Science Honors Program (SHP)
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The Columbia University Science Honors Program (SHP) is a Saturday morning program specifically designed for high school students in the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades. Classes are held on the Columbia University Morningside Campus during the entire academic year from September through May. The program offers in-person instruction only and hence requires the participant to live within a 75-mile radius of our campus.
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SCIENCE HONORS PROGRAM 2024-2025
The Columbia University Science Honors Program (SHP) is a highly selective program for high school students who have a strong interest in the sciences and mathematics. The SHP holds classes at Columbia from 10:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. on Saturdays throughout the academic year. Courses are primarily in the physical, chemical, biological, behavioral, and computing sciences; and instructors are scientists and mathematicians who are actively engaged in research at the University. During the past few years, the SHP has offered the following courses:
- ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS
- THE MOLECULAR UNIVERSE
- RELATIVITY
- POWERING THE FUTURE: THE PHYSICS OF FUSION ENERGY
- SCIENCE OF MATERIALS
- ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING: HARNESSING THE POWER OF ELECTRONS
- CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM COMPUTING DEVICES
- ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
- INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY
- UNDERSTANDING EARTH'S CLIMATE SYSTEM AND CLIMATE CHANGE
- HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
- NEUROSCIENCE - EXPLORING THE BRAIN IN THE MODERN ERA
- IMMUNOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY
- NUMBER THEORY AND GROUPS
- INTRODUCTORY COMPUTER PROGRAMMING*
* Students will need to be able to bring a personal laptop for these courses.
There is an annual program fee of $600 per year, with $300 due at the start of each semester. Program fee waivers may be available for students with documented financial hardships; waivers will be granted after the admissions process, and all applications will receive equal consideration regardless of need.
To contact the program, you may write to [email protected], or you may call the SHP office at (212) 854-3354
Science Honors Program Course Descriptions
ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS: This course will trace our knowledge of the Universe from astronomy's ancient roots in naked-eye observations of the sky to the twenty-first-century studies of extrasolar planetary systems, black holes, and cosmology. Initial topics will include: Newton's laws of motion and gravitation, orbits and space travel, and the properties of planets' surfaces, interiors, and atmospheres. The course will then combine atomic and nuclear physics with stellar and galactic astronomy to describe stars, supernovae, black holes, the interstellar medium, galaxies, the creation of the elements, and the evolution of the universe.
THE MOLECULAR UNIVERSE: Observational astronomy has discovered a wealth of molecules throughout space. These molecules play a central role in the evolution of the cosmos, spanning from the formation of the first stars to present day stars and the potential origins of life. Starting from the observations, we'll dive into spectroscopy and the underlying quantum mechanics to explore topics including the origin of the elements, the formation stars, the interstellar medium, the origins of life, and the search for life on exoplanets.
RELATIVITY: Relativity is one of the two pillars of modern Physics (next to Quantum Mechanics). This course will present aspects of Einstein's theories of special and general relativity. Topics include: Galilean relativity, Einstein's postulates, time dilation, length contraction, failure of simultaneity at a distance, Lorentz transformations, space-time, four-vectors, the relativistic Doppler effect, Compton scattering, the Einstein and de Broglie relations, mass-energy equivalence, accelerated reference frames in special relativity, equivalence principle, General Relativity, Black Holes, and cosmology. Students should have completed pre-calculus.
POWERING THE FUTURE: THE PHYSICS OF FUSION ENERGY: Climate change and growing global energy demand have in recent years driven research into new forms of electricity production that are more sustainable than coal, oil, and gas. Due to its relative safety, cleanliness, flexibility, and fuel availability, fusion has long been sought after as the optimal method of power generation. In order to achieve fusion, matter needs to be heated up to temperatures exceeding that of the sun. Matter this hot generally exists as a plasma, known as the fourth state of matter. This course, which aims to give students a background in fusion energy, will be taught by members of the Columbia Plasma Physics Laboratory. The course will cover the potential importance of fusion energy, historical and current approaches to fusion, and basic plasma physics necessary to understanding fusion-relevant plasmas. The course will involve lectures, but will heavily incorporate interactive demonstrations and labs that will give students the tools to prepare them for further study of plasma physics and fusion.
SCIENCE OF MATERIALS: Almost every major technological advancement has depended on a leap in our understanding of Materials Science— we even name eras after their most important materials, from the stone and bronze ages to our modern age of steel and silicon. We will cover the main classes of materials (metals, ceramics, polymers/plastics, and functional-electronic) by understanding their structure at different length scales, from atomic bonds, to crystals, to steel in skyscrapers and silicon in transistors. We will see how the structure and defects in materials determine their properties, and how physics and chemistry can be used to engineer the materials to build the modern world, answering questions ranging from “Why are rubies red?” to “How does tempered glass protect my phone?” Topics to be covered include: atoms and bonding; crystals and defects; mechanical, electronic, and optical properties; band theory and electronic devices; graphene and 2D materials.
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING: HARNESSING THE POWER OF ELECTRONS: This course will introduce the fundamentals of electrical engineering, equipping students with the analytical and practical skills needed to analyze and assemble basic electronic circuits. Students will be exposed to analog circuit elements and their applications, as well as basic semiconductor device physics and use. Introductory calculus will be covered to contextualize significance of circuits' properties. Further on, fundamentals of digital circuit design will be introduced using CMOS components and Arduino microcontrollers. Hands-on lab exercises will be engaged with on a weekly basis, introducing students to the inner workings of thermometers, motion sensors, guitar pedals, voting machines, and more!
CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM COMPUTING DEVICES: The course will begin with the principles of quantum mechanics, showing how entanglement and superposition could usher in a new era of quantum information devices. Students will be exposed to the math underlying quantum physics, learn about the many platforms being used to build qubits in research and industry, and have the opportunity to visit a quantum optics lab at Columbia. The second part of the course will introduce students to the theory and applications of modern CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) technology with an emphasis on devices for classical and quantum information processing. Students will examine the fabrication and implementation of conventional 3D semiconductor devices as well as the "new-age" 2D Van der Waals materials for multi-layered heterostructure analysis. The course will also include visits to see fabrication facilities and metrology/microscopy tools in quantum materials labs on the Columbia campus.
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY: This course combines lectures, laboratory experiments, and demonstrations to provide an introduction to the principles and exciting frontiers of organic chemistry. Students will be introduced to the synthesis of organic compounds and the reaction mechanisms. Lecture topics will include: chemical bonds, structural theory and reactivity, design and synthesis of organic molecules, and spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis, IR, NMR) for structure determination. Experiments will introduce common techniques employed in organic chemistry and will include: extraction, recrystallization, thin layer and column chromatography, reflux, and distillation. Note that students must be present for one of the first two classes for mandatory safety training.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING: Biotechnology and bioengineering have transformed the world around us for countless fields, from medicine to agriculture. In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of biology and biochemistry and how scientists have taken these biological systems and engineered them to produce life-saving insulin, drought-resistant crops, COVID-19 tests, and many more topics. In each class we will learn about at least one biotechnology breakthrough, how it works, and have discussions on the greater impacts of these breakthroughs.
INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY: This course examines the fundamental chemical processes of the Earth’s natural environment, and changes induced by human activity. A combination of lectures, guest lectures, and laboratory experiments will be done to introduce students to the intersection of earth systems science and chemistry. The topics covered will be related to the Earth’s “spheres”, primarily the atmosphere: stratospheric ozone depletion, acid rain, climate change and the hydrosphere: water resources and pollution, biogeochemistry, metals in the environment. The primary goal of this class is to understand important environmental phenomena from anthropogenic activities, such as heavy metal pollution and urban smog.
UNDERSTANDING EARTH’S CLIMATE SYSTEM AND CLIMATE CHANGE: In this course, students will explore Earth’s climate system. This exploration will take the form of learning about paleoclimate and some of the Earth’s climate history. Further, students will learn about the climate system and how it relates to the physical Earth system (i.e. plate tectonics and volcanic eruptions). Then we will talk about anthropogenic climate change and some of the cutting edge research that scientists are currently engaged in. Toward the end of the course, we will spend time reading and learning from national and international climate assessments about the state of our climate and possible solutions. Students can also expect to do some data analysis with climate data throughout the course.
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY: Drawing on content taught during the first semester of medical school, this lecture-based course provides a systematic introduction to the major systems of the human body, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems. Classes cover foundational knowledge regarding the anatomy and physiology of each system and then apply this knowledge to the study of high-yield diseases, showing how molecular mechanisms inform the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illness. Group discussions and simulated clinical cases complement lecture material in this course, and serve to both reinforce basic science concepts and introduce students to the foundations of clinical medicine. There are no prerequisites for this course, although previous or concurrent coursework in biology (preferably at the AP level) would be helpful.
NEUROSCIENCE - EXPLORING THE BRAIN IN THE MODERN ERA: In this course, we’ll explore the organization, structure, and function of the brain, moving from single molecules to neural circuits and networks. We’ll examine how the brain enables us to sense, move, sleep, feel, and think, while diving into modern neuroscience topics such as pain perception, neuroplasticity, and the epigenetic influences on brain function. We’ll also discuss neurodevelopment, sensory perception, and the latest research on conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, depression, and schizophrenia, while integrating cutting-edge advancements in neurogenomics, neuroimaging, and potential future therapies.
IMMUNOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY: This course provides an overview of the immune system with emphasis on the different types of immune cells and toxicology. Students will learn the definitions of different categories such as pathogen, cancer, and allergen. With each definition, students will learn the different components of each category including viruses, bacteria, fungi, toxicant, and toxin. Students will learn how different types of immune cells are created, the importance of memory cells, and the differences between innate and adaptive immunity. With these concepts, students will learn about the role of vaccines, how they are created, and what effect they have on the human body. Students will have the opportunity to hone analytical skills by discussing scientific papers, interpreting patterns in figures, and analyzing case studies.
NUMBER THEORY AND GROUPS: Number theory is at its heart, about addressing questions regarding numbers. Humanity has been interested in numbers and various questions surrounding them for hundreds of years, and it has stimulated much of mathematics’ growth throughout history. In this course we will learn some basic number theory first from an elementary view using techniques that date to before the 19th century touching on things such as: modular arithmetic, Fermat’s little theorem, Euler’s theorem, etc. We then detour to learn group theory, a much more modern field developed mostly in the 20th century, and then return to apply it to number theory, seeing new ways to think of old problems. No knowledge of calculus is necessary, but strong algebra skills and abstract reasoning will be needed.
INTRODUCTION TO TOPOLOGY: Topology is the field of mathematics that studies shapes and spaces and explores intriguing topics such as surfaces (Möbius strips, toruses), knot theory, and concepts like connectedness and compactness. In particular, we will first expose the general Idea before going to different branches of topology such as Algebraic Topology, Combinatorial Topology and Point Set Topology. Advanced topics include Topological Data Analysis (TDA), which uses tools like persistent homology to identify patterns in data, with applications in fields like neuroscience, biology, and finance. The study of manifolds and curvature is essential for understanding the shape of the universe in physics, while homotopy and homology classify spaces based on features like loops and voids. Simplicial complexes help approximate complex shapes, and point-set topology rigorously defines concepts of continuity, compactness, and connectedness. Higher-dimensional topology further extends the study to dimensions beyond three, merging abstract mathematics with modern science and data analysis.
INTRODUCTORY COMPUTER PROGRAMMING: Giving instructions to a computer to solve problems is the essence of programming. But how can we tell a computer to perform a task? In this course, students will learn how to ask their computers to do their work. Previous coding experience or a laptop are not required. Students will learn the basics of programming, including algorithms, syntax, data types, variables, arrays, operators, conditionals, loops, functions, classes, and basic graphics. This will allow student to write their own computer codes using the Python programming language. The programming skills developed in this course have multiple applications in most sciences.
INTRODUCTION TO ALGORITHMS: Ever wonder how your favorite apps find the fastest route, sort playlists, or recommend new content? In this course we will introduce students to the fundamental concepts of algorithms and their applications in computer science. Students will explore how algorithms are designed, analyzed, and optimized to solve problems efficiently. The course will cover classic algorithmic techniques such as divide-and-conquer, dynamic programming, and greedy algorithms, along with key data structures like arrays, trees, and graphs. Through hands-on problem-solving and coding exercises, students will develop their computational thinking skills and learn how to approach complex problems with algorithmic strategies. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in algorithm design and analysis, preparing them for more advanced topics in computer science. No prior coding experience is required, but basic knowledge of mathematics and logic will be helpful.
SHP Fall 2024 Calendar
FALL 2024
September 28 - First day of classes, plenary talks
October 5 - Classes
October 12 - Classes
October 19 - Classes
October 26 - Classes
November 2 - Classes
November 9 - Classes
November 16 - Classes
November 23 - Classes
November 30 - No classes, Thanksgiving weekend
December 7 - Classes
December 14 - Last day of classes
SPRING 2025
February 8 - First day of classes, plenary talks
February 15 - Classes
February 22 - Classes
March 1 - Classes
March 8 - Classes
March 15 - Classes
March 22 - No classes, Columbia Spring break
March 29 - Classes
April 5 - Classes
April 12 - Classes
April 19 - No classes, Easter weekend
April 26 - Classes
May 3 - Last day of classes
SHP Application Information
The Columbia University Science Honors Program (SHP) is highly selective for students with exceptional talent in mathematics and the sciences. Interested students may apply during their ninth, tenth, or eleventh grade to enter the program the following academic year. Students must apply online.
Application to the program is via our online portal. Students should use a non-school affiliated email to ensure messages are not filtered to spam folders. The application will open in early February.
Your information is transmitted through a secured server and is kept confidential until you submit your application. Your application will only be reviewed after submission. If you have any questions about the Science Honors application, please email [email protected].
After a complete application is submitted, the applicant should receive a confirmation e-mail indicating successful submission.
You must pay an application fee by credit card or request a fee waiver prior to application submission. Applications can only be processed once the application fee is paid.
Your recommendation provider will be automatically notified and asked to submit their recommendation online. You can subsequently track the status of the submitted application and the receipt of the associated recommendation using your Status Portal. After the close of the application period, applicants will be notified of which examination date they have been assigned and will be able to print out an examination admission form that must be brought to the examination on the given date.
We are pleased that we are continuing into our 67th year in the Science Honors Program. The annual tuition for the 2024-2025 school year will be $600 per year (with $300 due at the beginning of each semester). Tuition waivers may be available for students with documented financial hardships; waivers will be granted after the admissions process, and all applications will receive equal consideration regardless of need.
The Columbia University Science Honors Program (SHP) requires the following:
- A completed online application, including a report of high school grades and an essay
- A high school transcript
- The recommendation letter has to be from a math teacher, science teacher, guidance counselor, or principal, from a high school you’ve attended. Only one recommendation letter will be considered. Additional letters will not be reviewed.
- A $50 non-refundable application fee. *Application fee waivers are approved on a case-by-case basis. Students in need of a fee waiver will need to complete and submit the Application Fee Waiver Request Form.
As part of the application process, there will also be a 2-hour online entrance examination. There will be multiple dates available on the weekends throughout June. Students will be contacted to choose their preferred examination date after the application deadline. The examination will contain questions in mathematics and science. Students are expected to have a background in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and probability, together with some knowledge of elementary science subjects. No special studying or review is needed for the examination.
The deadline for completed applications is 11:59 pm on March 27th, 2024 including application fee. No applications will be accepted after this date. Transcripts and letters of recommendation must be received by April 10th, 2024.
Deadline for Completed Application and Fee Payment: March 27th, 2024
Deadline for Receipt of Transcripts and Recommendations: April 10th, 2024
Entrance Examination Date Selection: Early May
Entrance Examination Dates: The first three weekends of June
Admission Decision Notification: July 15, 2024 (via Email)
Payment
You must pay an application fee by credit card or request a fee waiver prior to application submission. Applications can only be processed once the application fee is paid.
Your recommendation provider will be automatically notified and asked to submit their recommendation online. You can subsequently track the status of the submitted application and the receipt of the associated recommendation using your Status Portal. After the close of the application period, applicants will be notified of which examination date they have been assigned and will be able to print out an examination admission form that must be brought to the examination on the given date.
We are pleased that we are continuing into our 67th year in the Science Honors Program. The annual tuition for the 2024-2025 school year will be $600 per year (with $300 due at the beginning of each semester). Tuition waivers may be available for students with documented financial hardships; waivers will be granted after the admissions process, and all applications will receive equal consideration regardless of need.
To apply, indicate interest on the SHP program application and complete the following documents:
- Individual recent pay stubs for parent(s). Indicate if weekly, bi-weekly or monthly pay period.
- Family Income and Expense Worksheet
- Parent Non Tax-Filer Certification Form (this is only applicable if not filing a tax return)