Computational Science (CS) – Biology
Are you intrigued by biology? Interested in computer programming? As computational science is one of the hottest subjects currently not being taught at school, let your imagination run wild with a program that combines the two!
Like many other scientific fields, biology has been making great strides through the use of computerized databases that afford researchers access to studies, information about the DNA sequences of diverse organisms, and much more. Computational tools have been developed to draw meaningful conclusions from this vast body of information and taking this further is exactly where you come in.
This three-year program imparts extensive knowledge in the Python programming language, in tools such as Matlab, and in protein-structure simulation software. This unique training allows students to create their own computational tools and perform in-depth research on biological questions that could potentially have significant effects on mankind: What will the genome of the HIV virus look like in a few generations? What are the chances that a cell will become malignant? And many other questions on the process of identifying mutations, drug design, fundamental biological processes, and more.
Audience:
Outstanding, soon-to-be 10th-graders, who are taking five-point-level math and are also taking, or plan to take five-point-level biology/physics/chemistry
Time:
Screening tests will take place on Thursdays in the Duck Hall at the Davidson Institute, from 16:30-19:30. Applicants must arrive 30 minutes earlier.
Sessions will be held throughout the school year from 16:30-19:45. This three-year program continues until participants graduate high school.
Place:
All workshops will be held at the Davidson Institute of Science Education at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot
Price:
Registration: 65 NIS. Admission: 2,600 NIS (in up to 10 installments)
How:
Click on the registration form at the bottom of the page and follow the instructions. Suitable applicants will be contacted regarding the screening process
More about the program
The Davidson Institute of Science Education, with the Education Ministry's support, holds a super-regional class in computational science, an emerging scientific-academic field in high demand. This field relies on the abilities of advanced computers to build simulations, investigate them, and compare their results to real-world situations.
Computational science makes it possible to address questions that seem too complicated to solve otherwise. Moreover, computers are also key to monitoring elaborate experiments and in running models and simulations.
Computational science has been taught successfully at the Davidson Institute for a number of years, and the program is accredited by the Education Ministry and the Council for Higher Education as a unique 5-point matriculation subject. Thanks to this designation, program graduates receive a bonus on the course grade when applying to academic studies. Many of the program’s graduates are accepted to elite IDF units and continue on to pursue university degrees.
Beyond its contribution to students' scientific knowledge, the program also empowers participants, instilling in them confidence in their skills and their ability to tackle complex problems and challenges.
For further information, visit the Hebrew site.
