CLUSTER 1: ROBOTS TO ROCKETS: SUSTAINABLE ENERGY AND POWER FOR MACHINES
PREREQUISITES: Geometry, Algebra II, Physics
INSTRUCTORS: Professors Kenneth Mease, Derek Dunn-Rankin, James Bobrow, Faryar Jabbari, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

• Robot Mechanics and Power: Student teams will design, build and compete lightweight battlebots, and gain familiarity with robot construction techniques, power systems, sensors, and actuators (motors). Students will learn the mathematical and physical operating principles of these devices, including the electronics, mechanics, and computation. In addition, students will examine the potential alternative energy and power sources.
• Airplanes and Rockets, the engineering of flight: How does a 747 weighing nearly a million pounds stay aloft? What makes a fighter jet so maneuverable? How do we get satellites into space and planetary rovers to arrive safely on distant planets? In this course, students will learn basic principles of atmospheric and space flight, including flight mechanics and control, aerodynamics, jet and rocket propulsion, physics of rocket launch, and orbital mechanics and interplanetary transfer. Students will also design, build and fly remote-controlled airplanes and small scale rockets. Please note the prerequisites.
• Project/Presentation Requirement: All participants, working in pairs, will produce a scientific/engineering project drawn from the subject matter in their cluster. Projects may be based upon field study during COSMOS. In addition, students will present their findings in a poster format at the COSMOS symposium.

CLUSTER 2: ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS: FROM ATOMS TO STARS, GALAXIES AND THE EXPANDING UNIVERSE
PREREQUISITEs: Algebra and Geometry
INSTRUCTORS: Professors Tammy Smecker-Hane, Elizabeth Barton, James Bullock, Physics and Astronomy

• In this course we learn that by combining some basic mathematics with knowledge of the four basic forces of nature (gravity, electromagnetism, strong and weak forces), we can understand some of the most amazing things in the Universe. We cover processes that happen on the very smallest scales of atoms and molecules to processes that happen on the very largest physical scales like the expansion of the Universe. We will learn the theoretical side of astrophysics, specifically the mathematics and physics needed to understand how nature works. For example, we learn how the Earth got its water, oxygen and iron, how nuclear fusion works in stars, what happens to stars as they live and die, which stars become black holes, neutron stars and white dwarfs, how we know that 90% of the matter inside galaxies is dark matter, how galaxies grow via gravitational collapse and have evolved over the last 14 billion years, and how the Universe itself is expanding and what possible fate lies in store for it.
  
  In our laboratory classes, we also learn the experimental side of astronomy. We use innovative and fun computer exercises to simulate taking data with telescopes to image the Galilean moons of Jupiter and determine Jupiter's mass, measure the brightnesses and colors of stars in a star cluster to determine the cluster's distance and age, measure the redshifts of galaxies to find out how fast the Universe is expanding, etc. In addition, our students gather into groups of two or three and choose an independent research project from a list of options, which they perform with the guidance of faculty and teaching assistants. Most groups use the UCI Observatory's 24- or 8-inch telescopes over a few nights in order to acquire the data needed for their project, so night sky watching and data gathering with CCD cameras and computer-controlled telescopes are key (and sometimes the most memorable!) components of our students' experiences. If you think research in astronomy or physics may be in your future or if you want to learn more about our amazing Universe, this is the cluster for you.

CLUSTER 3: TISSUE AND TUMOR BIOLOGY AND MATHEMATICAL/COMPUTER MODELING
PREREQUISITES: Basic biology background, Algebra II and computer literacy; interest in using computational tools and software to study and analyze biological phenomena, e.g. tumorigenesis
INSTRUCTORS: Professors John Lowengrub, Chair, Department of Mathematics; Felix Grün, Center for Complex Biological Systems, UCI

• These courses explore the biological, mathematical, and computational theory of tissue and tumor growth.
  
  
• Course 1: Mathematical Biology: Modeling of Tissue and Tumor Growth (John Lowengrub, Dept Math, UCI): The biological sciences are entering a new era in which scientific advancement requires quantitative solutions to large-scale and complex problems. Mathematical advances in modeling and statistics will play an increasingly important role in the future as tools to understand biological processes and to predict their outcomes. In this course, we will focus on mathematical modeling of tissue and tumor (abnormal tissue) growth. We will start with very basic models and provide prescriptions as how to increase the level of sophistication and thus the realism of the models. This course will be taught in tandem with Course 2: “Growth Control in Normal and Abnormal Tissues”. As the biological mechanisms of growth are introduced in the Biology course, we will present mathematical models of those processes and also introduce, in a self-contained manner, computational algorithms that can be used to simulate the models on the computer. We will discuss applications ranging from tissue engineering to studying the growth of tumors such as melanoma (skin cancer), glioma (brain tumor) and neuroblastoma. Further, we will discuss the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in a clinical environment. Students will learn how computer simulations can be used to devise optimal cancer therapies.
  
• Course 2: Growth Control In Normal and Abnormal Tissues (Felix Grün, Center for Complex Biological Systems, UCI. With guest lectures by Vittorio Cristini, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Dwayne Stupack, UCSD Cancer Center): This course focuses on the processes that regulate the normal growth of cells, how this regulation can be perturbed during the progression to tumor formation and cancer, and how information about these processes can be used to develop strategies for therapeutic intervention. Although modern biology has made tremendous progress in uncovering the basic principles of cellular growth control, much research work remains to fully understand how complex systems are constructed through the interactions of their molecular components to create multicellular organisms that make appropriate growth control decisions. This understanding is essential to allow for rational development of novel treatments for many human diseases including cancers.
  
  Students will explore through lectures and hands-on laboratory practicals, the biological mechanisms regulating growth of living cells and their cooperative interactions in tissues. Lecture topics will include descriptions of the cell cycle and its control points, signal transduction pathways in growth and development, genetic mutations involved in carcinogenesis and limiting parameters on tumor growth. Students will also be able to tour research laboratories active in these areas and receive demonstrations in the application of cutting edge analytical instruments, e.g. confocal fluorescence microscopes. For laboratory sections, students will use simple model organisms (Xenopus frog eggs, Hydra) to study aspects of normal cell behavior in development (rapid cell division, morphogenesis and pattern formation), as well as conduct tissue culture experiments with normal, transformed and stem cell lines to evaluate behavioral differences in growth and cell fate decisions in response to genetic mutations or chemical challenges. The experimental data collected from these studies will be compared to the results from mathematical models for growth control, differentiation and morphogen signaling developed in the mathematical biology course that are relevant to tumor biology. Students will have the opportunity to initiate projects from these themes for further study.
  

CLUSTER 4: LIFE ON THE EDGE: BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEMS OF COASTAL CALIFORNIA
PREREQUISITES: None
INSTRUCTORS: Dr. Peter Bryant, Developmental & Cell Biology; Dr. Peter Fuhrer, Chemistry

• Due to its varied topography, long coastline and mild climate, California is home to an astonishing variety of plants, animals and ecosystems. It has been identified as one of the earth’s biodiversity hotspots, and provides outstanding opportunities for the study of terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecology. During a visit to Crystal Cove State Park, students will explore the fascinating biodiversity of rocky intertidal communities, and study how animals and plants adapt to the continually changing conditions at the frontier between land and sea. Observations in Upper Newport Bay will illustrate another environment subjected to changing conditions with tides and storms as well as enormous impacts from human activities upstream in the watershed. Field trips to freshwater marsh, wetlands and riparian areas as well as hikes in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, oak woodland and pine forest will be included in a comprehensive study of the rich ecology of coastal Southern California. Lectures will be focused on how animals and plants adapt to their environments, and on the successes and failures in our efforts to protect species and ecosystems in a heavily urbanized environment. Students will conduct original research projects at the Back Bay Science Center and acquire hands-on experience in experimental design, data collection and analysis, and the presentation of scientific findings.

CLUSTER 5: MATHEMATICAL GAME THEORY: WINNING STRATEGIES REVEALED FOR CONNECT FOUR, RUBIK'S CUBE, SUDOKU, ETC.
PREREQUISITES: Algebra II
INSTRUCTORS: Professor Sarah Eichhorn, Department of Mathematics; Dr. Lily Xin, Lecturer, Mathmatics

• This course will focus on using mathematics to represent games, find good game strategies and solve mathematical puzzles. We will explore a wide range of games including: Poison, Hex, Dots and Boxes, Checkers, Connect Four and other strategy games. We will also explore popular puzzles such as Sudoku, the 15 puzzle and the Rubik's cube. For some problems, we will do some elementary computer programing to help us search for optimal game strategies and search for puzzle solutions with a computer. At the end of the course, students will select a favorite game to analyze and then use techniques from game theory to answer questions about the complexity and strategies for that game.

CLUSTER 6: PSYCHOACOUSTICS, MATH, AND CREATIVE COMPUTING
PREREQUISITES: Basic music notation, performance or composition
INSTRUCTORS: Mr. Jim Simmons, MFA, Jazz Studies, Instructor, Music Department, Cerritos College; Mr. John Crooks, MFA, bassist, composer and band leader

• This course will explore the cognition and mathematics of the audible world and the technological manipulation of these phenomena. New developments in computing, psychology, neuroscience, and music analysis inform this curriculum as well as many exciting developments at the crossroads of art, cognitive science, and music. Seemingly simple behaviors, such as being startled by a sudden loud sound, can reveal much about human behavior while the stunningly complex and math intensive constructs found in music show us how much we have yet to learn about memory, learning, emotion, even biomechanics. How do we use our ears to understand the world and each other, and how can this information inform future technology?
  
  Students learn about current trends in the cognition of sound and music, mathematics of musical systems, and acoustics. Through hands-on use of the latest software, students will perform experiments related to hearing and music and learn to use computers for scientific and creative purposes. In addition to a final poster project, students will compose computer music, sound art, or other audible computer-based creative projects using concepts from this course. These compositions will be presented at COSMOS' now famous talent show as well as at a special presentation in the REALab, UCI's cutting edge music research facility.
  
  The cluster incorporates study of scientific, mathematical, and technological concepts with tactile application and development of musical skill. Students applying to this cluster should have experience with performing or composing music, be familiar with basic music notation, and be interested in coursework that includes singing and playing percussion instruments.

CLUSTER 7: CLINICAL TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE: THE NEXT GENERATION OF BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH
PREREQUISITES: Biology
INSTRUCTORS: Dr. Dan Cooper, Professor of Pediatrics

• Biomedical research is undergoing a revolution. The traditional silos that have separated basic science, clinical application, community, and university are breaking down. The next frontier involves new technologies and approaches to speed up the process by which basic science discoveries are translated to applications, to the real, day-to-day ways in which physicians and health care professionals treat patients and improve their health. In this course, we will expose students to key elements of this revolution by lectures, laboratories, and interactions with UC Irvine physicians and scientists who are actively involved in the burgeoning field of translational science. The key areas of this course include:
  • Translational Technologies
  • Human Performance Laboratory
  • Robotics Laboratory (new tools for surgery; new tools for rehabilitation)
  • Cells-in-Action Laboratory
  • Exploring the Chemistry of the Human Ventilome Laboratory (Markers of Disease in the Human Breath)
  • Study Design and Biostatistics
  • The New Ethics of Clinical Research
  • Biomedical Informatics—The New Age of the Electronic Medical Record
  • How computers will revolutionize health care
  • Principles of data mining for new discoveries
  • Medical Research and Community Outreach and Engagement
  • Community Based Participatory Research
  • The Science of Team Science
    
• By the end of the course, students will gain a greater appreciation of the challenges of team science; how physicians and health care professionals can enhance basic research; and how the value of new discoveries depend in large measure on how well they are translated into changes in the practice of medicine in our communities.

CLUSTER 8: THE WORLD OF MOLECULES: THE HEART OF CHEMISTRY
PREREQUISITES: Chemistry required; Physics recommended, not required
INSTRUCTORS: Professors Eric Potma, Ara Apkarian, Wilson Ho, Douglas Mills and Nien-Hui Ge

• You obviously know that molecules are at the heart of everything. But have you ever wondered what a molecule looks like? Or whether it would actually be possible to see them? Do you think molecules look like a mini-version of the ball-and-stick models you get to see in school? Be prepared for a totally new world that will open up for you in this course. The world of molecules – full of motion, dynamics, energy.
  
  During the lectures you will gain a deep understanding of atoms and molecules. We'll get started with the Periodic Table and from there work on topics such as chemical bonding, electron behavior, covalence, ionization and chemical reactions. After all, it's the dynamic character of molecules that is at the heart of chemical reactions. You'll learn how to predict certain reactions just from looking at the Periodic Table with your newly gained knowledge. The Periodic Table will never be the same after this course. You and the lecturers will use advanced computer programs to model and animate everything you learn.
  
  From there we take it to the next level. How can we see molecules? That's where it gets even more fascinating – in this course you will be able to look inside molecules. Literally, by making use of the fact that molecules interact with light. You'll learn about the nature of light, how it interacts with molecules and how we can use these interactions to “see” molecules. UCI experts will take you along and really bring you to the limits of what we know about molecules and they will paint a detailed picture of their fascinating properties. And so you delve right into the heart of chemistry. During the hands-on lab sessions you'll get to use the most advanced technology that will enable you to access and explore this dynamic world. After the course you will know all about Visible Spectroscopy, Scanning Tunneling Microscopy, Electron Microscopy, Ultrafast Spectroscopy and much more. You will use those techniques for taking a closer look at a dye, prepared by yourself. Or break glass without even touching it. And these are just examples.
  
  During the afternoons you will work on your COSMOS research project. The research project offers you a chance to find out what it's like to be a scientist. You will carry out your own research in a subject that you choose. This can be either entirely literature based or it can be a combination of experimental work and literature. Based on your own research you will learn how to set up a scientific presentation. You can even bring your own research ideas – make sure to properly think it through and start doing that right now. So, if you've always wanted to measure the speed of light for yourself, or wanted to know what your mom's golden earrings look like on the very surface.... this is your chance.
  
  And one day, you might be the one who goes beyond the limit of what is known and makes new knowledge.