Introduction to Neuroscience Summer Program

The IYNA Introduction to Neuroscience Summer Course is an intensive, month-long neuroscience summer program that undergraduate level neuroscience topics with an emphasis on critical thinking and scientific discovery. Through engaging lectures, interactive problem-solving sessions, and application-focused homework assignments, all of our students will learn both how the brain works and how to think like a scientist. Participants will attend among a cohort of students from more than 40 different countries—gaining a global network of peers.

Summer Program Timeline

Applications Open

January-March 2025: Summer Program applications will be released!

Due Date

May-June 2025: Summer Program applications are due!

Decision Release

TBD for 2025 program

Program Dates

Program will be hosted June 24th to August 2nd virtually

Summer Program Tracks

Capstone Track Our Capstone Track is designed for students who wish to dedicate a substantial proportion of their summer to furthering their scientific knowledge. Capstone students participate in lectures, small-group problem-solving sessions, homework assignments, and most importantly submit a research-focused capstone project. Capstone students who complete all requirements earn a Certificate of Completion, showcasing their dedication to and new understanding of neuroscience.

Participant Track
If you would prefer a more relaxed schedule with fewer requirements, we would recommend the Participant Track. Participant track students are welcome to attend as few or many lectures as they wish, without the requirement to complete any homework assignments. Students who attend at least 70% of lectures receive a Certificate of Attendance.

Offered Courses

Neuroscience 1 Our Neuroscience I course is designed for students who have minimal exposure to neuroscience. The main topics this course will cover are cell biology of the nervous system, nervous system signaling, and the sensory systems.

Neuroscience 2 Our Neuroscience II course is designed for students who have either completed Neuroscience I or have previously competed in the Brain Bee. This course introduces students to neurodevelopment, cognition, and neurological disease with a strong emphasis on building scientific literacy through peer-reviewed journal articles.

Dual Enrollement If you are interested in taking both courses at the same time and are confident you can invest time into them both, you can opt to take the dual enrollment approach. This allows you to be a part of both the Neuroscience 1 and 2 programs at the same time this summer!

Youth Neuroscience Summer Program Video

Testimonials

Quotes from student experiences after being a part of the Youth Neuroscience Summer Programs!

"My favorite part of the program was the culminating capstone project. It allowed me to begin to explore literature and start to understand research. The project took much effort, but it was extremely rewarding to be able to present my knowledge of research being done in the field. Each part of the program was well thought out, and I’m glad I spent part of my summer learning neuroscience with Youth Neuroscience 2022." Andrew Mi Youth neuroscience '22
profile

"I loved Youth Neuroscience 2022 because of how challenging but supportive it was. I had no previous exposure or exploration when I first entered the course, but the weekly TA sessions were such a huge help in bonding with fellow students and learning the material on a deeper level." Lauren Kim Youth neuroscience '22 profile

"My favorite part of the Youth Neuroscience program was how there would always be so many unique lecturers from around the world that helped to teach neuroscience topics I had no idea about! The aspect of having new teachers every single session was amazing to me." Ryan Cho Youth neuroscience '23 profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the application process?

A: The application for this program launches on February 25th and is due May 27th. Notices of acceptance or rejection will be sent out by June 8th. Students must confirm participation in the program and submit initial registration materials by June 19th.

Q2: When is the program?

A: June 24th to August 2nd.

Q3: When will I be notified of the results?

A: See answer to “Q1: What is the application process?”.

Q4: Is there a cap on how many people will be accepted?

A: There is no cap on the number of people we accept. We will accept any number of curious applicants that indicate a passion for neuroscience in their application.

Q5: What if English isn’t my native language?

A: Please note that we currently are unable to translate lectures, and recitations will be conducted in English. You are required to participate in the recitations and lectures which will be most helpful if your English is proficient. Additionally, as a collaborative program, we recommend having proficient English (speaking and writing) to maximize the value of peer-to-peer interactions.

Q6: Where can I find out more?

A: Visit our website at youthneuro.org or email with specific questions.

Q7: If I participated last year, can I participate again?

A: Yes. We recommend all students start with Neuroscience I since Neuroscience II will rely heavily on skills gained for the experimental neuroscience lectures of Neuroscience I.

Q8: I am participating in a number of other summer activities. Should I apply?

A: The program's full schedule’s classes and recitations are expected to span 20-25 hours throughout the week. If you are able to balance your other activities with this schedule, we would recommend the Certificate Granting Path. If you would prefer a more relaxed schedule with no attending/recitation requirements, we would recommend the Participant Path—which does not grant the Certificate

Q9: What are the prerequisites for this program?

A: Students who have a basic knowledge of high school cellular and molecular biology, chemistry, and mathematics (around Algebra II) should enroll in Neuroscience I. Students who have experience in neuroscience at an advanced high school level or elementary undergraduate level may choose to enroll in Neuroscience II. If you have difficulty reading scientific literature, we would highly recommend you enroll in Neuroscience I. Please note, there is zero advantage you get by enrolling in a course that is beyond your level. Many topics discussed in Neuroscience II build off topics learned in Neuroscience I.

Q10: Could I enroll in both Neuroscience I and Neuroscience II?

A: Yes. Please note that each program is anticipated to take 20-25 hours a week, meaning dual enrollment could take 40-50 hours a week. We only recommend Dual Enrollment on the Certificate Granting Path for students who wish to dedicate the majority of the week to this program. For the topics covered by Neuroscience I and Neuroscience II, see the Youth Neuroscience Summer Program page.

Q11: What if I don't get accepted into the Certificate Track but still want to learn?

A: All rejected Certificate Track students will have the opportunity to learn through the Participant Track.