Course Description

This engaging and comprehensive course is designed to provide a solid understanding of the structure and function of the human body. Throughout the course, students will explore the intricacies of various body systems, organs, tissues, and cells and develop a deep appreciation for the complexities of human anatomy. Students will practice using anatomical terminology through the study of each major body system, including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, nervous, and reproductive systems, examining the structure and function of these systems in detail to understand how each system contributes to the overall functioning of the human body. 

Students will engage in a variety of instructional activities, including lectures, discussions, laboratory experiments including dissections and microscopy, and multimedia presentations aimed at enhancing analytical thinking skills and building strong academic skills. The course will end with presentations of the anatomy and physiology that make their chosen superhero’s powers possible.

Please Note: This course will involve the use of dissection materials and graphic representations of anatomical structures. Students will also be visiting a cadaver lab on the UW campus. Students and parents/guardians will be informed in advance, and alternative assignments will be provided for those who choose not to participate in the section activities. This course also includes wet labs, which require extra care for safety due to the presence of chemicals, animal specimens, and scalpels. On those days students will need to bring specific clothing for safety (long sleeves, long pants and close toed shoes.) More details will be provided to enrolled students.

Learning Outcomes

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

  • Laboratory skills including safe scalpel use, dissection techniques, compound microscope use, and scientific inquiry.
  • Understand and be able to apply our four basic physiology models (flux, mass balance, homeostasis, and Le Chatelier’s principle) to new situations in science, whether they involve the human body or not.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the inner workings of the human body’s systems and the ways in which they compare to other animals.

Other Information

  • Students will be required to bring a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your student does not have access.
  • This course requires some homework to be completed outside of the program day.
  • This course includes field trips on UW Campus and we will walk. 

Who Should Apply

  • Students currently in 7th, 8th, 9th, or 10th grade

Week Overview

Date Theme/Topic 
Week 1 Introduction and exploration of the Digestive and Nervous Systems
Week 2 Introduction and exploration of the Integumentary and Musculoskeletal Systems
Week 3                      Introduction and exploration of the Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems
Week 4 Introduction and exploration of the Urinary and Reproductive Systems and a field trip to the UW Cadaver Lab in the Health Science Education Building.

Instructors

Details

Cost

  • $1450
    • $1400 (tuition)
    • $50 (registration fee)

Time

9am - 2:30pm

Location

  • University of Washington Seattle Campus
  • Building and Room TBD

Date

  • June 30th- July 23rd, 2026
  • Monday - Thursday
    • First class is on a Tuesday

Refund and Transfer Deadlines

  • Full tuition refund: April 10th
  • 50% tuition refund: April 11th-May 8th
  • No refund: after May 8th