Application deadline
15 May 2026
General Brown Pre-College application deadline.
Hybrid Program
Antibiotic Drug Discovery: Identifying Novel Soil Microbes to Combat Resistance
Brown's hybrid biology research course combines experimental design with laboratory investigation of soil bacteria, antibiotic activity and resistance.
Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
Get the full picture before you decide
Request your Program Guide. We'll email it within 24 hours.
or let us know if .
What Succeed checks
We review public program details such as eligibility, age range, cost, duration, location, format, accommodation, meals and application timing.
What Last verified means
Last verified is the latest date Succeed checked the public details shown on this page. Program dates, prices and availability can still change.
How official sources are used
Succeed uses official provider information where available, then rewrites it into a student-facing summary for comparison and planning.
Why some dates are reference dates
If the current cycle is not available, Succeed may show the latest verified cycle dates so you can understand typical timing.
Succeed is independent from this provider unless a partnership is clearly stated.
Antibiotic Drug Discovery at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
Students completing grades 10-12
Age range / Year group
Ages 16-18
Location / Region
Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Cost
$10,858; $8,902
Duration
5 weeks
Format
Hybrid
BiologyMedicineScience
Accommodation: Single, double or triple residence rooms
Meals: Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily
Certificate / Outcome: Digital certificate; Course Performance Report
Latest verified cycle: 2026
Sessions / cadence: Online: 3×1h; campus: weekdays 12:15-3:05 p.m.
Instructor: Toni-Marie Achilli
Main output: Research project and symposium poster
Antibiotic Drug Discovery summary
This Brown University research course investigates whether soil bacteria produce molecules with antibiotic properties. Students develop their own hypothesis and work through experiments whose outcomes are not predetermined.
The experience moves from literature research and experimental design to bacterial characterization, antibiotic testing and bioinformatics. Students communicate their findings through a research poster symposium.
It suits students who want to test their interest in microbiology through sustained practical work and can handle uncertainty, collaboration and independent study.
What is Antibiotic Drug Discovery: Identifying Novel Soil Microbes to Combat Resistance?
Antibiotic Drug Discovery: Identifying Novel Soil Microbes to Combat Resistance is a Brown University Pre-College Course-based Research Experience focused on microbiology and antibiotic resistance. Students propose an original research question, design experiments and investigate whether bacteria isolated from soil produce antibiotic compounds.
The hybrid structure starts with online preparation and instructor feedback before students conduct experiments in Brown's campus facilities. Laboratory work introduces PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing and bioinformatics, alongside individual and small-group research. Students analyze their findings and present their work to others.
Why Succeed highlights Antibiotic Drug Discovery
An unanswered research question gives students practice interpreting uncertain results rather than reproducing a known classroom outcome.
The course connects molecular biology techniques to antibiotic resistance, making the laboratory work relevant to a concrete global health problem.
Feedback on experimental design comes before campus research, helping students connect preparation with practical decisions.
A poster symposium adds scientific communication to the experience of designing and conducting experiments.
Who is Antibiotic Drug Discovery for?
Best for
Students interested in microbiology, biomedical research or antibiotic resistance who want to design experiments and explain their findings.
Not ideal if
You want a light summer introduction, an entirely online experience or a course that awards college credit.
Is Antibiotic Drug Discovery worth it?
This course is worth considering if you want to experience the decisions behind biological research, from choosing a hypothesis to interpreting bacterial assays. Its strongest value is the combination of experimental design, laboratory techniques and presenting findings, which can help you judge whether research suits you.
The financial and study commitments are substantial, so the research focus should matter more to your decision than the university name alone. This is a noncredit course, and Brown explicitly states that Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admission. Experiments can also fail, making careful reasoning a more realistic goal than discovering a usable drug.
Sean
Founder, Succeed
Talk it through with Sean
Want to talk it through?
“I can help you compare the programmes you're considering, think through the practicalities and work out what makes sense for you.”
20 minutes · No obligation to enrol
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$10,858; $8,902; includes Residential housing for the three-week campus portion., Residential breakfast, lunch and dinner daily., One daily campus meal for commuters., Fitness, athletic and aquatics center access during campus study., Program activities and excursions., University library resources and instructor office hours., Digital certificate upon successful completion and Course Performance Report..
Accommodation
Single, double or triple residence rooms
Meals
Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily
Supervision or safety information
Residential staff provide support and require a face-to-face check-in at 10 p.m. Students may explore Rhode Island independently outside required commitments, so families should agree on a communication plan before the program.
Provider details
Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
5 weeks; Providence, Rhode Island, United States.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Antibiotic Drug Discovery need?
Effort level
High.
Best started
Begin application preparation four to six weeks before a future published deadline; reserve the week before online classes for required orientation.
Main challenge
Turning an uncertain research question into workable experiments while keeping up with independent study.
Typical preparation
Review school biology, bacterial growth and the scientific method before starting.
Gather current and previous academic-year grades and draft the 250-500-word application essay.
Confirm that your laptop can install software and support Canvas and Zoom.
Plan campus travel, required health forms and laboratory clothing with your family.
Useful if
You want to test your interest in microbiology and research before further study.
What do students do on Antibiotic Drug Discovery?
You move through a research process that links antibiotic resistance to experiments on soil bacteria. Online preparation builds the hypothesis and methods before laboratory investigation, data analysis and presentation.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Research antibiotic resistance and review possible questions about soil microbes.
- 2
Develop a hypothesis and experimental design with instructor feedback.
- 3
Characterize bacterial isolates using laboratory and molecular biology techniques.
- 4
Test isolates for antibiotic activity against safe relatives of resistant pathogens.
- 5
Analyze experimental results and data from the Tiny Earth Organization.
- 6
Prepare a research poster and communicate your findings at the CRE symposium.
Antibiotic Drug Discovery dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
Programme dates
22 June-24 July 2026
Applications open
14 January 2026
Summer 2026 application cycle.
Final admissions decisions
22 May 2026
Final decision notifications for Summer 2026.
Online course orientation
Week of 15 June 2026
Self-paced Canvas activities; finish by noon Friday before classes.
Campus check-in
5 July 2026
9 a.m.-1 p.m. ET at Sayles Hall.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 15 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Programme dates | 22 June-24 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Applications open | 14 January 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Final admissions decisions | 22 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Online course orientation | Week of 15 June 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Campus check-in | 5 July 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Ages 16-18 by June 14, 2026.
Students completing grades 10-12.
Strong English language proficiency.
A.P. Biology recommended; not required.
Meet Brown's immunization requirements for on-campus attendance.
How much does Antibiotic Drug Discovery cost?
Program fee
$10,858; $8,902 — Residential and commuter totals respectively, for the 2026 course.
Funding or discounts
- Application fee: $80 — Nonrefundable; eligible applicants may request a waiver.
- Enrollment deposit: $500 — Required after admission before course enrollment; generally nonrefundable.
- Scholarships: Sibley and PPSD scholarships — Separate application and eligibility requirements apply.
- Applicable insurance: $80 — Required for international students and U.S. students without adequate insurance.
What's included
Residential housing for the three-week campus portion., Residential breakfast, lunch and dinner daily., One daily campus meal for commuters., Fitness, athletic and aquatics center access during campus study., Program activities and excursions., University library resources and instructor office hours., Digital certificate upon successful completion and Course Performance Report.
How to apply to Antibiotic Drug Discovery
- 1
Create one applicant account in Brown's student portal.
- 2
Complete the Brown Pre-College application and write the required 250-500-word essay.
- 3
Upload current and previous academic-year grades in English and any required language-test results.
- 4
Pay the $80 application fee or use an approved fee waiver.
- 5
Monitor your portal and email for requests and the admissions decision.
- 6
After admission, review course options before paying the $500 nonrefundable deposit.
- 7
Separately enroll in the antibiotic research course through your student portal.
- 8
Complete the required health, parent or guardian, housing and payment forms.
Next step with Succeed
Interested in this programme?
or let us know if .
Succeed replies first, usually within a working day
What does Antibiotic Drug Discovery cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Antibiotic resistance
Study how antibiotic resistance threatens global health and why soil microbes are investigated for new antibiotic compounds.
Hypothesis and experimental design
Develop a research question, predict outcomes and refine experiments through instructor feedback.
Bacterial characterization
Use PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing and laboratory tests to characterize bacterial isolates.
Antibiotic activity and bioinformatics
Test isolates against safe relatives of resistant pathogens and analyze data from the Tiny Earth Organization.
Scientific communication
Interpret findings, consider future experiments and present a research poster at the CRE symposium.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Antibiotic Drug Discovery?
A typical day during the program.
Online live meetings
10-11 a.m. ET on Mondays, plus June 26 in the 2026 schedule.
Online independent study
Log in daily for asynchronous content, preliminary research and assignments.
Campus laboratory classes
12:15-3:05 p.m. ET, with at least 2-3 hours of daily homework.
Residential check in
Face-to-face check-in at 10 p.m. ET; remain on the residence floor until 6 a.m.
Who teaches on Antibiotic Drug Discovery?
Toni-Marie Achilli is the instructor listed for the course's 2026 section. Students work with instructors to develop a novel research project and receive feedback on experimental design.
Instructor office hours provide additional opportunities to discuss content and assignments.
Where do students stay on Antibiotic Drug Discovery?
Residential plan
- Residence hall housing: Furnished rooms include wireless internet and portable or central air conditioning.
- Three daily meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included during the campus portion.
- Residential staff support: Live-in Resident Assistants support students, with nightly 10 p.m. check-ins.
- Activities and facilities: Program activities, excursions and fitness, athletic and aquatics center access are included.
Non-residential plan
- Commuter attendance: Attend campus classes and activities without a residence hall room assignment.
- Commuter meals and facilities: One campus meal daily and fitness, athletic and aquatics center access are included.
Rooms may be single, double or triple occupancy; roommate requests are not honored.
What happens after Antibiotic Drug Discovery?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
An independent research project to reflect on in future study.
A research poster presented at the CRE symposium.
A digital Certificate of Completion after successful completion.
An instructor Course Performance Report.
Practice designing experiments, analyzing data and communicating results.
The course is noncredit and does not provide a university transcript or an undergraduate admissions pathway.
Where does Antibiotic Drug Discovery take place?
The campus research component takes place at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, with check-in at Sayles Hall on the Main Green. Families coordinate travel to and from campus; Brown does not provide transportation or travel assistance.
Campus housing applies only to the on-campus portion.
Learning format
The online phase blends Canvas assignments and preliminary research with three required one-hour live meetings in the 2026 schedule: Mondays plus one Friday, from 10-11 a.m. ET. Students should log in daily and plan 15-20 hours of weekly engagement before moving to weekday campus laboratory classes and at least 2-3 hours of daily homework.
A self-paced Canvas orientation takes a few hours during the week before online classes.
Mentorship and feedback
Live discussions provide feedback on research projects and experimental design.
Instructors help students develop a novel research project before campus work.
Office hours support questions about course content and assignments.
Writing Center appointments provide support with writing assignments.
English language support is available by appointment.
The instructor provides a Course Performance Report after completion.
Time-zone considerations
- Required online meetings use Eastern Time, the time zone in Providence.
- Monday online sessions run from 10-11 a.m. ET.
- The 2026 schedule also includes a Friday session on June 26.
- Campus classes run Monday-Friday, 12:15-3:05 p.m. ET.
- Compare Eastern Time with your local time before committing to live attendance.
Tech requirements
A laptop capable of installing course software; some Chromebooks are unsuitable.
Reliable internet access.
A webcam and microphone, built in or external.
A word processor and PDF reader.
Zoom, Canvas access and your Brown email account.
Assessment style
Assessment centers on research work, scientific communication and instructor feedback, with a narrative Course Performance Report rather than formal grades.
- Feedback on the hypothesis and experimental design.
- Completion of research assignments and project work.
- Presentation of findings at the research poster symposium.
- Instructor assessment through a Course Performance Report.
- Successful participation and completion are required for the certificate.
Portfolio and outputs
Main deliverable / output
The main output is a completed microbiology research project investigating antibiotic activity in soil bacteria.
An original hypothesis and experimental design.
A research poster and presentation of findings.
A digital Certificate of Completion after successful completion.
An instructor Course Performance Report.
Antibiotic Drug Discovery FAQs
You develop a hypothesis, characterize bacteria isolated from soil and test whether the isolates have antibiotic activity against safe relatives of resistant pathogens. The course also includes bioinformatics and communicating your findings.
A.P. Biology is recommended but not required.
The course combines two weeks of online preparation with three weeks of research on Brown's campus. Campus housing is available only during the on-campus portion.
You need a laptop that supports the course's software downloads. Some devices, including Chromebooks, cannot accommodate those requirements; the online portion also requires reliable internet, a webcam, microphone, word processor, PDF reader and Zoom.
This is a noncredit Pre-College course, and CRE students concentrate on learning without formal grades. Students receive an instructor Course Performance Report rather than a university transcript.
You complete a research project and present a poster at the CRE research symposium. Successful completion earns a digital Certificate of Completion, and the course also provides an instructor Course Performance Report.
Residential students stay in Brown residence halls and receive breakfast, lunch and dinner during the campus portion. Commuters receive one campus meal daily and access to campus activities and fitness facilities, without a campus room.
Residential staff provide support and require a face-to-face check-in at 10 p.m. Students may explore Rhode Island independently outside required commitments, so families should agree on a communication plan before the program.
Alternatives to Antibiotic Drug Discovery
Compare these options if you want a different biology focus, a broader research experience or an online medicine course.
Alternatives to Antibiotic Drug Discovery
An in-person biology research option
Biology
Deadline: Not announced
From $3500
14-18
In-person
Best for
Students comparing biology research programs
Online study focused on biochemistry
Biology
Deadline: Not announced
From $3200
14-17
Online
Online
Best for
Students exploring the molecular side of biology
An in-person ecology and environmental science course
Environmental Science
Deadline: Not announced
From $6298
14-18
Berkeley
In-person
Best for
Students drawn to environmental biology
Medicine-focused online research
Medicine
Deadline: Not announced
From £2995
13-18
Online
Online
Best for
Students wanting an online medicine research option
Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Sean Stevens
Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)
Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.
Sources and verification
Source types reviewed
- Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Summer@Brown Hybrid Course-Based Research Experience (CRE) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Course-Based Research Experiences (CRE)
- Laboratory/Project Attire
- 2026 Program Costs: Breakdown of Fees
- Antibiotic Drug Discovery: Identifying Novel Soil Microbes to Combat Resistance - Pre-College Course Catalog"
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)
Official course page checked
Age requirements reviewed
Application dates compared
Residential and commuter fees checked
Class schedule reviewed
Housing and meals verified
Completion credentials reviewed
How Succeed uses this information
We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.
Antibiotic Drug Discovery: Identifying Novel Soil Microbes to Combat Resistance
by Brown Pre-College Programs
Upcoming
May qualify for the £300 Succeed Programme Award.
Get the full picture before you decide
Request your Program Guide. We'll email it within 24 hours.
No account needed to compare programmes.
Not ready to decide yet? Keep it for later.
Get a next-cycle reminder
Compare similar programs
Save it for later
Keep recommendations organised