Splash Spring 2025
Course Catalog

A zine is a like a mini magazine you make yourself with crafts and pictures. Learn more about what a Zine is and a bit about its history and influences. Then, using magazines and crafts that will be provided, make one yourself!

This course is for all students interested in picking up a new hobby, learning how to fold origami! No prior experience is required.

Want to learn some cool dance moves for your next party? Join a studio session with an officer from Berkeley's collegiate ballroom dance team. Dances taught will be dependent on space + student interest


Prerequisites
Athletic clothing. NO SHOES OR PARTNER NEEDED

In this workshop, participants will dive into the realm of abstract mixed media painting and explore contemporary techniques to create bold compositions. As we explore color, texture, and form we will interact with collage, found materials, and acrylic painting. Students will learn different abstract painting techniques, develop an understanding of color theory, and trust the intuitive process of creating while leaning into the power of experimentation. This workshop is designed to inspire artists of all levels, no experience is necessary.

Book banning and censorship is a very currently relevant topic, but it has also been an issue for hundreds of years. We will briefly cover the history of book banning (including John Milton's Areopagitica) as well as the history of using zines as a form of protest against it. Then, we will make zines (materials provided)!

Intro to Hip-Hop Dance is a high-energy class designed for beginners looking to explore the fundamentals of hip-hop movement. Students will learn basic grooves, footwork, isolations, and musicality while building confidence and rhythm. The class includes a dynamic warm-up, foundational exercises, and a fun combination to apply new skills. No prior experience needed—just bring your energy and get ready to move!

Welcome to Bioengineering 101! Join us for a hands-on, group activity to explore bioengineering. Learn from current bioengineering undergraduate students at UC Berkeley & discover various bioengineering fields and career paths.

This course provides an introduction to the field of chemical engineering and offers a glimpse into what students can expect to learn as a Chemical Engineering undergraduate at UC Berkeley. Participants will explore the fundamentals of electrochemistry and its applications in battery technology. Through hands-on activities, students will apply key electrochemical principles to design and build their own battery. Join us for an exciting overview of this dynamic field!

In this hands-on workshop, students will explore the fundamentals of engineering and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) using Onshape, a powerful and free cloud-based design software.

The first hour will introduce the basics of Onshape, guiding students through essential tools and techniques. After a short break, students will put their new skills to the test with an exciting design project.
By the end of the class, each student will have created a unique design they can take home, gaining valuable experience in digital modeling and engineering.


Prerequisites
Students should have a laptop and mouse in order to participate in this class.

Students will be learning about electricity and electrical engineering through hands on activities. This lesson is important because it demonstrates the connection between electricity and
magnetism, which underpins many technologies like motors and electromagnets. Understanding
these concepts helps students grasp how these fundamental principles are applied in real-world
devices.

Considered to be the last of the so-called metal age after bronze and copper, the iron age indicates the time where humans were finally able to mass produce many feats of engineering that had never been done before without the manipulation of iron. Iron was not a new element at the time of the iron age, but it was not correctly used. The key to this monumental period was the fact that we finally understood the importance of processing and materials selection towards specific applications.

In this course, we aim to briefly explore the engineering accomplishments of materials discovery and engineering, and dive into a small demonstration of how the treatment of materials changes its properties.

'All men by nature desire to know' --Aristotle

‘If I held Truth captive in my hand, I should open my hand and let it fly, in order that I might again pursue and capture it’ -- Malebranche

You've probably felt curious. But do you know what curiosity is? This is an introductory philosophy course where we will examine the nature of curiosity. Is it a desire to know, as Aristotle might say? Or is it a love for inquiry, as Malebranche seems to think? Let's find out!

Interested in poetry? Old literature? Shakespeare? This class will be a quick deep dive into some of Shakespeare's most famous sonnets. Learn how Shakespeare created his sonnets and the complexities behind what they mean.

Dive into the vibrant world of media studies! And no its not just watching movies in class (it is sometimes). We'll explore how media shapes our lives, influences our thoughts, and connects us all. Whether you're a binge-watcher, a social media guru, or just curious about the impact of media, get ready to unravel the stories behind the screens and discover the powerful role media plays in shaping culture and society!


Prerequisites
A person that consumes media (newsflash!! its everybody)

Curious to know what English classes in college are like? Join me for an interactive discussion of Yeats' "The Song of Wandering Aengus." We will cover topics such as the public vs private experiences of readership, the various ways language evokes sensation, and theories of symbolism.


Prerequisites
Please read the poem before coming to class

We will explore the rich history of discourse, activism, and political movements in higher education, examining their lasting impact on campuses today. This includes analyzing the Free Speech Movement, understanding labor strikes in academia, discussing the role of student government, and more.

AI is everywhere, quite truly ubiquitous. Yet how much do we really know about it and its potential impacts on society? Have we talked enough about the ethical implications?

This course is about starting those overdue discussions, and asking ourselves about security, privacy, opacity and humanity.

Join us for informative background, as well as lively interaction, in which there are no right or wrong answers, only discussions we all need to have - and should have had yesterday

"Brevity is the soul of wit". Embodying this quote, the flash fiction is a story that never exceeds 1000 words. This particular form of literature manages to leave the deepest impressions with minimum writing. In this class, we will attempt to dissect flash fiction, taking its components apart, seeing how they work together to convey meaning. If you are interested in literature, creative writing, and reading in slow motion, this course serves as a digestible introduction to all the above. Blink and you'll miss it!

Suzhou is a city renowned for its classical gardens, waterscapes, embroidery, Kun opera, Pingtan, etc. Suzhounese is considered the prestige language of Wu Chinese, which is not mutually intelligible with Mandarin but is related to other Wu dialects, such as Shanghainese. In this short course, you will have the chance to learn some basic expressions and interesting words in this different language, and you will also learn about the culture, history, aesthetics, and philosophy related to Suzhou.


Prerequisites
No prerequisites needed. Having some basic knowledge of other Chinese languages may be helpful, but it is not necessary.

Are you an aspiring appreciator of poetry but feeling unsure where to start? This class will cover the basics of poetic analysis as we walk through the essential elements of the form along with understanding the function of a couple common poetic devices. Although this class is intended for beginners, everybody is welcome regardless of familiarity!

Most young readers avoid non-fiction pieces because they are difficult to comprehend (and fiction is easier to read and digest シ). In our discussion of Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay "Nature", we will introduce reading strategies, cover the historical context behind transcendentalist themes and writers, and analyze portions of the text.

Interested in writing short stories? Love diving into the worlds of your favorite fandoms? In this creative writing class, you’ll explore the art of storytelling through fandom writing! This course invites students to craft alternate universe scenarios, create missing scenes, and blend their favorite fandoms in unexpected ways. With fun writing exercises, character exploration, and imaginative prompts, you’ll develop your writing skills while playing in the worlds you love.

Do you love reading BL and/or GL? Then this class is for YOU!

We will dive beyond romance and explore common perceptions in LGBTQ+ media consumption. Which demographics love it? What groups condemn it? Can these demographics overlap and why?

Behind the scenes, we shall examine the thoughts of authors when creating these fictional works. Is there a difference between BL created by a male vs. female artist and vice versa?

Many sociocultural and literary questions–all that will be answered in class!

At the end of class, a tier list of BL/GL recommendations will be shared and debated upon.

A brief overview of the United Nations and how to get involved with advocacy work as a career or volunteer through the United Nations Association.
A history of the UN, its makeup, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be covered.

It’s easy to brush off poetry as too difficult to understand, inaccessible, or simply uninteresting. This class introduces students to lyric poetry through the lyrics of popular musician Taylor Swift, connecting them to the lyric tradition throughout history. Whether you want to know more about college-level literary analysis, you’re a Swiftie or a poetry enthusiast, or just want to know what people could possibly like about “The Ancient Mariner,” join us for a fun little look into the humanities at Berkeley—no prior knowledge required!

We will go over the fundamental building blocks of short stories. These basic building blocks can be used to write a story in ANY genre, and the advice can be applied to novels as well. This class heavily leans on lessons I have learned from creative writing classes here at UC Berkeley. You will do writing in class and leave with the foundation of a short story of your own.

Personal narratives are those stories we tell ourselves about who we are. Personal essays are how we put those stories on paper. In this class, I'll go over the importance of controlling your personal narratives and advice for writing personal essays (such as the ones college applications require).

Please note that I am simply a student myself and have not been on the admissions board or anything like that. I have done some research on what is successful for college admissions and have read essays my UC Berkeley peers submitted, but, again, I am simply a student with some opinions!

Interested in creative writing but suffer from bouts of perfectionism and paralysis? In this class, we will go through a series of prompts that will get the creativity flowing and may just lead you to your next piece! This class will give you a chance to practice locking your inner critic in a sound-proof box so they can't get in the way of the generative process.

This is a skill that can be applied to any type of writing, but the prompts will focus on creative writing!

American corporations support for fascist Italy and Nazi Germany-1925 to 1945

Are all infinite spaces identical in size? Are some larger than others, and can some be counted? We will explore various ways to quantify infinity.

How can something as simple as cake be of interest to mathematicians? From algorithms to game theory to geometry, learn about the mathematical rigor behind a seemingly simple task.

We describe the story of a particle with quantum mechanics, the story of many particles with quantum field theory, and the story of many strings with string theory. A particle’s path through time is a line, and a string’s path through time is a sheet. For interacting particles, how do we describe their interactions, and how do we describe interacting strings? We have different types of particles, like photons and electrons, so how are they different, and how do we describe them as different vibrations of strings?

Explore applications of commonly used ML techniques and overarching data analysis paradigms in the physical sciences. This class is designed to introduce and build on the fundamentals of industry and publication-worthy data analysis, going from traditional ML and data analysis examples to applications in scientific research and industry. Ideal for those with an interest in computer science, statistics and physics, this class provides insights into the evolving landscape of STEM disciplines.


Prerequisites
At least one of the following, or equivalent: AP Statistics AP Calculus BC AP Physics C: Mechanics AP Physics C: E&M Some knowledge of python is preferable, but not required. Machine Learning experience optional

What is spacetime, and what is gravity? Why does light bend, and how can it be trapped by a black hole? What past are we connected to, and what possibilities exist for the future? Why is gravity so different from the other forces of nature? Where does cosmological constant comes from, and what makes it interesting?

It's a scary concept, yet at the same time fundamental. But what $is$ infinity? In this course, we'll explore how the different infinities (yes, plural) are tamed, understood, and can even taken be advantage of.


Prerequisites
None!

Are you interested in game design, archaeology, movies, math, Blender, 3D printing, environmental conservation, or museum management?
Learn how to create your own 3D digital models in minutes, and explore the research and creative opportunities within 3D digitization. The possibilities are endless!


Prerequisites
N/A

This introductory course invites you to dive into the fascinating world of quantum algorithms! Essential math concepts—such as vectors and matrices—will be broken down in simple terms, demonstrating how they serve as the foundation of quantum computing.

You’ll discover what qubits are, how quantum gates operate, and why quantum computers can tackle problems more quickly than classical computers. Through this class, you’ll gain a foundational understanding of how quantum algorithms harness the power of superposition and matrix operations to perform remarkable calculations.

Have you or a friend ever been hacked before? Want to know how those hackers got you in the first place and how to protect yourself from them?

After taking this course, you'll feel more confident for your digital safety, and you'll learn techniques and strategies to stay safe online and reinforce your own digital environment.

You might even learn how to do the same techniques the hackers use on you! (Just kidding, but who knows?)

Ever wondered how YouTube knows what videos to recommend or how Google finds the best search results?

It all starts with sorting! In this interactive class, we’ll explore how computers organize information using sorting algorithms like Bubble Sort and Quick Sort.

Then, we’ll dive into the magic behind Google Search and YouTube’s recommendation system, learning how websites and videos get ranked. Through fun activities and discussions, you’ll see how sorting shapes the internet—and even how algorithms influence what we see online!

No coding experience needed, just curiosity!

Your very first website type of workshop! I could either help with vscode setup or we use browser based code editor.

Then, I'll do a run through of web development and the tools at your disposal as a future web dev' er.

Then, you'll do an escape room sort of activity to win a prize!


Prerequisites
Bring your laptop!

There is growing evidence on psychedelic therapy and its successful treatment of various mental disorders. Come learn about this new-age therapy from a scientific and personal lens, and hear from someone whose long term depression and anxiety was cured through ketamine therapy.

I struggled with depression and anxiety for over 10 years of my life. I sabotaged relationships, undermined my successes, and questioned my worth. I asked myself everyday: “What’s wrong with me?”

If you can relate to any of this, or want to find more meaning in your life, this class is for you. We will be going over the main points of Johann Hari’s book, “Lost Connections”, while also outlining how to take tangible steps toward self improvement and improving depression in a capitalistic and inequitable society.

This class will be facilitated using lecture and guided class discussion by student facilitators. Students will be trained in basic criminal procedure, power analysis, and techniques for observing police activity. Students will learn about the issues faced by residents that racial profiling, civil, and human rights abuses bring to the community. In addition, students will examine the history and origins of police, resistance movements, and community-based alternatives to the justice system as we know it.

In September 2024, Berkeley's City Council voted 8-1 on a resolution which allowed them to "sweep" unhoused communities, which hold around 450 Berkeley residents, without offering enough shelter to adequately house them. Two encampments in West Berkeley were prioritized for immediate removal.

With over half a million unhoused people in the United States, homelessness impacts a massive population of adults, youths, and families. Recent political changes, however, have now threatened the mere existence of homeless settlements, leading to a question on the minds of many right now: "where do we go?"

Our undergrad-run course focuses on many facets of homelessness, but for this class I'd like to focus on our most acute local political crisis, sweeps. We'll discuss what's happening in Berkeley, the impacts of it based on some research, and some tools we may have to fight back against it, both here and in other cities. Whether you're interested in medicine, social work, politics, or just helping out your neighbors, I hope you'll check out the presentation and learn a little bit about a major issue in Berkeley, the US, and the world.

Whenever people are frustrated about social welfare, government inaction, and American society and culture, they tend to point to Scandinavia. Often ranked the best in the world in health, happiness, democracy, wealth, and all the other good stuff, it's easy to see why people idealize these countries. So, after a semester living in Sweden and formally studying Scandinavian society, I wanted to share how I think the myth compares to reality- the good, bad, and ugly of life there, and what we can learn about ourselves and our values from that.

Statistics often shape our understanding of the world, but how often do we stop to question the numbers? Why are certain communities disproportionately affected by incarceration, education inequities, or violence? We will use our time to critically analyze data, visualize trends, and explore the biases in algorithms that shape policies and decisions. We will also explore machine learning techniques in the social sciences.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the various socioeconomic, cultural, and political factors that affect pregnant women and children.

Notions of modernity in architecture is often dominated by western ideals: minimalism and functionalism that signify technological superiority. These are often juxtaposed with ornamental styles, such as those found in East Asia. I wish to present alternate forms of modernity: future-oriented design which adapts traditional practices to engage changing physical and political landscapes, rather than abandoning them.

In this class, we will:
-interrogate ideals of "advanced" architecture
-discuss East Asian traditions, and how the architectural and social realms influence each other

Why do we make moral choices? Where do our values come from, and what drives us to do what we believe is right?

In this interactive course, we’ll explore these big questions using insights from psychology and philosophy. Through thought experiments, experimental data, and engaging discussions, we’ll examine how people form values, make decisions, and act based on their morals. We'll apply these ideas to ever relevant issues like political polarization and social media discourse, helping us understand not just our differences but also how to communicate across them.

Expect to analyze moral dilemmas, evaluate wild social media posts, and even test your own moral instincts with psychological experiments!

Oel ngati kameie! Between 2050 and 2077, an extrasolar moon was detected orbiting the planet Polyphemus, located in the Alpha Centauri system. This moon, known as Pandora, has become one of the most celebrated discoveries in all of human history. Why? It was the first time humanity became aware of the existence of intelligent, extraterrestrial species--the Na'vi. In this immersive and interactive class, you will act as a xenoanthropology student in the 22nd century who is enrolled in an introductory course on the Na'vi (the humanoid aliens featured in James Cameron's 'Avatar' film series). We will explore Na'vi culture, customs, and language, as well as the greater environment of Pandora, through an anthropological, biological, and sociological lens.

Please note that NO prior knowledge of the Avatar film series or the Na'vi is needed for this class. Whether you're a fan of the original film series or completely new to it, this course is for you! Anyone interested in anthropology, biology, sociology, ecology, xenology, science-fiction, fantasy, aliens, or speculative fiction will have a great time!

In this class, we'll explore the rich and impactful history of the LGBTQ+ community in the United States. We'll examine the significance of milestones such as the Stonewall riots and learn the stories of influential figures who have shaped the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. Overall, you will gain valuable insight into the social, political, and cultural dynamics that have influenced the LGBTQ+ community and its history.

The gold in jewelry, the uranium in a nuclear power plant, the iodine with table salt, the caesium in atomic clocks: what do these all have in common? It turns out they were likely forged in the fires of a cosmic explosion known as a kilonova! This course will dive into astronomer's journey to understand the origins of the heaviest elements of the periodic table.

Curious about how stem cells are changing the future of medicine? In this beginner-friendly class, we'll dive into the science of stem cells, exploring the different types and how they are being used to create groundbreaking treatments. We'll cover exciting topics like how scientists are using stem cells to develop treatments for conditions once thought untreatable and its applications in regenerative medicine. No previous knowledge is needed, we'll help break down the science in a way that’s easy to understand. If you're interested in how science can solve real-world problems, this class is perfect for you!

Mental illness is a relevant topic, with almost a quarter of Americans suffering from a mental disorder. This course will act as a survey course of the biology and causes of various psychiatric disorders, as well as tips for dealing with a mental health crisis from a licensed crisis counselor. This is an open class for anyone with the interest.

Note: If you took this course with Ajay Krishnan in a previous semester, it is advised to take a different course as much of the content overlaps.

Trigger warning: upsetting materials related to mental illness may be discussed, student discretion is advised

Much of research in fields like zoology, integrative biology, and animal science focuses on conservation (humans helping animals), with not as much working the other way (how animals help humans). This survey course helps to examine how animals are currently influencing research in human medicine and the importance of studying the natural world. From using venom as a morphine substitute to uncovering insomnia, the animal kingdom has pharmacological wonders for us to unpack.

Ever wondered what is Quantum Mechanics? Interested in the strange world and wanting to see whats it all about? We'll walk you into a simple introduction of quantum mechanics, work through a few physical applications to get you interested in a difficult but very deep and powerful field


Prerequisites
Calculus I

Dive into cutting-edge molecular biology where DNA meets sugar chemistry! In this hands-on course, students will first extract DNA from strawberries, learning about the genetic code and how DNA instructions work. Then, we'll make a fascinating connection - discovering how these genetic instructions direct cells to create specific sugar patterns on their surfaces, and why these patterns go awry in cancer cells. Students will extract DNA, visualize sugar patterns, and learn how mutations in DNA lead to altered sugar "signatures" that help cancer cells grow and spread. Through hands-on experiments, we'll connect the dots between genes, sugars, and disease, showing how small changes in DNA can lead to big changes in cell behavior. By the end of the course, students will understand the crucial link between a cell's genetic code and its sugar coating - and why this matters for cancer research.


Prerequisites
Basic chemistry and cell biology

During this course, students will learn about the musculoskeletal system, nutrition, bone anatomy, and physiology. We will also teach about the orthopedics/sports medicine field including some therapies and surgeries, as well as healthy lifestyle tips. We will have a fun game at the end!

In this course we'll explore the structure of the brain and nervous system, how neurons communicate, learning, and memory. We may also explore some clinical cases and neuro-technological methods such as optogenetics, MRI, and microscopy. This course will integrate activities to make the learning fun and effective.


Prerequisites
High school chemistry and biology highly recommended.

Ever wondered how chocolate gets its rich taste or why bread gets fluffy? We’ll dive into the science behind the fizz, the burn, and the flavor! Through exciting experiments and hands-on activities, you’ll discover how tiny microorganisms shape our food, health, and even culture. Get ready to move, learn, and explore the wild world of fermentation!

Allergy disclaimer: we will be working with fermented foods (kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut etc.)

I will do my best to give an abstract and understandable introduction to quantum mechanics and the phenomena of quantum tunneling. We will then examine the probability of us spontaneously falling through the floor due to such effects.


Prerequisites
A good understanding of high school-level calculus may be helpful but is not required.

Time, mass, and length are not constant!

Delve into Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity and discover how traveling the speed of light reshapes your fundamental understanding of the universe. We will consider basic equations for length contraction and time dilation, along with real-world applications of Special Relativity; GPS, and the movie Interstellar. Learn to warp spacetime!

As a bonus, we will hand-calculate the speed of light using a surprising combination of seemingly normal every-day objects...


Prerequisites
A mind waiting to be blown.

Reproductive health is a critical yet often overlooked public health issue that affects individuals of all genders. This class aims to provide essential education on common reproductive health concerns, including endometriosis, gynecological cancer, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), low sperm count, and pregnancy-related complications. By increasing awareness, we can help reduce misinformation and stigma surrounding these conditions. Participants will learn how to recognize key signs and symptoms that indicate the need for medical attention and explore available community resources that can provide support. Through open discussions and expert insights, this course empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and well-being.

Interested in skincare? Want to understand how it works? Look no further! In this class you will learn the fundamentals of the chemistry behind our skincare products and how it leads to beautiful skin.

Did you know that tiny algae can help power our world? In this course, we will begin with an overview of the effects of greenhouse emissions on the global biosphere and the increasing need for sustainable energy. Then, we’ll dive into the science of biofuels—metrics of algae growth, how scientists extract their lipids for oil, and how that oil is processed into biodiesel. Through interactive activities, students will learn real-world techniques for algal culturing and extractions. Join us to learn about how algae biofuel research is shaping the future of clean energy!

Oh my god particle- the Higgs boson is the most important recent discovery in particle physics, hailed as the culmination of how we understand all normal matter. But beyond the hype, what is it mathematically, and how did we find it? This course aims to take you from the most basic classical physics- i. e. the energy of a roller coaster- to understanding what vacuum expectation values, gauge groups, and off shell Z decay are- and how all of that relates to your ability to not spontaneously combust into subatomic particles.

The field of radio astronomy is one of the most powerful ways to probe into the mysteries of the cosmos. From learning about the earliest stages after the Big Bang of the universe to the modern search for extraterrestrial life, we'll go over the fundamentals of how light carries information and how we detect it. Get excited to see a demo of radios in action!

In this course, students will learn about the basics of sports medicine including common injuries, preventative measures, treatments, and much more. Using this knowledge, students will participate in a Jeopardy game, where they will be able to interact with their peers. At the end, the winning team will earn a prize!

Photonics is the science of generating, manipulating, and measuring light. In this class, we'll dive into how lasers work—how they generate intense beams of light using stimulated emission—and explore fiber optics, which allow us to transmit light over long distances with minimal loss. The implications of these technologies are powerful and wide-reaching. Get ready to understand the physics behind how we control and use light in our everyday world.


Prerequisites
Basic algebra and trigonometry

When we think of the internet, we picture scrolling through social media or binge-watching Netflix. But behind the scenes are the digital infrastructures that power our online lives—and their environmental impact.

In this class, we'll dive into those critical systems, explore their hidden environmental costs, tackle pressing issues of social equity around who gets access, and examine how international politics impacts development and sustainability efforts. We'll also look at new technologies and policies that could make the internet more sustainable and equitable for everyone. If you're passionate about shaping a better digital future, this class is for you! We value interdisciplinary perspectives and interests ranging anywhere from environmental science, media studies, political science, engineering, to ethnic studies.

Want to learn basic fungal biology and fermentation science? Sign up for our course and get valuable insight into the mysterious world of Mushrooms and fermented foods. Maybe you will get sent home with some goodies, too…

This course serves as a way for students to explore the intersectionality of two specialties - internal medicine and preventative medicine. We introduce various internal medicine subspecialties while placing emphasis on the role of preventive medicine strategies within each. In order to better support the increasing demand and shortage of physicians, we must concentrate on the common causes of preventable diseases and deduce how the future of healthcare can generate increased accessibility to these services.

The Standard Model of particle physics is one of the most successful theories ever developed, yet it is unable to answer a multitude of fundamental questions and mysteries. Why is gravity so weak compared to the other forces? What is dark matter made of? Why do neutrinos have mass? And where does the matter-antimatter asymmetry come from? These enigmas suggest that the Standard Model is woefully incomplete -- and that new particles (or other solutions) may possibly be waiting to be discovered.

In this course, we’ll give an overview of our current understanding of the Standard Model (SM) of physics, and then round up the "usual suspects" of beyond-the-Standard-Model (BSM) particle physics candidates: axions, sterile neutrinos, higgsinos, and more. We'll examine how, at the theoretical level, these hypothetical particles aim to solve some of the biggest open problems in physics, and then explore past and current searches attempting to catch them in the act. Could one of these elusive culprits be the missing piece(s) of the puzzle, or is an even greater trick being played on us?


Prerequisites
There are no strict prerequisites for this class, although any amount of knowledge of physics (e.g. mechanics) and/or calculus would probably enrich your experience. The biggest prerequisite however is always just curiosity!

Ever done physics where the cows are actually spherical? Order-of-magnitude physics is a subject of large assumptions, but some inaccuracy is acceptable to physicists who claim to know any quantity in the universe—to order of magnitude. Learn the right way to do order-of-magnitude physics, and find out why the cow might really be a sphere, after all.


Prerequisites
Basic classical mechanics

What can computers do to advance physics? Researchers at Berkeley use computational tools to study the properties of exotic materials, to aid us in the discovery of new particles in nature, and to simulate experimental results before devoting large amounts of resources to it. With the power of our computers, we can solve equations more efficiently than pen and paper and visualize things not in front of our eyes. We will introduce you to graphing and simulations in Python and give you more examples to try at home.


Prerequisites
Having taken a physics class or coding class may add to your experience, but all you’ll need is curiosity. We will use a laptop for this course, but if you can’t bring a personal computer, we will provide one for you.

This is a is designed for beginners but more experienced players are encouraged to come as well, This class will consist of an introductory period explaining the basic rules than immediately lead into play using Jumpstart decks allowing students to pick from a variety of themes and pick a combination that seems interesting. Experienced players can either bring decks and play during the time period or join in on playing with Jumpstart decks aswell.

In literature, on screen, and popular culture in general, swashbuckling scallywags have been portrayed in various ways, often glamourising or romanticizing a life of adventure at sea. But beyond plundering and pilfering, pirates have had an interesting role to play in shaping modern day democracy. In this class, we will use the Golden Age of Piracy as a launching point to discuss the ways pirates can help reshape the way we view revolution, government and the notion of freedom, and finding ways to incorporate their ideals into our own lives along the way.

Self Defense is a useful skill for everyone. In this class, we will be learning some basic self defense moves and getting some exercise.


Prerequisites
Na

In this class, students will explore the mathematical principles behind probability and how psychology influences our decision-making in uncertain situations. Using examples like the Monty Hall Problem and the Gambler’s Fallacy, we’ll dive into the math of probabilities and examine why human intuition often clashes with statistical logic. Students will engage in hands-on simulations to experience these concepts firsthand, while learning how understanding probability can lead to more rational decision-making in real life.

I will be explaining what ingredients to look out for in order to address specific concerns. I will also explain the steps to incorporate in your skincare routine and how each product serves a purpose in improving your skin.

Many of us have ambitious goals, but the path to get there is often blurry. This class gives you tools to level up your own capabilities and achieve anything you put your mind to.

This class will lean into emotional intelligence frameworks as a way of thinking that will help students make the most of high school, college, and any opportunity.

This course is meant for any student looking towards accomplishing big things in their life. All are welcome to attend. Prior accomplishments are NOT necessary by any means.

This course is a hands-on experience for students who want to be entrepreneurs. It walks through ideation, validation, building an MVP, launching, and achieving Product-Market Fit. Students will also develop an entrepreneurial mindset—learning resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving—while mastering how to overcome challenges, iterate quickly, and persist through failure.

Applying to the UCs can be daunting, but with the right strategies, you can create a compelling application that stands out. This course is led by current UC freshmen and offers insider knowledge to help you navigate the process with confidence. You’ll learn how to structure your responses effectively, highlight your unique strengths, and avoid common mistakes—especially when using AI tools.

This course will explore 3 questions: What is community organizing? Why is community organizing important? And how do you become a community organize? We will explore these questions within the context of Black Studies and Black Feminist Theory as well as our personal experiences as community organizers.

Going all the way back to the days of Nikola Tesla, there has never been a more exciting time to be working in the world of energy. In the coming decades, we are faced with the monumental task of building a sustainable, secure, and equitable energy system. This will require an all-hands-on-deck approach. We will need contributors from across all disciplines - including engineering, natural science, social science, and public policy. Come to this class to learn about current energy engineering, economics, and policy issues - and how we are going to solve them.

Adapted from the "Design Your Life" course at Berkeley, this class uses design methods to help you build a happy, fulfilling life—especially as you transition to college.

If you're interested in tech or consulting, we'll also share valuable tips on launching your early career, including how to land your first internship/job.


Prerequisites
Nothing but a growth mindset!

In this class, we will go over the basic elements of a compelling, thorough, and well-organized résumé. I'll mostly focus on form rather than content. This means there will be more instruction on how to organize and describe experiences than on what experiences you should pursue to put on a résumé (though I will talk about this a little).

Have you ever tried to solve a Rubik’s cube and failed miserably? Well so have we! Rubik’s cubes are hard to solve, and in this course, we'll talk about why that is and feature some probability theory and math. However, by the end of the class, we'll to teach you how to solve a 2x2x2 Rubik's cube on your own. Come join us for an enlightening experience!

Why is it so hard to get out of a negative mindset? Why do things seem to only get worse when something is bad? Why do our emotions seem to control every action that we take?

How do we change it?

This class will discuss how changing one's mindset brings astounding control and focus.

Class about the history and impacts video games have had on the world. The stories of community, passion, and perfection that can be derived from the medium. Overall an introduction to the evolution and passion of video games.

"Solutions for a Sustainable & Just Future" is an award-winning UC Berkeley crash course, Everything We Can Do to Save The Planet 101 that aims to equip its students with the tools necessary for changing the fate of humanity. This course is solutions-based, with scalable actions that you can implement in your life, community, and career to properly address the ecological crisis.

(This class will be a condensed version of our semester-long course)

What is a "probability"? What does it mean to "predict" the future? And what does this mean for the central clash between Miles Morales and Miguel O'Hara within the Spider-verse? Building on some foundational concepts in statistics and data science, we reframe the movies' themes to discuss the role of predictive algorithms in the media and how philosophy ties into decision-making in the face of uncertainty.


Prerequisites
Preferably, having seen Spiderman: Into the Spider-verse and Spiderman: Across the Spider-verse.

Wondering what to write on college applications? Struggling with how to answer those tricky PIQs? Well, here is the course for you! This course offers the best tips and tricks to improve your writing for college applications. Whether you plan on applying as a freshman or going to community college and applying as a transfer student, come join me and save yourself some time (and a whole lot of stress) by getting a head start on your college writing!