Badger Precollege Classes

Have you ever had a business idea, noticed a problem that should be solved, or wondered how companies turn simple ideas into products people love? In this course, students step into the role of founders, marketers, managers, and investors. Over the duration of the course, each team will take an idea from a rough problem statement to a pitch-ready business concept. Students will learn how entrepreneurs identify opportunities, understand customers, create value, set prices, manage teams, build brands, make ethical choices, and communicate their ideas with confidence. This course is active, visual, collaborative, and creative. Each day includes short concept lessons followed by hands-on work: brainstorming, customer research, posters, pricing games, business model sketches, branding boards, prototypes, role-play, and pitch practice. The course culminates in a Shark Tank-style final pitch where students present their original venture to classmates, instructors, and visitors. By the end of the course, students will have developed the knowledge and skills to transform an idea into a viable business concept by applying principles of entrepreneurship, marketing, economics, finance, branding, and operations. In doing so, they will strengthen their abilities in critical thinking, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and innovation while gaining a deeper understanding of what it takes to successfully launch and grow a business.

Students examine major mental disorders, including their traditional symptoms, corresponding diagnoses and treatment options. We take a look at factors that may impact each diagnosis and explore historical trends and how those trends have made an impact on our understanding on psychopathology.

How do companies raise money, make financial decisions, and create value in competitive markets? In this course, students will explore the core concepts of corporate finance, capital markets, and the global economic system. The course will move beyond individual budgeting to learn how businesses raise capital, how markets function, and understand the forces that drive economic growth and stability. Through the lens of real companies, startups, and emerging industries, students will learn how organizations secure funding, evaluate investment opportunities, manage financial risk, and make strategic decisions that influence growth and innovation. Through real-world examples, the course will examine the role of capital markets, venture investors, financial institutions, and the broader global economy in supporting new ventures and established businesses. By the end of this course, students will be able to define and distinguish between corporate finance, capital markets, and macroeconomics and apply time-value-of-money calculations to real financial decisions. No prior knowledge of finance or economics is required.      

How do scientists identify microorganisms, and how do these invisible organisms influence our health, food, and environment?  How are epidemiological studies used to detect, treat, and prevent human disease?  With an estimated one billion species of microorganisms on Earth, microbes play a critical role in shaping life around us. This course will explore the roles of microorganisms in human health, food production using fermentation, and medicine, and gain insight into the fascinating world of microbiology, epidemiology, and biotechnology. It will also examine the role of microbes in food safety, agriculture, environmental systems, and industrial biotechnology, highlighting the many ways these organisms impact everyday life. This course will allow you to examine the diversity of microbes on Earth and their importance in human health and the modern world. By the end of the course, students will use scientific inquiry skills to design experiments, interpret evidence, and analyze data in the fields of microbiology, epidemiology, and environmental science.

Diseases challenge scientists to unlock the most complex puzzles of illness, disability and the body's response. Beginning with an overview of human anatomy and physiology, students will probe the nature of disease with new understandings of genetics, pathology and epidemiology.

Exploring the legal frameworks that govern the relationships between states and various entities. Investigate global issues and develop tools to assess international legal issues and understand the forces that shape policy decisions.

You will learn to collect, analyze and interpret physical and biological trace evidence such as fingerprints, hair, fibers and DNA. This laboratory-based course will allow you to use logical thought processes and scientific inquiry skills to interpret evidence and analyze criminal psychology.

Engineering is a problem-solving profession that is both academically rigorous and creatively demanding. This course will introduce you to a broad spectrum of engineering fields and provide a strong foundation for understanding its key tools and concepts.

Explore the concepts behind the things you see in everyday life such as buildings, roads, and waterways, and how they come to be. Through real-world, global, and local examples, you will study the basics of structural and civil engineering as well as hear from campus experts in the field.

This course will investigate the impact that chemical products have on consumers' daily lives. Major topics may include food additives, prescription and non-prescription drugs, fuels, pesticides, detergents, synthetic fibers and plastics.