Case Western Reserve University Precollege Online Program

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For nearly 200 years, Case Western Reserve University has prepared ambitious students for their futures—in that spirit, we offer our pre-college online courses, designed for high school students ages 13 and up. Each course features video lessons by Case Western Reserve instructors, access to mentors, and the opportunity to earn a Certificate of Completion. The program is available year-round, and the online format lets you study anywhere, anytime, at your own pace.

About Case Western Reserve University

CWRU is known as one of the country’s premier research institutions, preparing ambitious students for successful futures in the arts, business, engineering, humanities, natural sciences, nursing and social sciences. At Case Western Reserve, ranked 18th in the world for contributions to innovation*,  we prepare students to invent, create, design and engineer answers to real-world challenges—then they take prize-winning solutions to market. *Nature Index Innovation

About the Case Western Reserve Pre-College Program

The Case Western Reserve Pre-College Program courses are 100% online and almost entirely asynchronous, meaning that you can complete the course whenever your schedule allows. There will be about 30 hours of overall course time over two or four weeks, depending on the session you choose, which includes engaging recorded video lessons, unit assignments, and access to your mentor. 

The five courses offered are: 

• Engineering: From 2D Sketch to 3D Model
• Astrophysics and Evolutionary Biology: The Origins of Life
• Neuroscience and Medicine: Inside the Brain and Nervous System
• Social Entrepreneurship: The Business of Helping Others
• Biomedical Engineering: An Introduction to Medicine's Future

Astrophysics and Evolutionary Biology: The Origins of Life

Whether you want to major in a STEM subject, pre-med or seek a future in law or journalism, a good background in science is key. Take the ultimate tour of the Cosmic Zoo: from the Big Bang, to emergence of life on earth, from solar system to ecosystem. Along the way you’ll meet dinosaurs, nanoscience, mutant viruses and exoplanets and explore the depths of human consciousness. Enjoy video from two of our award-winning and most popular professors: Dr. Patricia Princehouse and Dr. Glenn Starkman.

Social Entrepreneurship: The Business of Helping Others

Discover how social entrepreneurs get started, build a value proposition, find customers, identify problems, come up with solutions and create a team. Ideal for future business majors, budding entrepreneurs and anyone with a social conscience. Enjoy video from experienced social entrepreneurs Michael Goldberg, Associate Professor, Design & Innovation and Megan Buchter, Director, Fowler Center for Business as an Agent of World Benefit. 

Engineering: From 2D Sketch to 3D Model

Robotics and animation experts. Video game designers. Electrical and mechanical engineers. Architects. Product designers. Many of the world’s most exciting careers start with a basic knowledge of engineering and design. This course offers an introductory look at these skills. You’ll start with 2D sketching and progress through 3D modeling, using computer-aided design (CAD) to develop a professional final project. You’ll learn the language of design and how to communicate your ideas to other engineers.

Neuroscience and Medicine: Inside the Brain and Nervous System

Think of your brain as the command center of your emotions, bodily functions and nervous system. How does it transmit messages to keep everything running? What happens when a neurological disorder appears? What are some of today’s advanced treatments for neurological disorders? These questions are at the heart of neuroscience. In this course, you’ll discover the basics of how neuroscience informs exciting developments in medicine. If you are interested in science, medicine, psychology or other STEM-related subjects, don’t miss this educational adventure. Learn through engaging video lessons by Case Western Reserve University instructors Barbara Kuemerle, PhD, and Ashley Nemes-Baran, PhD.

Biomedical Engineering: An Introduction to Medicine's Future 

Are you interested in how tech innovations have greatly improved the science of medicine? In this course, you’ll learn how the thriving discipline of biomedical engineering helps solve medical problems. You’ll delve into its range of related fields, discover the nuances of biocompatibility and explore artificial intelligence’s increasing impact. Learn how engineering and design help advance medicine, and consider whether this course could lead you to a college major or career path in medicine or biomedical engineering.

All course options, whether 2 or 4 weeks, have the identical educational content, learning materials, and number of assignments. The difference in length of course is due to time of year (not amount of instruction). We know the school year keeps you busy, so we’ve made the course longer during that time so that you can get assignments done.

Cost: Up to $1495