Application deadline
15 May 2026
Brown Pre-College's general admissions deadline for the 2026 cycle.
In-person Program
Genetics Beyond Mendel
Study mutations, gene regulation and epigenetics through lectures, discussion and an instructor-guided essay connecting genetics with disease and biotechnology.
Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
Get the full picture before you decide
See Succeed's assessment of the programme, who it may suit, the estimated total cost, what applying involves and what is still to confirm.
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.
Genetics Beyond Mendel at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
Grades 9–12; completed high school biology
Age range / Year group
Ages 14-18
Location / Region
Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Cost
$5,786; $4,482
Duration
2 weeks
Format
In-person
BiologyScience
Accommodation: Single, double or triple residence-hall rooms
Meals: Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily
Certificate / Outcome: Digital certificate; Course Performance Report
Campus experience: Workshops, activities and excursions
Instructor: Rasha Althiab Almasaud
Sessions / cadence: M–F 12:15–3:05 p.m.; 2–3 hours daily homework
Main output: Instructor-guided genetics essay
Genetics Beyond Mendel summary
Genetics Beyond Mendel connects the mechanics of inheritance with gene regulation, disease and genetic engineering. Its appeal is the move from familiar school genetics toward molecular explanations and real societal questions.
Students combine lectures, readings, short problem sets and peer discussion with a written essay of their choosing. It suits learners who want to explain biological ideas in depth and enjoy asking questions.
What is Genetics Beyond Mendel?
Genetics Beyond Mendel is a Brown University Pre-College course exploring how inheritance works beyond simple Mendelian patterns. Students examine mutations, gene regulation, alternative splicing, epigenetics and the influence of viruses and transposons on genomes. The course connects these mechanisms with disease therapeutics, genetic engineering and societal issues.
The on-campus experience combines daily lectures, readings, short problem sets and peer discussions. Students develop a written essay on a genetics topic of their choosing with the instructor's guidance. Summer@Brown adds college-level academic expectations and opportunities to use campus resources while learning to manage independent work.
Why Succeed highlights Genetics Beyond Mendel
The curriculum links inheritance with gene regulation and epigenetics, giving school biology a clear next step.
Human disease and genetic engineering provide practical contexts for understanding molecular mechanisms.
A student-chosen essay encourages focused exploration rather than passive attendance.
Peer questions and discussion require students to explain ideas and consider alternative interpretations.
A certificate and instructor performance report provide records of successful participation.
Who is Genetics Beyond Mendel for?
Best for
Students who enjoy biology and want to connect genetics with medicine, biotechnology or ethical questions through discussion and writing.
Not ideal if
You want college credit, a light academic schedule or continuous supervision outside class.
Is Genetics Beyond Mendel worth it?
This course offers a useful next step for a student who wants to understand how genetics explains disease and biotechnology. Its strongest feature is the combination of conceptual teaching with a self-chosen essay, which gives students a reason to pursue one question carefully.
The value depends on how actively you engage with discussion, homework and instructor guidance. It is a non-credit academic experience, and Brown describes Pre-College as separate from undergraduate admissions recruitment. Families should weigh the learning and campus experience against the total expense and the independence expected of students.
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
$5,786; $4,482; includes Course instruction., Residential: campus housing and three dining-hall meals daily., Commuter: one dining-hall meal daily., Access to campus fitness, athletic and aquatic facilities., Program activities and excursions., Commuter: RIPTA transportation access with a Brown ID..
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
2 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 Genetics Beyond Mendel need?
Effort level
High for a short academic course.
Best started
Begin four to six weeks before an announced application deadline to prepare the essay, grades and any language assessment.
Main challenge
Connecting molecular mechanisms with wider biological and societal questions.
Typical preparation
Review inheritance, DNA, gene expression and protein structure from your biology course.
Practice explaining one genetics news story using reliable scientific references.
Prepare a laptop that can download desktop software and pack the required lab attire.
After enrollment, allow several weeks for health forms, travel arrangements and any accommodation requests.
Useful if
You want to test your interest in genetics, medicine or biotechnology.
What do students do on Genetics Beyond Mendel?
You work through genetics concepts using lectures, readings, short problem sets and discussion with classmates. Alongside this study, you develop an instructor-guided essay that applies the science to a genetics topic you choose.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Build an understanding of Mendelian and non-Mendelian genetics.
- 2
Explore mutations, gene regulation, alternative splicing and epigenetics.
- 3
Examine viruses, transposons, host defenses and genetic engineering.
- 4
Discuss connections with disease therapeutics and societal issues.
- 5
Choose a genetics topic and develop a written essay with instructor guidance.
Genetics Beyond Mendel 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-2 July 2026
Applications open
14 January 2026
Summer 2026 application cycle.
Final admission decisions
22 May 2026
Final decisions for the 2026 application cycle.
Check-in and orientation
21 June 2026
Sunday check-in, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Eastern Time.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 15 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Programme dates | 22 June-2 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Applications open | 14 January 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Final admission decisions | 22 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Check-in and orientation | 21 June 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Completing grades 9–12.
Ages 14–18 by 14 June 2026.
Completed a high school biology course.
Strong English language proficiency.
Required language-test results for applicable international applicants.
Attend every class and follow academic integrity policies.
How much does Genetics Beyond Mendel cost?
Program fee
$5,786; $4,482 — Residential; commuter, respectively.
Funding or discounts
- Application fee: $80 — Application fee waivers are available to eligible applicants.
- Enrollment deposit: $500 — Required before course enrollment; generally nonrefundable.
- Scholarships: Sibley and PPSD — Separate applications and eligibility requirements apply.
- Required insurance: $80 — Applies to international students and U.S. students without adequate health coverage.
What's included
Course instruction., Residential: campus housing and three dining-hall meals daily., Commuter: one dining-hall meal daily., Access to campus fitness, athletic and aquatic facilities., Program activities and excursions., Commuter: RIPTA transportation access with a Brown ID.
How to apply to Genetics Beyond Mendel
- 1
Use Brown's official admissions page to create one Student Portal account.
- 2
Complete the application form and original 250–500-word essay.
- 3
Upload current and previous academic-year grades and any required English proficiency results.
- 4
Pay the application fee or complete the applicable waiver process.
- 5
If submitting a recommendation, arrange completion of Brown's recommendation form.
- 6
Monitor your portal and email for additional requirements and the admission decision.
- 7
After admission, review the course catalog before submitting the deposit and enrolling separately in Genetics Beyond Mendel.
Next step with Succeed
Interested in this programme?
or let us know if .
Succeed replies first, usually within a working day
What does Genetics Beyond Mendel cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Mutations and inheritance
Explore different mutation types, their interactions and uses in biomedical research.
Gene regulation and epigenetics
Study how genes are switched on and off, alternatively spliced and regulated without changing DNA sequence.
Genomes and genetic engineering
Examine transposons, viruses and host defenses that can be useful in genetic engineering.
Disease and society
Connect genetics with disease therapeutics and the scientific basis of societal questions.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Genetics Beyond Mendel?
A typical day during the program.
Genetics class
Lectures, readings, problem sets and peer discussion form the course's academic work.
Independent study
Students organize homework, reading and project work around class and activities.
Campus activities
Optional workshops, events and activities run outside class.
Residential check in
Residential students check in face to face and remain on their floor until 6 a.m.
Who teaches on Genetics Beyond Mendel?
Rasha Althiab Almasaud is the listed instructor for Course 10224. Students receive instructor guidance on their final genetics essay and can use office hours to discuss course content and assignments.
Where do students stay on Genetics Beyond Mendel?
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 support, with nightly 10 p.m. check-ins and staff on call 24/7.
- Campus facilities: Students have access to fitness, athletic and aquatic facilities, activities and excursions.
Non-residential plan
- Commuter attendance: Students attend in person and use campus resources without a campus room assignment.
- Daily meal access: One dining-hall meal per day is included; additional meals can be purchased.
- Study and transport: Commuters can use libraries, campus study spaces and RIPTA transportation with their Brown ID.
Roommate requests are not honored; residential students should bring their own linens.
What happens after Genetics Beyond Mendel?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Build a foundation for further study in human genetics.
Prepare for molecular biology or neuroscience courses.
Explore connections with medicine, biotechnology and genetic counseling.
Complete a written essay on a chosen genetics question.
Receive a digital certificate and instructor Course Performance Report.
The course is non-credit, and Brown Pre-College is separate from undergraduate admissions recruitment.
Where does Genetics Beyond Mendel take place?
The course takes place on Brown University's campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Families arrange travel, while commuter students receive RIPTA transportation access with their Brown ID during the course.
Brown Pre-College does not provide transportation or coordinate travel assistance.
Genetics Beyond Mendel FAQs
Topics include mutations, gene regulation, alternative splicing, epigenetics, transposons, viruses, genetic engineering, disease therapeutics and societal issues related to genetics.
Yes. Completion of a high school biology course is required.
You write an essay on a genetics topic of your choosing with the instructor's guidance. Possible directions include a genetics news story, a disease, biotechnology or an ethical issue.
Summer@Brown students should expect at least two to three hours of homework daily. Work can include readings, research, writing and projects.
Yes. The commuter option includes one dining-hall meal per day, campus resources, activities and fitness facilities, without a campus room assignment.
The course is non-credit. Successful completion earns a digital certificate, and students completing a two-week course receive a Course Performance Report.
No. Admission to Brown Pre-College and enrollment in a particular course are separate steps, and admission does not guarantee a seat in Genetics Beyond Mendel.
Trained residential staff provide support, with nightly face-to-face check-ins at 10 p.m. and staff on call around the clock. Students are expected to manage their time independently and may travel within Rhode Island under program rules.
Alternatives to Genetics Beyond Mendel
Compare these biology-focused options if you prefer online study, a research emphasis or broader medical exploration.
Alternatives to Genetics Beyond Mendel
Online study focused on biochemistry
Biology
Deadline: Not announced
From $3200
14-17
Online
Online
Best for
Students preferring online biology study
In-person biology research program
Biology
Deadline: Not announced
From $3500
14-18
In-person
Best for
Students exploring biology research
Medical and biological sciences study in Cambridge
Biology
Deadline: Not announced
From £6550
16-19
Cambridge
In-person
Best for
Students considering medicine alongside biology
Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent 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.
Sources & verification
Source types reviewed
- Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Commuter - Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | 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
- Genetics Beyond Mendel - 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
Biology prerequisite reviewed
Course timetable checked
Residential and commuter fees checked
Application requirements reviewed
Completion credentials verified
Housing and meal 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.
Genetics Beyond Mendel
by Brown Pre-College Programs
Upcoming
May qualify for the £300 Succeed Programme Award.
Get the full picture before you decide
Succeed's assessment, estimated total cost and what applying involves.
No account needed for the Guide or Compare.
Not ready to decide yet? Keep it for later.
Get a next-cycle reminder
Compare similar programs
Save it for later
Keep recommendations organised