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    The Science of Food, Nutrition and the Biological World
    In-person Program

    The Science of Food, Nutrition and the Biological World

    by USC Pre-College

    USC’s nutrition summer program connects molecular biology, biochemistry and microbiology with cooking, fermentation and the environmental impact of food.

    Last verified: 5 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    The Science of Food Nutrition and the Biological World at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Completed ninth grade; biology B or above

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 15-18

    Location / Region

    Los Angeles, California, United States

    Cost

    $8,130; $11,570; $12,208

    Duration

    4 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next session

    21 June-15 July 2027

    Save program
    BiologyEnvironmental ScienceScience
    Accommodation: Shared university residence-hall rooms
    Meals: Residential: three daily dining-hall meals
    Campus experience: Libraries, computer labs, activities and excursions
    Credit / Outcome: Three units of elective credit
    Tutors / faculty: USC faculty and experienced professionals
    Daily attendance: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; 5-6 instructional hours

    The Science of Food Nutrition and the Biological World summary

    USC uses everyday food to introduce molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology and nutrition, connecting scientific ideas with practical cooking and laboratory activities.

    Students explore fermentation, genetics and food production, then present on public health or nutrition. The course suits students who want to connect an interest in food with deeper biological questions.

    What is The Science of Food, Nutrition and the Biological World?

    The Science of Food, Nutrition and the Biological World is a USC Pre-College course that explores biology through what we eat. It connects molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology and nutrition with food preparation, sensory perception and the organisms behind familiar ingredients.

    Students move between scientific concepts and practical activities, including fermentation, laboratory techniques and visits to a farm and cooking school. The course also examines genetically modified foods, public health and the environmental consequences of food production.

    Why Succeed highlights The Science of Food Nutrition and the Biological World

    • Food provides a concrete way to connect molecular biology, nutrition and environmental questions.

    • Fermentation and cooking activities make scientific concepts tangible beyond classroom discussion.

    • DNA extraction, PCR and gel electrophoresis introduce specific laboratory techniques.

    • The final presentation encourages students to explain a public health or nutrition topic.

    • Successful completion earns university elective credit rather than participation alone.

    Who is The Science of Food Nutrition and the Biological World for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy biology and want to investigate food through experiments, fermentation, cooking and public health questions.

    Not ideal if

    You mainly want recreational cooking lessons or a light academic commitment; this is a demanding science course with required attendance.

    Is The Science of Food Nutrition and the Biological World worth it?

    This course offers a useful test of whether food science, nutrition or biological research interests you beyond school lessons. Fermentation, laboratory techniques and a presentation provide concrete experiences to reflect on, while successful completion earns elective credit.

    The financial commitment and intensive daily attendance make subject fit especially important. Credit transfer depends on the receiving college, and participation does not guarantee USC admission, so the strongest reason to attend is the learning itself.

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    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

    $8,130; $11,570; $12,208; includes Tuition and three elective credit units upon successful completion., Academic field trips, textbooks and instructor-requested materials., On-campus social activities and off-campus recreational trips., Mandatory Student Health Center access., Residential option: a shared residence-hall room., Residential option: three daily dining-hall meals, with stated Saturday exceptions., Residential option: meals on academic field trips., International total: required USC service and insurance charges..

    Accommodation

    Shared university residence-hall rooms

    Meals

    Residential: three daily dining-hall meals

    Provider details

    Review the USC Pre-College provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    4 weeks; Los Angeles, California, 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.

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    How much preparation does The Science of Food Nutrition and the Biological World need?

    Effort level

    High, with 5-6 instructional hours per day.

    Best started

    Begin planning in November, when 2027 application information is expected, and allow several weeks for documents and longer for international travel.

    Main challenge

    Managing intensive coursework while connecting biological ideas to practical food activities.

    Typical preparation

    • Review nutrient functions, basic genetics and microbiology before the session.

    • Identify a teacher, counselor or mentor who can write your recommendation.

    • Arrange the school-uploaded transcript and draft the application essay yourself.

    • Plan a laptop, laboratory clothing and any required immigration documentation.

    Useful if

    You want to test an interest in nutrition, food science or biology.

    What do students do on The Science of Food Nutrition and the Biological World?

    You use food to investigate nutrients, microorganisms, sensory biology and genetics. Practical activities build toward a presentation on public health or nutrition.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Study macro- and micronutrients, review project guidelines and identify a presentation topic.

    2. 2

      Explore taste and aroma, visit a farm and investigate pickle fermentation.

    3. 3

      Study public health, set up miso fermentation and make lactose-free cream cheese.

    4. 4

      Explore genetics and GMO foods, visit a cooking school and deliver your presentation.

    The Science of Food Nutrition and the Biological World dates and deadlines

    The Science of Food, Nutrition and the Biological World — 2026 domestic application deadline

    8 May 2026

    Past

    The Science of Food, Nutrition and the Biological World — 2026 international residential application deadline

    13 March 2026

    Past

    The Science of Food, Nutrition and the Biological World — 2026 domestic

    22 June-17 July 2026

    Domestic residential and commuter options.

    Past

    The Science of Food, Nutrition and the Biological World — 2026 international residential

    22 June-17 July 2026

    International participants reside on campus.

    Past

    The Science of Food, Nutrition and the Biological World — 2027

    21 June-15 July 2027

    Dates announced across USC Summer Programs.

    Upcoming

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Be a domestic or international high school student.

    • Complete ninth grade before the program starts.

    • Complete one year of high school biology with B or above.

    • Pursue a rigorous high school curriculum.

    • Attend all required class meetings.

    • International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency or obtain a waiver.

    • International participants and domestic participants living abroad must reside on campus.

    • Commuters must live with a parent or guardian in eligible counties.

    How much does The Science of Food Nutrition and the Biological World cost?

    Application fee

    $85 — Nonrefundable.

    Funding or discounts

    • Domestic commuter: $8,130 — 2026 estimated total.
    • Domestic residential: $11,570 — 2026 estimated total with room and board.
    • International residential: $12,208 — 2026 estimated USC total.
    • Deposit: $1,000 — Nonrefundable and credited toward the total.
    • Financial aid: Not offered

    What's included

    Tuition and three elective credit units upon successful completion., Academic field trips, textbooks and instructor-requested materials., On-campus social activities and off-campus recreational trips., Mandatory Student Health Center access., Residential option: a shared residence-hall room., Residential option: three daily dining-hall meals, with stated Saturday exceptions., Residential option: meals on academic field trips., International total: required USC service and insurance charges.

    How to apply to The Science of Food Nutrition and the Biological World

    1. 1

      Create an account or log in through USC’s Summer Programs application portal.

    2. 2

      Select this course; USC permits up to three course choices.

    3. 3

      Write your own 300-500 word application essay.

    4. 4

      Request an online recommendation from a teacher, counselor or mentor.

    5. 5

      Ask a school administrator to upload your PDF transcript.

    6. 6

      Provide accepted English proficiency documentation if applying internationally.

    7. 7

      Pay the $85 application fee, review every task and submit.

    8. 8

      Monitor your email and application portal for communications.

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    What does The Science of Food Nutrition and the Biological World cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Nutrients and metabolism

    Study macro- and micronutrients and begin developing a presentation topic.

    Taste, microbiology and fermentation

    Investigate taste and aroma, visit a farm and explore pickle fermentation.

    Food making and public health

    Set up miso fermentation, make lactose-free cream cheese and examine public health programs.

    Genetics, cooking and presentations

    Explore genetics and GMO foods, visit a cooking school and present on public health or nutrition.

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

    What is a typical day on The Science of Food Nutrition and the Biological World?

    A typical day during the program.

    Classes

    Attend instruction with breaks for lunch or field trips.

    Independent campus time

    Use campus libraries for study or visit the gym.

    Residential activities

    Join staff-supervised socials, games and other residential activities.

    Recreational excursions

    Program trips may visit beaches, theme parks or sports events.

    Who teaches on The Science of Food Nutrition and the Biological World?

    USC Summer Programs courses are taught by USC faculty and experienced professionals from the university’s academic community. The teaching model combines lectures, hands-on workshops and laboratories, and guest speakers.

    Where do students stay on The Science of Food Nutrition and the Biological World?

    Residential plan

    • Shared residence-hall room: Live in USC residence halls with gender-specific roommate and floormate assignments.
    • Residential meals: Room and board covers three daily dining-hall meals, academic-trip meals and two meals on Saturdays before recreational trips.
    • Residential supervision: Residential advisors live in the halls and are available at all times, with USCard access and 24/7 campus patrols.
    • Evening and weekend activities: Supervised socials, games and recreational excursions complement the academic program.

    Non-residential plan

    • Local commuter option: Eligible students live with a parent or guardian in Los Angeles or Orange County and attend all academic sessions.
    • Commuter activities: Commuters may join weeknight activities with parent permission and weekend excursions using program transportation.
    • Commuter meal access: Commuters buy meals separately; USC dining halls do not accept cash.

    Roommate requests cannot be accommodated. International participants and domestic participants living abroad must reside on campus.

    What happens after The Science of Food Nutrition and the Biological World?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Earn three units of elective credit upon successful completion.

    Complete a presentation on public health or nutrition.

    Request an official transcript showing your course grade.

    Explore biology and nutrition beyond high school coursework.

    Build faculty connections that may support a future recommendation.

    Credit transfer depends on the receiving institution; recommendation letters and USC admission are not guaranteed.

    Where does The Science of Food Nutrition and the Biological World take place?

    The program takes place on USC’s University Park Campus in Los Angeles, with access to library reading rooms, computer labs and campus facilities. This course includes visits to a farm and a cooking school.

    Commuters must use program transportation for academic and recreational field trips.

    The Science of Food Nutrition and the Biological World FAQs

    You must have completed at least one year of high school biology with a grade of B or above. USC also requires completion of ninth grade before the program starts.

    The course outline includes a farm visit, pickle and miso fermentation, lactose-free cream cheese making, a cooking-school visit and presentations on public health or nutrition. Learning highlights also include experimental design, DNA extraction, PCR and gel electrophoresis.

    Successful completion earns three units of elective credit. Each receiving college decides whether to accept those units, so keep your course syllabus.

    Eligible local students can commute while living with a parent or legal guardian in Los Angeles or Orange County. International participants and domestic participants living abroad must reside on campus.

    Residential advisors live in the halls and are available at all times. USC provides 24/7 patrols and USCard-controlled access, with a 10 p.m. hall curfew and 11:30 p.m. lights-out rule.

    USC Summer Programs does not offer financial aid or assistance. USC employee tuition benefits also do not apply.

    Bring your own laptop. Some laboratory activities require long pants and closed-toe shoes.

    Participation does not guarantee admission to USC. The academic experience, elective credit and potential faculty recommendations can provide material for future applications, but recommendation letters are not guaranteed.

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    Sean Stevens

    Content 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.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Summer Programs Application Management
    • USC Summer Programs Transcripts | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs FAQs | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs Policies | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs International Application | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Residential and Commuter Experience | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs Overview | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs Application and Admission | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs | USC Pre-College
    • Summer Nutrition Program | USC Pre-College

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 5 Oct 2026)

    • Official course page checked

    • Biology prerequisite reviewed

    • Session dates compared

    • Application deadlines distinguished

    • Fee options reviewed

    • Residential policies reviewed

    • Credit conditions checked

    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.