COSMOS offers a selective, immersive four-week residential experience where high school students conduct hands-on research with UC faculty, culminating in a scientific project and presentation.
COSMOS UC Irvine is an intensive four-week residential summer program designed for talented high school students passionate about STEM. Participants engage in advanced topics through specialized 'clusters' taught by esteemed UC faculty, scientists, and graduate students. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experimentation, lectures, labs, and field study. Students work in pairs or small groups to develop a scientific or engineering project related to their cluster, culminating in a research poster presentation on the final day. The program aims to challenge students to think deeply within their chosen subject area, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. It also includes technical writing and communication to help students articulate their findings effectively and build teamwork skills. COSMOS provides a unique opportunity to experience college life, interact with university faculty, and explore STEM fields beyond the typical high school curriculum.
A typical weekday involves morning classes, followed by lunch, and then afternoon lab sessions or field study. Evenings may include additional activities or time for cluster projects.
The program is ideal for California high school students with a strong academic record (typically 3.5 GPA or higher) and a keen interest in advanced STEM topics and research.
University of California, Irvine
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