fMRI (through case studies and datasets) are used to study the brain in action.
• Memory & Attention Experiments: Participate in simple experiments (e.g., Stroop test, working memory tasks) to experience psychological research firsthand.
• Case Studies: Examine real-world examples where brain science intersects with mental health, education, or law.
• Small-Group Data Analysis: Work with sample neuroscience data sets to practice drawing scientific conclusions.
• Guest Lectures: Hear from Dartmouth researchers studying topics like decision-making, child development, or neural disorders.
• Field Trip / Lab Tour: Visit Dartmouth’s neuroscience labs and psychology research centers for behind-the-scenes exposure.

Course Description

How does medical research move from the lab bench to life-saving treatments? This two-week precollege course immerses students in the world of biomedical science and clinical research. Guided by Dartmouth faculty, researchers, and medical professionals, students will gain firsthand experience in laboratory techniques, experimental design, and the ethical considerations involved with biomedical research and medicine.

Through a mix of hands-on lab sessions, seminars, and site visits, participants will explore topics such as cell biology, genetics, and neuroscience. An emphasis will be placed on the steps that lead from discoveries made in a laboratory setting (“bench”) into practical, clinical applications for patient care (“bedside”). This “pipeline” typically progresses from basic science research to preclinical testing in model organisms, drug and medical device trials in humans, FDA approval, and clinical implementation. Students will also learn about the pathways to careers in medicine and biomedical research, from undergraduate studies to medical school and beyond. This class culminates in a final small group presentation where students incorporate the concepts they have learned in the course into a didactic presentation about a cutting-edge area in medicine.

This is a fantastic course for students who may be interested in pre-medicine concentrations in college.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate fundamental laboratory techniques (e.g., pipetting, microscopy, data recording).
• Explain how biomedical research contributes to advances in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
• Discuss the ethical issues and regulations surrounding human and animal research in medicine.
• Collaborate with peers to independently research a topic in biomedicine.
• Obtain diverse information about a novel topic, including searches of web resources (secondary sources) and academic journal articles (primary sources).
• Synthesize this information into a set of core findings and communicate those findings logically in visual and oral formats.
• Reflect on potential academic and career pathways in medicine, clinical research, and biomedical science.

Tangible Outcomes

• Career Readiness Sessions: Pathways to undergraduate research, medical school, and careers in health sciences.

Hands-On Activities 
 

Week 1: Foundations of Medical Research

• Lab Orientation & Safety: Proper use of lab equipment, PPE, and following a protocol.
• Core Techniques Training: Microscopy, pipetting, preparing slides, culturing bacteria, DNA extraction.
• Brain Dissection: dissect a sheep brain and learn how structures in a different mammal’s brain are similar (“homologous”) to our own brain
• Seminars with Experts: Talks on clinical research, public health, and biomedical innovation.
• Ethics in Medicine: Discussion of case studies (e.g., clinical trials, informed consent, equity and healthcare access).
• Begin Group Projects: Teams form around research questions (generated by students and refined by professor) and start planning independent research strategy.

Week 2: From Experiments to Applications

• Advanced Lab Skills: Evaluating prepared slides, gel electrophoresis, and data analysis demonstrations (adapted for precollege level).
• Research in Action: Learn how modern laboratory tools can be used to investigate disease processes and diagnose disease.
• Field Visits: Tours of research labs at Dartmouth College and a comprehensive tour of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center campus.
• Project Work Time: Students carry out their group research and meet daily with the professor to find sources, choose readings, distill information, and create graphics and text for their presentation. 

What does it take to build a future in STEM? This two-week precollege program, led by Dr. Ansley Booker of Dartmouth NEXT, invites students to explore the wide range of careers and pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through engaging seminars, hands-on workshops, and behind-the-scenes field trips, students will experience Dartmouth’s cutting-edge labs, medical centers, sustainability initiatives, and makerspaces. Along the way, they’ll learn from Dartmouth faculty, researchers, and alumni who are pushing the boundaries of innovation in medicine, engineering, data science, and beyond.
The program goes beyond exposure—it provides a roadmap. Students will gain practical tools for career readiness, from understanding the steps toward graduate school or research opportunities to connecting with mentors and building a professional network. The experience culminates in a closing symposium where each student presents a personalized “STEM Futures Pathway Plan,” reflecting the insights and inspiration gathered throughout the program. By the end of the two weeks, participants will not only discover what’s possible in STEM but also envision their own next steps with clarity and confidence.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify a wide range of STEM disciplines and career pathways through exposure to Dartmouth faculty, researchers, and alumni.
• Explain the steps involved in pursuing STEM careers, including higher education pathways, research opportunities, and professional development strategies.
• Engage with cutting-edge STEM research and innovation in fields such as medicine, engineering, sustainability, and data science.
• Develop foundational skills for career readiness, including networking, mentorship-seeking, and effective communication of personal goals.
• Reflect on their own interests and strengths to envision a personalized trajectory within STEM fields.
• Create a “STEM Futures Pathway Plan” that integrates academic exploration, career goals, and actionable next steps.

Tangible Outcomes

• Reflective Journaling: Capture daily insights and track evolving career interests, forming the foundation for the final project.
• Closing Symposium: Present a personalized “STEM Futures Pathway Plan” to peers and faculty, articulating both inspiration gained and concrete next steps.

Hands-On Activities

To achieve these outcomes, students will:

• Seminar Sessions: Participate in interactive talks led by Dartmouth faculty, alumni, and guest experts on STEM careers, innovations, and emerging fields.
• Hands-On Workshops: Experiment in makerspaces, medical labs, and sustainability centers, engaging directly with tools and techniques used by STEM professionals.
• Field Trips & Site Visits: Go behind the scenes at Dartmouth labs, research centers, and innovation hubs to observe cutting-edge science in action.
• Career Pathway Panels: Hear from alumni and professionals who represent diverse trajectories in STEM, followed by Q&A networking opportunities.
• Mentorship Activities: Pair with Dartmouth graduate students or researchers for guided conversations about academic and career journeys.
• Skill-Building Sessions: Learn practical skills in resume building, science communication, and how to prepare for college-level research.

Course Description

In this course, you will learn more about how DNA can influence traits - including ones that can lead to serious health issues. From sickle cell anemia to schizophrenia, we’ll study how human diseases can be caused by variation in our genetic makeup and how our genes and our environment can interact to influence our traits. In this course, we’ll discuss what we do and don’t know about the relationship between genetics and disease and think about the possibilities of personalized medicine, with treatments tailored to your specific genetic profile. We’ll also cover the social and ethical implications of genetic research and talk about the risks and benefits of genetic testing and genomics.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify and explain different types of inheritance patterns for genetic diseases.
• Describe how genes and the environment can interact to influence a person’s traits.
• Explain the concept of personalized medicine and how genetic information can be used to tailor medical treatments to an individual’s specific needs.
• Read and understand primary research literature in the field of human genetics.
• Discuss potential benefits and risks of genetic research and its impact on society.

Tangible Outcomes

Students do a final presentation on a disease of their choice in a themed symposium.

Hands-on Activities 

• Visit to the Genomics Shared Resource Lab at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
• Lab simulations

Guest Speakers

Guest speakers from past iterations of this course have included: Prof Charleston Chiang, Associate Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences and Quantitative and Computational Biology, Keck School of Medicine at USC

Benefits for Future Study

This could be useful for students going into biology or genetics research, into a variety of medical careers, or into science policy work.