Splash Spring 19
Course Catalog

The objective of this course is to explore the world of Marvel through its cinematic universe. In this course, we will journey through the main set of Marvel movies, beginning from Iron Man (2008) and coming all the way to Avengers: Infinity War Pt.1 (2018). Through this journey, we will explore topics, themes and issues that are brought about in these movies. We will also try to explore what makes the franchise so compelling in terms of artistic innovation, character development, business models and marketing strategies. Students should be able to see the movies and point out the various social, ethical, political and economic themes that are highlighted within them. They should be able to critically analyze MCU’s presence and relevance in the modern world. The course is designed to focus more on how real-world themes and issues are portrayed in the movies. Students, will thus, be part of heated discussions regarding the same.


Prerequisites
Have seen all marvel films.

This course takes a close look at what branding is and how it works, through the eyes of a designer. Students will learn about logos and practice creating their own designs. An Adobe Illustrator basic tutorial will also be given. Graphic Design skills are becoming increasingly valuable and prevalent in digital culture and in career demands. Utilize your creativity and come design with us!


Prerequisites
We ask that everyone bring their own laptop and have Adobe Illustrator downloaded (free trial available) before class, as we will also be giving an AI tutorial.

In this course, we will be teaching you how to draw and create basic henna designs! We will provide henna cones and will teach you a little bit about the history and tradition behind its application.

If you have previous experience/are an expert, you are also welcome to use our materials.

Learn about the musical aspects to an a cappella group, ranging from blend to breath support, arrangement to choreography, vocal percussion to solo, etc. Complete with demos

This class will be a fun way to learn fundamental concepts of art! If you've never drawn before or believe that you're just "not good at art", this class will show you that you can be an artist!

For artists, this class will help you expand on your fundamental knowledge and hopefully give you an idea of more paths!

This class will engage fun activities and provide resources on these points:

* How can you earn money for your art?
* What sort of careers are available for artists?
* How to hone your craft & grow

(Note: you do not have to be an artist to take this class)

Bioengineering is a multidisciplinary field. In this course, we will discuss the different aspects of bioengineering and their applications to other fields. We will also be doing activities that will be related to the different concentrations available here at UC Berkeley. No prerequisites are required. We would just like you to have an open mind and an interest in bioengineering.

Learn about the basics of aerospace engineering, then put what you've learned to the test by building an engine mount structure for a rocket! Will your structure survive a launch to orbit?


Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of forces

We're going to go over the engineering design process and what goes into it starting from needs finding to when to stop iterating.

Then we're going to design something together as a class. The class is short so you will be asked to participate most of the time. Be prepared to throw out some really wild ideas.


Prerequisites
None

This class is a mix of electronics and art!

We will review concepts about electricity to understand a simple circuit design. Then, there will be a demonstration of parallel circuits and DIY switches.

At the end, you will get the chance to design your own LED greeting card using this knowledge and your creativity! You can tinker with other circuit layouts and sketch whatever you like. Or, you can pick a template with choices including Star Wars, Marvel, cupcakes, and other random stuff.

No previous experience required!


Prerequisites
Bring a pencil

Bioprinting is a tissue engineering method which uses 3D printing technology to make living, artificial tissue constructs. These tissue constructs can be used for drug testing, food, and eventually for transplantation. Come learn about the basic building blocks of this technology!

Ever look around and wonder how the buildings, roads, bridges, water systems, or cities in general came to be? Interested in civil engineering or curious as to what it even is? Come join us to learn the basics of one of humanity's oldest engineering disciplines! Afterwards, we will be doing an activity to put your newfound civil engineering skills to work.

Learn the basics of rocket science through both interactive presentations and a hands-on activity, culminating in the test firing of a lab-scale rocket engine!

Lecture topics will include launch vehicles, basics of orbital maneuvers, reusable rockets, and fundamentals of rocket engine design.


Prerequisites
Basic understanding of physics and chemistry. Calculus background helpful but not strictly required.

This two-hour lesson is divided into two parts to teach the fundamental components of robotics: the EECS (electrical engineering and computer science) side and the mechanical side. The first half of the lesson is focused on the introduction of Arduinos in which students will complete a few challenges using the Arduinos, breadboards, and other sensors/motors. The second half will consist of students building a prosthetic hand out of household materials, aiming to give it various capabilities, including the flexing of "fingers", picking up items, and even throwing items if possible. If time permits, students can also delve deeper into possibly using the Arduinos to help complete some of these tasks for the prosthetic hands

Puzzle through circuit building challenges and learn how to breadboard at this introductory course. No math and no prerequisites, just hands-on learning.

Interested in Norse Mythology, the Medieval Period, Viking culture, historical heroes or History Channels hit show "Vikings"? This course will focus on the history, culture, and religion of the Vikings with special emphasis on the life and legend of Ragnar Lothbrok. Come to learn about the most prominent and powerful Norsemen to terrorize Europe while further understanding how the legends of Ragnar influenced Viking society.

Advisory: Expect to watch brief clips that contain PG-13 level violence.

This isn't Percy Jackson's backyard.

We're going to do a quick run through of the creation of the universe as the Greeks know it, then, we'll dive into some interesting stuff like the Hymn to Demeter and Sophocles plays. More likely than not we are going to get stuck in a lot of places in the creation myth and then in Hesiod's Works and Days.

By the end of the class, you'll have a solid idea of what happened in Greek Myths and a list of texts to look at if you feel so inclined. Consider it a break between your other classes at Splash!

Learn about the function of chakras, or wheels of energy, within the human body. This course will discuss what chakras are and how to heal common injuries like the cold or a stomach ache with chakras. If you are interested in alternative or holistic healing techniques or wanting to awaken your inner spirituality and mindfulness this class is for you! Beyond lectures in this class we will be moving around. In this class we will also engage in beginner level yoga, so dress accordingly.

Do you enjoy watching movies? Love Korean culture but can't make it to South Korea anytime soon?
Students will be watching clips from several Korean films and analyzing them within the context of contemporary Koreans aesthetics as well as the historical framework.
In the beginning, there will be a quick rundown on South Korean history and society. We will then debate over the implications behind these Korean films.
All movies are subtitled in English, so knowing Korean is not necessary.
Advisory: There will be clips shown with sensitive material. Students will be forewarned.

The most translated part of Sima Qian's book of history (90 BC) is chapter called "The Assassins." In the first part of the class, we will look at the weapon of the assassins - the sword. Chinese archaeologists have excavated dozens of beautifully crafted swords that tell us something about the ancient culture and how they were used. Second, we will learn about specific stories of the assassins from ancient history. These were driven men and women in age of loyalty and violence and our historian, Sima Qian, seems to have really respected them. Why?


Prerequisites
None

The transition from Republic to Empire during the civil wars of the first century BC has long been viewed as one of the defining moments in Western history. This transformation brought about a revolution in culture, politics, and society on such a scale as had never before been seen. By the end of this tumultuous period, the old aristocracy had been almost entirely wiped out, the state itself had been radically reshaped, and the course of history had been irreversibly altered - all this by a handful of ambitious young upstarts. Learn how they effected these changes and how you too can achieve such greatness!

Throughout high school math courses the Cartesian plane is always the standard for graphs. Every graph is a curve on a flat plane. But what about graphs in 3 dimensions? This course will go into the basics of graphs in three variables. These graphs in 3 dimensions create solids in 3 space rather your regular old curves on a plane. Take this class to find out what they look like.


Prerequisites
Precalculus

These graphs are not the typical "equations in the coordinate plane" that you have seen before. They are likely much easier to understand. These graphs are a useful tool in GPS navigation, computer networks, and other computer science applications. This class will go into the basics of these graphs.


Prerequisites
Some sort of interest in mathematics.

Math shows up in movies and TV in a variety of contexts. It might be the math lesson the main character ignores or an insane problem a prodigy solves in seconds. This class will take a look at some math problems that appear in movies that sometimes go unnoticed. We'll look at examples like the math problem from well known movies like Good Will Hunting or Mean Girls.


Prerequisites
Some sort of algebra.

Mostly hidden behind the shroud of the standard mathematics curriculum, complex numbers are actually both simple and elegant. In this class, we will dive into the basic mathematical structure of complex numbers, both from a conceptual and computational perspective. We will draw from examples in physics to see that the imaginary unit $$i$$ is, ironically, one of the most practically useful ideas we have.

This course will be about difference equations, a universal tool which can be used to describe how things evolve over time.

Ever heard of Python? Maybe java or html? These are all computing languages and are important in our future world! Here we will be going through the very basics of the language Python. This language is primarily used at UC Berkeley in many departments including: Data Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, and so many more! Not only that, top companies like YouTube, DropBox, Google, Quora and even Netflix use Python. Believe it or not, Python is the second most used language in the world according to Github.

In this class we will go over basic Python Syntax, Error messages, Numbers and Arithmetic, Variables, Functions and Arrays.

For this course we will be using Jupiter Notebooks so please BRING YOUR LAPTOP!

Contact us if you have any questions or concerns!

Teachers
Shivani Patel - shivanijpatel@berkeley.edu
Sindhu Goli - sindhugoli@berkeley.edu

Assistants
Hailey Tran - Hailey.tran@berkeley.edu
Sage Jeon - sungjoojeon@berkeley.edu

Computer Science is often considered a very hands-on, engineering discipline, but there's a wealth of conceptual theory to be examined under the surface. This class will discuss the different complexity classes and what it means to solve a problem "efficiently."

Learn how to make a webpage with HTML/CSS/Javascript in this workshop! If you're new to programming, you'll have the opportunity to learn the basics using Scratch first.

You're welcome to bring your own laptop, but we will have more than enough desktops available for use.

Taught by members of HKN, UC Berkeley's Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences Honor Society.


Prerequisites
Prior programming experience preferred, but not necessary.

In this lecture, we'll review the properties of polynomials, interpolation, and learn a cool trick that uses bases. Time permitting, we'll also talk about applications of combinatorics with polynomials.


Prerequisites
Algebra 2/Trig (can be a co-requisite)

If there is a single idea that permeates nearly every field of science and engineering but the name of which is unknown to most people, it is the Fourier transform. Although the basic idea is nearly 200 years old, it is so ubiquitous that scientists are still developing ever faster ways to perform the transform computationally. In this class, we will develop intuition for what the transform is, how it works, and what you can do with it. Some applications that may be covered (pending time and interest) include:

* Data compression
* Signal processing
* Music Theory
* Acoustic Engineering
* Electrical Engineering
* Quantum Mechanics

Come learn about (arguably) the most important mathematical tool in all of science! Emphasis will be on examples, visualizations, intuition, and applications rather than formal mathematics.


Prerequisites
Required: trigonometry; Suggested: calculus and/or linear algebra

In the field of math known as game theory, methods of analysis are used to correctly predict the outcome of games. If, from any position, a game's outcome can be predicted, the game is solved. We will "solve" some games (familiar and not familiar) where the solution is short, and we will learn how to play some other solved games.

Edge detection is a fundamental problem in computer vision which provides a good opportunity to learn some basics of image processing. In this course, we will talk about some of these basic tools (convolution, Gaussian smoothing, and spatial differentiation), then use this foundation to study the Canny Edge Detection algorithm and some of its optimizations. It is my goal for everyone in the class to understand the Canny edge detector well enough to implement it on their own, although we will not do this during the class. If time permits, we will also take a brief high level look at some more modern approaches to edge detection, including an overview of machine learning.


Prerequisites
I will use a tiny bit of calculus. If you know what a derivative is, you will be fine. If you don't, you may still be able to follow most of the talk with some difficulty. This could be an interesting way to learn what a derivative is!

Dive into the world of virtual reality! Try out various headsets and the latest games and apps. Learn how VR came to be, why it's worth being excited about, and how you can get involved today.

Some problems can be solved quickly. Others seem to fundamentally require an exponentially-long time to solve. We take a look at some problems in each category, and discuss how computer scientists classify their difficulty.


Prerequisites
Understanding the difference between a polynomial function and an exponential function.

Learn the basics of HTML and CSS and create your very own personal website! Come prepared with an idea of what kind of content you want on your website. No previous coding experience necessary :)

Blockchain Fundamentals is a comprehensive survey of core topics in cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin, and blockchain technology. This program is accessible by anyone, with any background.

Do you enjoy puzzles and problem-solving? Want to get a look into the field of computer science? Sort with us! We will guide you in designing your own algorithm (a step-by-step procedure) that sorts playing cards. This class will teach you a development process regularly used by professional programmers and give you an intuition for foundational algorithms. No background in computer science necessary--just a desire to become the fastest deck sorter!

The nature of "infinity" had been puzziling for mathematicians and philosophers since ancient times.
What does infinity mean? What are some of the problems behind the idea of infinity? This crash class will introduce fundamentals about these questions, including Cantor's classical work, which served as the foundation of mathematics ever since. Depending on the prior knowledge of the audience, I will possibly introduce some more in-depth discussions and results in mathematical logic related to the topic. The students will be encouraged to try out their own solutions and participate in discussions, either in group or as a class, depending on the class size. Student should not expect to only listen to the instructor's presentation.


Prerequisites
None. Experience and interest in mathematics is helpful.

Data science, a combination of statistics and computer science, is a rapidly expanding field and applicable to almost any subject. Learn how you can use numbers to figure out facts about the world, make predictions, and visualize trends. We aim to make this course accessible to all skill levels, regardless of past experience.

Based on UC Berkeley's fastest growing introductory class with over 1500 students and taught by current course staff. (Please bring a laptop!)

Tired of putting band-aids on dire social problems? Ever wondered how to solve society's greatest problems? Homelessness, child literacy, poverty? Learning the collective impact model will be one step closer to better understanding how to leverage community organizations, non-profits, government systems, and the private sector to tackle these social problems. In this course you will learn about a model of change, that will guide your planning and organizing to find solutions to these problems. We will be diving into examples of social change using the collective impact model.


Prerequisites
Love for change

This interactive and discussion-based course aims to introduce students to public health and how it impacts everyday lives. We’ll explore the different areas of public health and look at how medicine, the environment, and social-structural forces play a role in health. Learn how you can make a difference in public health!

Women have been an integral part of American society, and yet they are still very undervalued and underrepresented. This class will look at how women's rights have changed over the last century and inform students about current issues pertinent to women's rights. In addition, this class seeks to correct misinformation that is often circulated online and through political rhetoric, as well as give students tools to identify bias or slant in writing. Lastly, this class aims to create a bipartisan space to inspire civil discourse around the topic of women in society; students of all backgrounds and genders are encouraged to enroll.

Bear Closet is a service learning course that discusses LGBTQ+ identity through the context of the society in which someone grows up. If you have never taken an LGBTQ studies class, this course will help you gain a critical eye of how your hometown community defines social acceptance, and exactly how these standards change upon entering college.

In a democratic election, we use votes to convert everyone's preferences into The Democratic Will of the People. Or do we?

Maybe not, if Arrow's Impossibility Theorem gets anything to say about it. In this class, we'll talk about the mathematical paradoxes of democratic elections, and think about what comes next when there's no such thing as a perfectly fair election.


Prerequisites
Don't let the math (or the politics) scare you away -- this class will be fast-paced, but won't require any background knowledge.

Few words in world history have meant so many different things to so many different people as the simple noun "communism." Today, that word is synonymous with Russia, or better yet, its former name– the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, or USSR. For some, the USSR conjures up images of revolutionaries, freedom fighters, and defeaters of fascism for others, it brings memories of dictators and genocides. But unanimously, the USSR is remembered as one of the major powers and main characters of the 20th century. Attempting to keep politics aside, what is the history of this remarkable 20th century phenomenon, that was born and died in the span of one human life? How did communism, which began as an economic and political critique, written by the German philosopher Karl Marx, morph into a worldwide movement proselytized from (of all places) an Eastern city sitting on the Volga River? Communism was adapted as a system of government by Lenin, and went on to form the ideological and organizational backbone of the Soviet Union, later spreading to states like Vietnam, Cuba and even today's growing great power, China. How did Russia change from a feudalist agrarian backwater to the USSR, one of the world’s preeminent industrial and nuclear powers in under thirty years? What important international roles did the USSR play throughout the 20th century? How did it change throughout the course of its existence, and what does its legacy still mean today?

Do you ever wonder why all the stories told in your history classes are about white people? Do you ever get frustrated that the stories about people of color, women and other marginalized groups are only given a couple pages? Then this is the class for you! We'll discuss how we learn history in school, and learn some terminology to better understand the systems at play behind these issues.

For students interested in community engagement, human rights, and leadership -- this is the perfect class for you! We will be covering political science theories and applying them to real world situations involving human rights, education, and community organizing.


Prerequisites
None

Want to research human evolution, find artifacts, trace the DNA in human bones, or perform cross-cultural analyses? These are all things anthropologists do! Anthropology is the interdisciplinary study of humans across dozens of different fields. In this course, we will discuss anthropology in its three major subfields: socio-cultural, archaeology, and biological anthropology. Through this, we will look at what anthropologists do and what jobs they have after graduation. Additionally, we will analyze the practices of anthropology through history and learn how cultural groups have been affected by anthropology in the past, and how modern anthropologists are revolutionizing the field in the future.

Having recently created the only undergraduate student-led course and one of the only courses at UC Berkeley that focuses on Domestic Violence, I have noted that the fight for awareness is through education. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was the “permanent federal response” in efforts to decrease the occurrences of violence against women while providing the necessary resources and care to alleviate the stress of the situation. For 24 years, the act has served as a reminder that domestic violence is no longer just a private familial matter, but a public health issue. It's important that young adults are exposed to the the causes, implications and unintended consequences of an issue that us becoming more and more prevalent in today's society. The course is a dive into the basics of domestic violence including the causes, the target age groups, risks of the choices that the survivor makes, any unintended consequences that come about from the event of domestic violence, and etc.

Our taste buds work in mysterious ways! Join us on an exploratory adventure where we will find out exactly how chemicals on our taste bud receptors are transformed into electrical signals that our brains recognize as taste. This class will include a tasting activity with miracle berries!


Prerequisites
some background in biology could be helpful, but anyone with functional taste buds is welcome!

How does a black hole form? What is an event horizon? What is the difference between a Kerr and Schwarzschild metric? In this course we will discuss these topics, and maybe get into some of the still open questions.


Prerequisites
Algebra would be very useful. Basic physics knowledge would also be helpful.

Can objects exist in multiple places at once? How do we perform spooky actions at a distance--apparent faster-than-lightspeed travel?
Quantum Mechanics seems weird on the surface, but a closer look reveals the real weirdness may not be where you expected.


Prerequisites
Willingness to interrupt me to ask for clarification or questions.

We've all wished to be in two places at once, which is why the concept of superposition in Quantum Mechanics is especially alluring. In this class, let's see how close we can get to the dream according to modern science and philosophy.


Prerequisites
Willingness to interrupt and ask questions

What's so special about special relativity? That was the first draft for this course's title, but even after being a bit more serious about it, the question still applies. Einstein's (second) breakthrough in our understanding of the world is usually proclaimed as crazy, difficult, and crazy.

In this class we'll see why one of the "crazy" should be replaced with special, starting with how the benign idea of light leads to time dilation, length contraction, and a universal speed limit -- all from a couple of symmetries that will make you say, "Duh." We will glimpse the mathematical structure beneath it, but won't let loose in it just yet -- this class is meant to set a foundation, not a Jenga tower. We'll look at how all of this is used in life and research, finishing with a short intro to the general theory, and how everything you've learned in this class could be wrong.

All of this from one simple, special idea.


Prerequisites
Geometry and Algebra (preferrably Pre-Calculus, but not necessary)

Are aliens out there? How could we communicate to them? What would be the social implications of a discovery of intelligent life? If the answers to any of these questions interest you or you want to better understand what kind of research is being done to search for intelligent extraterrestrial life, this course is for you. We will describe some of the major scientific projects on Earth and their major obstacles conducting this research. We will also discuss the primary method used in this search so far using radio waves, which your cell phone relies on, and also potential future directions being explored.

You’ll leave the class with a better understanding of the search for these intriguing signals and perhaps even a drive to join the effort!

As our planet hurtles through space, it doesn’t travel alone. It is part of the solar system that scientists have thoroughly explored during last century through the use of space missions. The Sun, together with its planets, orbits our galaxy, the Milky Way; and this last one moves with other galaxies across the Universe. In this talk I will briefly show some basic concepts of astronomy while discussing "our place in the Cosmos".


Prerequisites
None.

Many believe that the cures to most diseases lie in stem cell science and research, yet others fear repercussions that could forever alter our social conscience and morality. This class takes students on a journey inside the stem cell revolution, where perspectives from scientists, researchers, policy-makers, and ethicists will challenge students to consider the societal, political, even spiritual implications of this rapidly developing frontier.


Prerequisites
Biology co-requisite, as long as you have taken or are taking any level of high school biology, you should be fine!

An overview of biomedical imaging: What is CT and MRI? How do they work? Is smoking bad for you? The answers to these questions and more with a little physics, some pretty pictures, and (maybe) a lot of fun. We'll cover the basic principles of medical imaging modalities, their clinical use, and the important role that UC Berkeley has played in their development.

Information seems to be a concept that plays an important role in everything we do. When we talk to people, we share information. When we write, we record information. When we spill stuff on our computers, we destroy information! But what is information? To answer this question, we use the lens of Quantum Mechanics and attempt to convey how information may be the heart of modern science!


Prerequisites
Enthusiasm! Some knowledge of algebra (or willingness to use algebra) would be fantastic!

Have you ever wanted to go back in time and kill your grandfather before your parents were conceived? I hope not, but if you have this is the course for you. Anyone else interested in physics or time travel is also welcome.
In this course I will discuss the physics of time travel from real experiments in time dilation to theoretical concepts like wormholes. This course will cover the basics ideas behind both special and general relativity, and the various ways in which these theories might enable or disallow time travel. I will also discuss what is possible to do with a relativity-consistent time machine, and how to resolve logical time travel issues such as the grandfather paradox.


Prerequisites
Newton's laws of motion, simple vectors and geometry

Do you like animals? Come learn about ethology, or "the study of animal behavior". We will learn to identify distinct behaviors by studying videos, GIFs, and images of various species (ex. Fiddler Crabs, Whooping Cranes, and Sticklebacks).

Alzheimer’s Disease is a devastating disorder caused by the death of neurons, usually leading to cognitive impairment, drastic mood/personality changes, and even severe memory loss. Alzheimer’s Disease already affects about 10% of people age 65 or older, and as our population ages, its prevalence is expected to increase further. Yet no effective treatments currently exist.

We are researchers at UCSF interested in studying Alzheimer’s Disease and hopefully developing new ways to treat it—and we want to share what we’ve learned!

Why do we need clocks that can measure 0.00000000000000001 seconds? Atomic clocks are among some of the most sensitive scientific devices in existence! Beyond fundamental interest, they also have provided great benefit to society by allowing the possibility of GPS navigation and the synchronization of global communication. In this course, we will learn how scientists control atoms and use them to measure time in an atomic clock. We will also discuss the historical significance of precision timekeeping.

Ever wondered what happens to the brain on drugs? Today we will be discussing the brain on opioids, lsd, methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, alcohol, caffeine, and other drugs. The history of the drug, and short and long term effects will also be discussed!

In every human, there are 10 times more bacteria living on our body than the amount of cells we have. Many of them are mutual to us and play an important role, while some are pathogenic and may potentially kill us.
Are you ready to learn about our closest neighbor? Get on the journey with us!

When you look up into the sky at night and see a star, it's likely that it has one or more planets in orbit around it, worlds far from our own. Like the planets Tatooine in Star Wars, or the waterworld Gargantua in Interstellar, planets orbiting around stars other than the Sun, or exoplanets, are fascinating to study and explore.

In this course, we will take a journey through some of the exoplanets that scientists have found. We will also explain how scientists discover these exoplanets, and how they learn a surprising amount about them, overcoming remarkable challenges to do so.

We'll even mention how students like yourself can join in this effort in high school!

According to the CDC, more than 600,000 people in the United States die each year from heart-related
diseases, making it the leading cause of death for both men and women. Cardiovascular disease is a result
of the gradual buildup of plaque or fatty material within the arterial walls leading to heart attacks.
However, most cardiovascular diseases are preventable by addressing risk factors such as poor and unhealthy diets, smoking, environmental hazards, and limited physical activity. The heart is one of the most vital organs required for human life and has very complex structures and mechanisms that enable blood circulation throughout the body. This course aims to introduce interested students from all
backgrounds the fundamentals of the heart. In particular, we will cover its respective anatomy and
physiology, learn related diseases and their impacts in public health, and explore exciting on-going
research fields.


Prerequisites
Basic knowledge about Biology; Some experience with Anatomy and Physiology preferred

Albert Einstein's theory of relativity is a bold and bizarre hypothesis about the way our universe works when things move very quickly. It predicts that objects shrink and expand and even age at different rates depending on how fast they're moving. And, as it turns out, these strange predictions are 100% correct!

While parts of the theory are complicated mathematically, its core physical ideas are straightforward to understand without any math. And there are mathematically simple applications of relativity which are nonetheless meaningful, counterintuitive, and inspiring.

In the course, we will briefly review the history of physics leading up to Einstein, then introduce the basic concepts that allow us to discuss special relativity (observers, relative motion, reference frames), present the postulates that special relativity is based on, develop some fundamental equations (time dilation, length contraction), and finally use this machinery to treat some problems of interest, hopefully including classics such as the "twin paradox" and how to fit a 1.0m pole into a 0.9m long barn.


Prerequisites
You need to have taken a physics class to get anything out of this one! Prereqs are: high school physics including basic trigonometry (sin/cos/tan) and algebra. I may use a tiny bit of calculus. If you know what a derivative is, you will be fine. If you don't, you will still be able to follow most of the talk with some minor difficulty.

Psychoactive drugs – stimulants, sedatives, psychedelics, analgesics, antidepressant and antipsychotic pharmaceuticals, and others – powerfully impact the human brain and mind. Understanding these substances and their effects vividly illustrates connections between botany, chemistry, cell biology, physiology, psychology, sociology, public policy, and constitutional law. This class will explore this territory, emphasizing the complex nature of drugs as both medicines and poisons emanating from plants and fungi that have enjoyed deep historical relationships with humankind.

Introduction to basic concepts of physics as well as the more extraneous and interesting concepts such as quantum mechanics and particle smashers,


Prerequisites
Basic math (algebra)

Science is hard. It requires problem solving skills the likes of which take years to fully master. From problem sets to actual live problems in research, the approach to a problem can make all the difference! Being a good scientist doesn't require being a genius (although that would certainly help). ANYONE can learn the analytical and logical method of thinking that science has to offer, and can be applied to all parts of life, not just in the classroom.


Prerequisites
No formal prerequisites, but some exposure to math and science would help

How far away are the sun and the moon, and who told the Greeks?

In this class we will discuss how the Greeks learned to take their tape measures to the sky without leaving the atmosphere, and how scientists are now using the same ideas to study everything from the expansion of the universe to the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy.


Prerequisites
A little geometry will be helpful, but all are welcome!

Our immune system has evolved over millions of years to recognize pathogens and everyday invaders. It is a team effort involving many defenses. Each player has an important role. How do these defenses protect us against invaders we have never encountered before? How do we activate our system's powerful weapons? How do they orchestrate the immune response? Just as importantly, how do we prevent "collateral damage" and destroy cancer cells?

Here we will take a look at the game as a whole. Come learn about your immune system's important players like B cells, T cells, and antibodies and complex topics such as self-tolerance and cancer!

yoga for body, mind, and sprit includes laughter yoga and eyes movements


Prerequisites
none

Do you know what Marvel Comics was called in 1939? Do you know what comic book Spider-Man originated in? What are the differences between Captain America: Civil War and the comic book? Come learn and laugh over Marvel Comics and Marvel Cinematic Universe facts that you may have not known, and share some of your own! We will debate over certain characters and aspects of the Marvel Universe and watch clips of the movies and possibly the tv shows. You will learn about Easter Eggs in the movies and the similarities and differences between the comics and the movies. Finally, we will be having a trivia contest, and there will be prizes. Come join the Marvel Madness!


Prerequisites
Some prior knowledge of the MCU movies is highly recommended, but not completely required. Come with a nerdy thirst for superhero knowledge and a fun attitude!

What does Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and Google all have in common? A really efficient team of designers...

When it comes to building amazing products, design is the most important “feature” — it gives companies an edge over competitors. Whether you want to be a designer, developer, product manager, program manager, marketing manager or project manager, understanding the product development process is essential to create your best work.

Come learn about the differences between UX vs. UI vs. Graphic Design! We will be going over common principles of design and discussing the trademarks of a bad design.

Towards the end you pick one of many design-related activities: wire-framing, sketching, or sculpting!

Come unlock your inner zen! Learn about a brief history of a Japanese Zen Garden and its different symbols. You will have a chance to make your own desk-sized version to bring home.

Are you interested in international relations and Model United simulations? Are you interested as to what to do during and how better to plan the MUN offseason? Do you want to start running your own conferences? Join us for an amazing class section by BMUN's Outreach staff, where we teach you skills about club organization and how to get the most of your leadership structure, and how to better market Model UN and put on conferences for both personal and club development! Really cool opportunity for advanced MUN delegates willing to grow their programs!


Prerequisites
You have to be a student within the grades of 9-12 and either a head delegate or a member of your school's MUN program structure/hierarchy

Don’t miss this great opportunity to build a fully functional website with GoCentral Website Builder (No coding at all!)

We’ll get started with a design based on your site name and industry or idea. From there, simply customize it with built-in design tools. So, choose your own font, layout, colors, and content.

There will be special access codes, so each student will get a FREE domain name, website builder tool, email, and SSL Certificate!

There are templates for making a site about: business, gaming, gym, blog, portfolio, gallery, pretty much anything else, etc.


Prerequisites
1. Bring a laptop! 2. Before attending, make sure that your chosen domain name has not been taken yet! check here: https://www.godaddy.com/domains/domain-name-search ie. somerandomname.com (must end in .com) 3. have some random idea of what you want your site to be about ie. blog, portfolio, business, gaming, gym, gallery, etc.

The school system does not require a class for students to learn how to live in the real world and function as an adult. We often enter college unprepared to take care of ourselves. Many life skills, including how to develop good habits, manage stress, pay taxes, budget our spending/income, and to live a healthy lifestyle, are necessary, especially when college is the bridge to adulthood. This course will explore the many dimensions of how to successfully adult.

A powerful mnemonic technique called a "Memory Palace" or "The Method of Loci" can be used to remember large amounts of information for long periods of time. We will discuss what a Memory Palace is, how to construct one and how to apply it in a practical setting.

This DeCal aims to introduce UC Berkeley students to the theory and application of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), current events, and global issues and prepare them to become socially responsible citizens and professionals. During each session, we will examine a different industry and evaluate its impact on People, Planet, and Profit. Students will leave this course with a strong foundation in CSR principles and the ability to engage with global environmental and social issues. As a capstone project, students will work in teams to evaluate CSR business strategy for the company of their choice and propose improvements.

This course is designed to get high school students (grades 9-11) thinking about the process of applying to college universities.

With important dates and details given to students who may not have graduates in the family, this course is designed to empower low income and underrepresented students by walking through a step-by-step process of applying to college as a high school senior.

This course will focus on developing new and improving upon current organizational skills in order for students to succeed in their academics. We will be concentrating on how to take better, more efficient notes that are also aesthetically pleasing, as well as how to maintain a clean, productive study space (i.e. one that sparks joy). Finally, we will address the benefits of developing these organizational skills early in high school and maintaining them throughout one’s the rest of one’s educational/professional career.


Prerequisites
A will to learn how to organize and succeed in academics!

Q: Why do meditation lovers enjoy going to airports?
A: Because they always get a free body scan

Meditation isn’t only about sitting cross-legged on the floor and humming to a deep tune. It comes in a plethora of forms: sitting in a chair eyes closed, breathing in a rhythm with eyes open, even standing while swinging your arms! Learn how to manage your daily stressors by welcoming the simple practice of meditation into your life.

✩ Bonus ✩
Class will also include various mindfulness tips :)

Interested in the intersection of business and social impact? Come develop problem-solving tools and learn about social entrepreneurship through a real-world business case study led by college student instructors with experience in nonprofits, corporate strategy, and entrepreneurship. You'll then split into teams to develop and pitch business solutions to pressing issues facing your sector of interest, including education, health & environment, international development, and more!

Have stage fright? Or simply want to brush up one your speaking skills? Either way, this course will teach you the basics of thinking on your feet in a public speaking setting. We will go over what attributes make great speakers great, and then do hands on speaking activities and mini speeches that will help us pinpoint what our strong and weak points are. We'll learn fluency, hand gestures, charisma, etc as well as ways to keep practicing these skills beyond this class.

A country with around 14 political parties? How does that work? Join us for an hour long discussion about the past and present of German national politics to find out!

Language of Instruction: English

Come check out all the super rad ways you can make your life more efficient with technology! Our two student teachers currently co-faciitate a course about technology at UC Berkeley and want to share their favorite tech life hacks with high school students. They will introduce a variety of tools, apps, resources, and more that involve tech and can improve your day-to-day lives and increase productivity. (Fruit snacks may or may not be thrown at students).


Prerequisites
N/A

Ever wonder what it takes to turn your big idea into reality? Or how one can even come up with such an idea? In this course, we'll teach you the basics of entrepreneurism, how to create your own million dollar idea, and how you can turn that idea into a reality. Part of this session will be a lecture, while the rest of it will be a prototyping and ideation workshop.

When we think about Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, co-pays, chargemasters, and deductibles, the US healthcare system can seem really nebulous. This class will cover the history of US healthcare, its current state, and ideas for health care reform.

Dive into society's most infamous form of expression. From 50's blues to the grungiest forms of 90's punk, this class will explore how the culture of rock and roll shaped and influenced the society we live in today. We will listen to samples all across the board and examine stylistic changes and influences. Ultimately, the class will appreciate how a collection of social misfits changed the world forever.

This class will develop an understanding in key nutritional concepts and explore the science behind a variety of diets and fitness trends. Ultimately, we will provide a better understanding of nutrition and help develop ways to incorporate a healthy lifestyle.

Want to make the world a better place? Me too. Sign up to learn about how you can make the greatest impact with your life.

Interested in venturing in the great outdoors? Heard of backpacking but not sure where to start? We will talk about the California wilderness, potential trips and gear selection.


Prerequisites
N/A