Application deadline
15 May 2026
General Brown Pre-College deadline published on the Apply page.
In-person Program
Brain Basics: From Biology to Behavior
Explore how neurons shape behavior through neuroscience experiments, preserved human brain dissection and a research project at Brown University.
Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
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Brain Basics at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
Grades 9–12; high school biology completed
Age range / Year group
Ages 14-18
Location / Region
Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Cost
$8,372; $6,416
Duration
3 weeks
Format
In-person
BiologyNeurosciencePsychology
Accommodation: Single, double or triple residence-hall rooms
Meals: Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily
Certificate / Outcome: Digital certificate; Course Performance Report
Campus resources: Libraries; fitness, athletic and aquatics centers
Tutors / Faculty: John Stein; neuroscience teaching associate
Sessions / Cadence: Monday–Friday, 8:30–11:20 a.m.; 2–3 hours homework daily
Academic credit: Non-credit; no formal grades
Brain Basics summary
Brain Basics connects the biology of nerve cells with sensory processing, movement and complex human behavior through Brown University's pre-college teaching.
Students conduct neuroscience experiments, dissect preserved human brains and investigate a novel research topic to present to classmates.
Its strongest appeal is the combination of laboratory experience and critical reading for students exploring neuroscience, psychology or medicine.
What is Brain Basics: From Biology to Behavior?
Brain Basics: From Biology to Behavior is a Brown University pre-college neuroscience course within Summer@Brown. It starts with electrical and chemical communication between neurons, then connects sensory and motor networks with mental illness, addiction, learning, memory and sleep. On-campus teaching combines discussion with laboratory investigation.
Students study insect nerve preparations, complete human psychophysical exercises and dissect preserved human brains. They also research a novel topic, evaluate information and present findings to classmates. The experience emphasizes understanding scientific conclusions as well as learning brain biology.
Why Succeed highlights Brain Basics
Insect neurophysiology experiments and preserved human brain dissection give the subject a concrete laboratory foundation.
The curriculum connects cellular biology with behavior, helping students see how neuroscience links biology and psychology.
The research proposal develops source evaluation and scientific communication alongside subject knowledge.
John Stein's teaching experience spans pre-college, college, graduate and medical students at Brown.
Who is Brain Basics for?
Best for
Students who enjoy biological explanations of behavior and want to test their interest through experiments, discussion and research.
Not ideal if
You want a credit-bearing course or prefer to avoid preserved human brain dissection and animal nerve preparations.
Is Brain Basics worth it?
Brain Basics is a strong option for exploring whether neuroscience holds your interest beyond classroom biology. The experiments and research proposal offer specific experiences to reflect on when choosing future subjects. Its value depends on engaging actively with the work and using the teaching support.
The financial commitment deserves careful comparison with other ways to explore the subject. This is non-credit study, and Brown states that Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admission. Treat the certificate as evidence of completed learning rather than an admissions advantage.
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A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$8,372; $6,416; includes Course instruction., Residential option: housing and three meals daily., Commuter option: one on-campus meal daily., Fitness, athletic and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital certificate after successful completion., Course Performance Report after completing the course..
Accommodation
Single, double or triple residence-hall rooms
Meals
Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily
Provider details
Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
3 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 Brain Basics need?
Effort level
High, with weekday classes and daily independent work.
Best started
Allow four to six weeks before a future application deadline for the essay, academic records and any English testing.
Main challenge
Connecting neuronal mechanisms with behavior while judging the reliability of research.
Typical preparation
Review cell biology and how cells communicate before the course begins.
Prepare your own application essay and gather grades from both required academic years.
Practice distinguishing a research finding from an unsupported claim.
Pack closed-toe shoes, long pants and suitable tops for laboratory work.
Useful if
You want to test your interest in neuroscience through both practical and analytical work.
What do students do on Brain Basics?
You move from the properties of individual neurons to the networks behind sensation, movement and behavior. Laboratory work and discussion support a research project that asks you to evaluate information and communicate your conclusions.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Study how neurons carry information using electrical signals and chemical messengers.
- 2
Explore vision, touch, pain and motor systems before examining more complex behaviors.
- 3
Investigate cockroach sensory neurons, cricket nerve circuits and human psychophysical responses.
- 4
Dissect preserved human brains to identify structures discussed in class.
- 5
Research a novel topic, develop a proposal and present your findings to classmates.
Brain Basics 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-10 July 2026
Applications open
14 January 2026
Brown Pre-College application cycle.
Final admission decisions
22 May 2026
Final decisions sent for the cycle.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 15 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Programme dates | 22 June-10 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Applications open | 14 January 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Final admission decisions | 22 May 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Complete grades 9–12; ages 14–18 by 14 June 2026.
Complete a high school biology course.
Previous nervous-system knowledge is not required.
Meet Brown Pre-College's English proficiency requirements.
Submit required English test results if applicable.
Gain Brown Pre-College admission before separate course enrollment.
Follow the required laboratory dress code.
How much does Brain Basics cost?
Residential program fee
$8,372 — One three-week on-campus course with housing and meals.
Funding or discounts
- Commuter program fee: $6,416 — One three-week course with one daily campus meal.
- Application fee: $80 — Non-refundable; fee waivers have separate eligibility requirements.
- Enrollment deposit: $500 — Required before enrollment; generally non-refundable.
- Scholarships: Sibley and PPSD — Separate applications and scholarship eligibility requirements apply.
- Limited insurance plan: $80 — Required for international students and uninsured U.S. students.
What's included
Course instruction., Residential option: housing and three meals daily., Commuter option: one on-campus meal daily., Fitness, athletic and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital certificate after successful completion., Course Performance Report after completing the course.
How to apply to Brain Basics
- 1
Create one applicant account through Brown's Student Portal.
- 2
Complete the application form and write your own 250–500-word essay.
- 3
Upload current-year and previous-year grades, plus any required English proficiency results.
- 4
Submit a recommendation through Brown's form if you elect or are asked to provide one.
- 5
Pay the application fee or obtain a fee waiver, then monitor the portal for requests and your decision.
- 6
After admission, review course suitability before paying the enrollment deposit.
- 7
Separately enroll in Brain Basics, Section 10027, through the Student Portal.
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What does Brain Basics cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Neuronal communication
Study how nerve cells use biological electricity and chemical messengers to transmit information.
Sensory and motor systems
Explore neuronal networks involved in vision, touch, pain and movement.
Brain and behavior
Connect neuronal activity with mental illness, addiction, learning, memory and sleep.
Laboratory neuroscience
Investigate insect nerve preparations, human psychophysics and preserved human brain anatomy.
Research and communication
Evaluate scientific sources, develop a novel research proposal and present conclusions to classmates.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Brain Basics?
A typical day during the program.
Course meetings
Monday–Friday, 8:30–11:20 a.m. Eastern Time, combining teaching, discussion and laboratory work.
Independent study
Plan two to three hours for readings, research, writing, projects or presentations.
Campus activities
Optional workshops, activities and events run outside class.
Residential check in
Check in face to face at 10 p.m. and remain on your floor until 6 a.m.
Who teaches on Brain Basics?
John Stein teaches the course and describes extensive experience with pre-college, college, graduate and medical students at Brown. A teaching associate with a background in neuroscience and neuroscience instruction supports students' learning.
Where do students stay on Brain Basics?
Residential plan
- Residence hall rooms: Single, double or triple rooms have college furniture, wireless internet and cooling.
- Three daily meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in Brown's all-you-care-to-eat dining halls.
- Residential support: Trained staff provide nightly check-ins and around-the-clock on-call support.
- Campus facilities: Residential fees include fitness, athletic and aquatics access, with laundry facilities in residence halls.
Non-residential plan
- Commuter attendance: Attend the course in person and use campus resources and activities without a room assignment.
- Commuter meal and recreation: The commuter fee includes one on-campus meal daily and fitness, athletic and aquatics access.
Roommate requests are not honored; families should plan for student independence, including permitted travel within Rhode Island.
What happens after Brain Basics?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Earn a digital CeCertificate after successful completion.
Receive an instructor Course Performance Report after completing the course.
Develop a research proposal and present findings to classmates.
Build a foundation for further study of neuroscience and behavior.
Practice scientific source evaluation and critical analysis.
The course is non-credit, and Brown Pre-College participation does not confer an undergraduate admissions advantage.
Where does Brain Basics take place?
The course takes place on Brown University's campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Residential check-in is at Sayles Hall on the Main Green, with families responsible for arranging travel to and from campus.
Residential check-in runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern Time on the Sunday before the course begins.
Brain Basics FAQs
You must have completed a high school biology course, but previous knowledge of the nervous system is not required.
Experiments investigate cockroach sensory neurons and cricket sensory and motor circuits, alongside human psychophysical exercises. Students also dissect preserved human brains.
You will investigate a novel topic, evaluate reliable information, write a summary and develop a research proposal to present to classmates.
The course meets Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 11:20 a.m. Summer@Brown also expects two to three hours of homework or project work daily.
Summer@Brown courses are non-credit and do not use formal grades. Successful completion earns a digital certificate, and this course's length qualifies completing students for a Course Performance Report.
Summer@Brown offers a commuter option with one on-campus meal per day, campus resources and activities, and fitness, athletic and aquatics access. Commuters do not receive a campus room.
Residential students receive a single, double or triple room and three dining-hall meals daily. Rooms have college furniture, wireless internet and cooling, and residence halls have laundry facilities.
Trained residential staff provide support, with face-to-face check-in at 10 p.m. and staff on call around the clock. Students can travel independently within Rhode Island, so families should discuss communication and independence before arrival.
Alternatives to Brain Basics
Compare these options for related neuroscience, psychology or biological study.
Alternatives to Brain Basics
An in-person option combining psychology and neuroscience.
Neuroscience
Deadline: Not announced
From $3298
14-18
New York
In-person
Best for
Students comparing psychology and neuroscience together.
Online Psychology Course
Upcoming
Online psychology study with related neuroscience coverage.
Psychology
03 Aug 2026
From £2895
13-24
Online
Online
Best for
Students seeking online study of behavior.
Online study of biochemistry and biological science.
Biology
Deadline: Not announced
From $3200
14-17
Online
Online
Best for
Students drawn to the biological side of neuroscience.
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 & verification
Source types reviewed
- CeCertificate Access | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Admissions Decisions | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Summer@Brown
- Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Laboratory/Project Attire
- 2026 Program Costs: Breakdown of Fees
- Brain Basics: From Biology to Behavior - 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)
Course content checked
Biology prerequisite confirmed
Section timetable reviewed
Residential and commuter fees checked
Application requirements reviewed
Certificate conditions confirmed
Student safety policies 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.
Brain Basics: From Biology to Behavior
by Brown Pre-College Programs
Upcoming
May qualify for the £300 Succeed Programme Award.
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