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    Characterizing C. elegans Using Reverse Genetics
    Hybrid Program

    Characterizing C. elegans Using Reverse Genetics

    by Brown Pre-College Programs

    Investigate how genes affect C. elegans through RNAi experiments, data analysis, and scientific reporting in Brown University's discovery-based genetics research course.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

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    Characterizing C. elegans Using Reverse Genetics at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    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

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    BiologyScience
    Accommodation: Single, double, or triple rooms
    Meals: Residential: 3 daily; commuter: 1 daily
    Certificate / Outcome: Noncredit certificate; Course Performance Report
    Tutors / faculty: Joslyn Mills-Bonal
    Sessions / cadence: Tue/Thu 90 minutes; online 15-20 hours/week
    Campus study cadence: Mon-Fri afternoons; homework 2-3 hours/day
    Main research output: Research poster; oral and written findings

    Characterizing C. elegans Using Reverse Genetics summary

    This is a genetics research course built around unanswered questions about gene function in C. elegans. Students use RNAi to investigate how changing gene activity affects the animal.

    You develop a hypothesis, plan experiments, work with a research group, and interpret your results. Scientific writing and presentations turn the laboratory work into a clear account of what you found.

    The strongest fit is a student who enjoys biology and wants to experience the uncertainty, troubleshooting, and collaboration involved in real research.

    What is Characterizing C. elegans Using Reverse Genetics?

    Characterizing C. elegans Using Reverse Genetics is a Brown University Pre-College Course-Based Research Experience focused on genetics and molecular biology. Students investigate how silencing particular genes changes the phenotype of this nematode, using the results to explore gene function and possible therapeutic relevance.

    The course combines online preparation with laboratory research at Brown. Students develop their own hypothesis-driven questions, conduct experiments collaboratively, and refine their approach through replication and troubleshooting. They then analyze their data and communicate findings in written and oral formats.

    Why Succeed highlights Characterizing C. elegans Using Reverse Genetics

    • An unanswered research question gives students practice making scientific decisions without a predetermined result.

    • RNAi connects molecular biology concepts to observable changes in a living model organism.

    • The laboratory techniques extend beyond C. elegans and can support further biology study.

    • Experimental-design feedback helps students improve their reasoning before conducting laboratory work.

    • The research symposium makes communicating findings part of the research experience.

    Who is Characterizing C. elegans Using Reverse Genetics for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy genetics, can work independently and collaboratively, and want to test their interest in experimental biology.

    Not ideal if

    You want introductory biology, guaranteed experimental results, or a course that can fit around frequent absences.

    Is Characterizing C. elegans Using Reverse Genetics worth it?

    The course offers a substantial way to test whether you enjoy experimental biology: you must plan, troubleshoot, interpret, and explain research rather than simply learn established facts. Its strongest value is the combination of practical laboratory methods and a research question whose answer is unknown.

    Families should weigh that experience against the significant fee and sustained workload. The course is noncredit, and Brown states that Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admission. It makes the most sense when the research experience itself is the goal.

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    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 Course instruction and research activities., Residential housing for the three campus weeks., Residential breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily., One daily campus meal with the commuter option., Fitness, athletic, and aquatics access during campus study., Program activities and excursions., Digital certificate after successful completion and instructor Course Performance Report..

    Accommodation

    Single, double, or triple rooms

    Meals

    Residential: 3 daily; commuter: 1 daily

    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.

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    How much preparation does Characterizing C. elegans Using Reverse Genetics need?

    Effort level

    High, with sustained research, group work, and mandatory classes.

    Best started

    For a comparable cycle, begin application preparation 4-6 weeks before the deadline and allow extra time for language testing and travel.

    Main challenge

    Turning an uncertain research question into experiments you can interpret and troubleshoot.

    Typical preparation

    • Refresh genetics, transcription, translation, and the scientific method.

    • Practice reading a primary research article and distinguishing its methods, results, and conclusions.

    • Confirm that your laptop supports software downloads and prepare laboratory clothing.

    • Set aside the week before instruction for the required self-paced Canvas orientation.

    Useful if

    You want to evaluate your interest in genetics and laboratory research.

    What do students do on Characterizing C. elegans Using Reverse Genetics?

    You investigate how a selected gene affects C. elegans by developing a research question and testing it through RNAi experiments. The work follows a laboratory research cycle, including revision, careful observation, data analysis, and communication.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Complete the online orientation and learn how to use Canvas.

    2. 2

      Read scientific literature and identify a hypothesis-driven research question.

    3. 3

      Develop an experimental design with instructor feedback during online meetings.

    4. 4

      Work in groups on campus to silence genes and investigate changes in phenotype.

    5. 5

      Record observations in an online notebook and analyze experimental results.

    6. 6

      Troubleshoot or repeat experiments as the research develops.

    7. 7

      Communicate findings through scientific writing, oral reporting, and the research poster symposium.

    Characterizing C. elegans Using Reverse Genetics dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    15 May 2026

    General Brown Pre-College deadline; the application page gives this date, while the FAQ gives 8 May.

    Reference date

    Programme dates

    22 June-24 July 2026

    Reference date

    Online orientation

    Week of 15 June 2026

    Self-paced Canvas orientation during the week before instruction; completion is required by Friday noon.

    Reference date

    Campus check-in

    5 July 2026

    9 a.m.-1 p.m. Eastern Time at Sayles Hall on Brown's Main Green.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Ages 16-18 by June 14, 2026.

    • Completing grades 10-12.

    • Intermediate biology experience recommended.

    • Strong English proficiency required.

    • Brown Pre-College admission and separate course enrollment required.

    • Attend all required classes and complete course work.

    How much does Characterizing C. elegans Using Reverse Genetics cost?

    Residential program fee

    $10,858 — 2026 five-week hybrid total, including three weeks of housing and meals.

    Funding or discounts

    • Commuter program fee: $8,902 — 2026 total with one campus meal daily and fitness access.
    • Application fee: $80 — Nonrefundable; eligible applicants may request a waiver.
    • Enrollment deposit: $500 — Nonrefundable, with a stated exception for course cancellation by Brown.
    • Scholarships: Sibley; PPSD — Separate scholarship applications and eligibility requirements apply.
    • Required insurance: $80 — Applies to international students and U.S. students without qualifying health insurance.

    What's included

    Course instruction and research activities., Residential housing for the three campus weeks., Residential breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily., One daily campus meal with the commuter option., Fitness, athletic, and aquatics access during campus study., Program activities and excursions., Digital certificate after successful completion and instructor Course Performance Report.

    How to apply to Characterizing C. elegans Using Reverse Genetics

    1. 1

      Create one applicant account in the Brown Pre-College Student Portal.

    2. 2

      Complete the application form and write the required 250-500-word essay.

    3. 3

      Upload current and previous academic-year grades in English and any required language-test results.

    4. 4

      Pay the $80 application fee unless a waiver is approved, and complete any requested supporting materials.

    5. 5

      Monitor your email and Student Portal for requests and the admission decision.

    6. 6

      After admission, confirm the intended course before paying the $500 nonrefundable deposit.

    7. 7

      Complete separate course enrollment and the required payment, health, and parent or guardian forms.

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    What does Characterizing C. elegans Using Reverse Genetics cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Gene function and RNAi

    Investigate how silencing particular genes changes the phenotype of C. elegans.

    Research design

    Read scientific literature, develop a hypothesis, and plan experiments to investigate an unanswered question.

    Laboratory methods

    Practice microscopy, PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, SDS PAGE, Western blot, and nematode maintenance.

    Data and scientific communication

    Maintain an online notebook, critically analyze experimental results, and report findings in oral and written formats.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Characterizing C. elegans Using Reverse Genetics?

    A typical day during the program.

    Online live meetings

    11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Eastern Time during the two online weeks.

    Online research work

    Log into Canvas daily and complete asynchronous content, assignments, and research preparation.

    Campus classes

    Laboratory research classes meet 3:30-6:20 p.m. Eastern Time during the three campus weeks.

    Outside campus classes

    Homework may include readings, group projects, research, writing, and presentations.

    Who teaches on Characterizing C. elegans Using Reverse Genetics?

    Joslyn Mills-Bonal is the named course instructor. Students work with instructors to develop a novel research project and receive feedback on experimental design during online live meetings.

    Instructor office hours provide opportunities to discuss course content, assignments, and research questions.

    Where do students stay on Characterizing C. elegans Using Reverse Genetics?

    Residential plan

    • Residence hall rooms: Single, double, or triple rooms include furniture, wireless internet, and portable or central air conditioning.
    • Three daily meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in Brown's all-you-care-to-eat dining halls.
    • Residential support: Trained staff support students, with a required 10 p.m. face-to-face check-in each evening.
    • Campus activities and fitness: Program activities and excursions are included, alongside fitness, athletic, and aquatics access.

    Non-residential plan

    • Commuter attendance: Students attend campus classes and access campus resources and activities without a residence hall assignment.
    • Commuter meals and fitness: The commuter option includes one campus meal daily and fitness, athletic, and aquatics access.

    Housing applies to the campus portion only; roommate requests are not honored.

    What happens after Characterizing C. elegans Using Reverse Genetics?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Laboratory techniques transferable to other areas of biology.

    Experience designing and carrying out a scientific investigation.

    Research findings shared through written work, presentations, and a poster.

    Digital Certificate of Completion after successful completion.

    Instructor Course Performance Report.

    The course is noncredit, and Brown Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admission.

    Where does Characterizing C. elegans Using Reverse Genetics take place?

    The campus research component takes place at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Residential check-in is at Sayles Hall on the Main Green, a short walk from the recommended Power Street parking garage.

    Families arrange transportation to and from campus; Brown does not provide transportation or travel coordination.

    Learning format

    The two online weeks combine daily Canvas activity and asynchronous research preparation with required Tuesday and Thursday live meetings from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time, totaling 15-20 hours of engagement weekly. The three campus weeks have Monday-Friday classes from 3:30 to 6:20 p.m., plus at least 2-3 hours of homework daily.

    Required self-paced Canvas orientation takes a few hours during the week before instruction.

    Mentorship and feedback

    • Live meetings provide feedback on research projects and experimental design.

    • Instructors help students develop a novel research project.

    • Instructor office hours support questions about content and assignments.

    • Writing Center appointments can support scientific writing.

    • Language support services are available.

    • An instructor Course Performance Report summarizes engagement and work.

    Time-zone considerations

    • Online live meetings use Eastern Time.
    • Tuesday and Thursday meetings run 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
    • Campus classes run Monday-Friday, 3:30-6:20 p.m. Eastern Time.
    • Plan 15-20 hours weekly for the online portion.
    • Attendance at required live meetings and campus classes is mandatory.

    Tech requirements

    • Bring a laptop that supports desktop software downloads.

    • Use a reliable internet connection for the online portion.

    • Have a working webcam and microphone.

    • Install or access word processing, a PDF reader, and Zoom.

    • Use Canvas and check your Brown email daily.

    Assessment style

    Assessment centers on research work, scientific communication, and an instructor performance report, without formal grades.

    • Receive feedback on experimental design.
    • Record observations and analyze experimental data.
    • Report scientific findings orally and in writing.
    • Share research through the poster symposium.
    • Successful course completion is required for the certificate.

    Portfolio / outputs

    Main deliverable / output

    The central output is a genetics research project shared at the CRE research poster symposium.

    • Online laboratory notebook documenting observations.

    • Written scientific findings.

    • Oral presentation of research conclusions.

    • Digital Certificate of Completion after successful completion.

    • Instructor Course Performance Report.

    Characterizing C. elegans Using Reverse Genetics FAQs

    Students use RNAi gene silencing in C. elegans to investigate gene function and changes in the animal's phenotype. They develop hypotheses, conduct experiments in groups, analyze data, and present conclusions.

    The first two weeks combine online research preparation with required live meetings. The final three weeks involve laboratory research on Brown University's campus.

    The course is designed for students with intermediate biology experience. Familiarity with the scientific method, primary research, genetics, transcription, and translation is especially useful.

    A laptop capable of downloading desktop software is required; some Chromebooks cannot meet the course's needs. The online portion also requires reliable internet, a webcam, a microphone, word processing, a PDF reader, and Zoom.

    The residential fee includes housing, meals, and fitness, athletic, and aquatics access during the three campus weeks. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily.

    Yes. Commuters attend campus classes and can use campus resources and activities, receive one campus meal daily, and access fitness facilities. They do not receive a residence hall room.

    This is a noncredit course. Successful completion earns a digital certificate, and students receive an instructor Course Performance Report.

    Trained residential staff support students, and staff are on call around the clock. Students must complete a face-to-face check-in at 10 p.m. and remain on their floor until 6 a.m.; they can explore Rhode Island independently outside required commitments.

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources & 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 Attire Guidelines
    • 2026 Program Costs: Breakdown of Fees
    • Characterizing <i>C. elegans</i> Using Reverse Genetics - 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 identity checked

    • Age requirements reviewed

    • Hybrid schedule verified

    • Residential and commuter fees checked

    • Application deadline discrepancy identified

    • Completion credentials reviewed

    • Laboratory and residential 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.