Badger Precollege Classes

Summer Arts Clinic offers you the opportunity to: Learn from experienced educators and arts professionals from UW–Madison and around the country. Develop new artistic skills and explore existing ones. Meet and collaborate with a community of peers with multiple and diverse artistic voices and interests. Explore education and career opportunities in the arts. Develop and express your unique, creative style. Learn to tell your story in a variety of ways through the arts.

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.      

Delve into the relationships that sports media and business have in our society. Learn how sports impact community pride, express fashion trends through uniform designs, dovetail with entertainment and pop culture, and gender equity and social change.

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.

How do laws shape society, protect individual rights, influence public policy, and address some of the most complex challenges facing our communities? This engaging course introduces students to the foundations of law, justice, government, and public service while exploring the academic pathways, fields of study, and career opportunities that prepare professionals to make an impact in the legal and civic spheres. Through the lens of UW–Madison's diverse academic offerings, students will gain insight into how legal systems function and how professionals use the law to solve problems, advocate for change, and serve the public. Designed as an introduction to legal studies, this course combines career exploration with hands-on learning to help students understand the role of law in everyday life. Through case studies, mock trials, debates, simulations, legal research activities, and discussions of landmark legal cases, students will examine the principles that underpin the American legal system, including constitutional law, civil rights, criminal justice, public policy, ethics, and the rule of law. Students will analyze how laws are created, interpreted, and applied while developing critical thinking, communication, argumentation, and problem-solving skills. As students explore legal pathways at UW–Madison, they will gain exposure to a wide range of undergraduate fields of study that can lead to careers in law, government, and public service. These may include Political Science, Legal Studies, History, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Communication Arts, International Studies, Public Policy, Journalism, Philosophy, and related disciplines. Students will learn how these academic fields contribute to legal education and develop the analytical, research, and communication skills valued in the legal profession. Throughout the course, students will investigate the broad range of careers connected to law and public service, including attorneys, judges, legislators, policy analysts, lobbyists, mediators, compliance officers, public administrators, government officials, law enforcement professionals, and nonprofit advocates. By connecting legal theory to real-world applications and contemporary issues, students will gain a deeper understanding of the many ways legal professionals influence society and advance justice. By the end of the course, students will have developed a strong foundation in legal studies, gained exposure to UW–Madison academic pathways and law-related careers, and acquired practical experience applying legal reasoning and analysis to real-world questions. Whether interested in law school, government, public service, policy, advocacy, or civic leadership, students will leave with a clearer understanding of the educational and professional opportunities available within the world of law and justice.

This course explores various topics in veterinary and animal sciences. The course aims to expose students to diverse career options while exploring scientific and ethical questions. 

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.

Insight to Medical Fields of Study is designed to help you explore the diverse and exciting world of healthcare professions. This course provides a comprehensive foundation to make informed decisions about your future in medicine

Have you ever wondered what it is like to assess a patient, use medical equipment, interpret clinical findings, or assist in diagnosing and treating disease? Do you want to explore the science, skills, and careers behind modern medicine ? This immersive course introduces students to the hands-on world of clinical medicine and healthcare while exploring the academic pathways, fields of study, and careers that make modern patient care possible. Designed for students interested in medicine and the health sciences, the course provides an opportunity to explore how healthcare professionals apply scientific knowledge, clinical reasoning, and technical skills to improve patient outcomes. Through interactive labs, clinical simulations, dissections, and skill-based activities, students will develop practical experience with techniques commonly used in healthcare settings. Students will explore human anatomy and physiology, learn the foundations of patient assessment and care, and investigate how healthcare professionals diagnose, monitor, and treat illness and injury. Along the way, students will gain exposure to the clinical applications of medicine and the collaborative roles of healthcare teams. As students explore healthcare at UW–Madison, they will discover a variety of academic disciplines, professional pathways, and careers centered on direct patient care and clinical practice. Career exploration will highlight fields such as medicine, nursing, physician assistant studies, physical and occupational therapy, emergency medicine, medical imaging, clinical laboratory sciences, respiratory therapy, and other health professions. By connecting hands-on clinical experiences with academic and career exploration, students will gain a deeper understanding of the knowledge, skills, and educational pathways required to pursue a future in healthcare and medicine.

How do our brains shape the way we think, learn, remember, make decisions, and interact with the world around us? This engaging course introduces students to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes while exploring the diverse academic disciplines, career pathways, and professional opportunities available within the field of psychology. Through the lens of psychology at UW–Madison, students will gain insight into how psychologists and behavioral scientists investigate the complexities of the human mind and apply their findings to real-world challenges. Students will explore major areas of psychology, including biological, cognitive, developmental, social, clinical, and abnormal psychology, while examining influential theories, landmark research studies, and contemporary applications of psychological science. Through lectures, discussions, debates, demonstrations, experiments, case studies, and interactive activities, students will investigate how psychological principles influence everyday experiences, relationships, learning, decision-making, mental health, and human development. The course emphasizes both academic and career exploration, providing students with exposure to the wide range of fields of study connected to psychology. Students will learn about psychology-related majors, specializations, and interdisciplinary opportunities at UW–Madison while examining educational pathways and careers in areas such as counseling, clinical psychology, research, human resources, healthcare, education, social work, organizational behavior, neuroscience, and behavioral science. Along the way, students will develop critical thinking, analytical, communication, and research skills that are valuable across numerous professions. Throughout the course, students will connect psychological concepts to their own lives and the world around them by analyzing examples from media, popular culture, and current events. By the end of the course, students will have gained a foundational understanding of the science of psychology, discovered the breadth of academic and professional opportunities within the field, and developed a deeper appreciation for how psychological knowledge can help us better understand ourselves, others, and society.   Please note that this course is intended for educational purposes only and does not provide mental health treatment, counseling, diagnosis, or therapeutic services.

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.

Modern science is increasingly surrounded by controversial public debates about its societal applications and political implications. Genetically modified organisms, artificial intelligence and COVID-19 have been a powerful illustration of how unprepared many societies are for what the WHO has called an infodemic — the onslaught of information, some correct, much of it incorrect or misleading — that makes it difficult for citizens to separate signal from noise when it comes to identifying the best available science. This class will explore how we make personal and political decisions in the midst of this infodemic.

This course provides an engaging introduction to the diverse world of engineering, offering students a comprehensive overview of various engineering disciplines and career paths. The course aims to help students understand the fundamental principles and real-world applications of each discipline.

Why do some ideas catch on while others are ignored? What makes an argument convincing? How do people change their minds, and why do certain messages influence what we believe, buy, share, and do? This course explores the power of persuasion and communication in everyday life, media, and society. From social media and advertising to political debates, public speaking, and everyday conversations, students investigate how messages shape attitudes, influence decisions, and inspire action. Drawing on real-world examples and insights from communication, psychology, rhetoric, and media studies, students learn what makes messages persuasive, how to understand different audiences, and how to communicate ideas in ways that resonate. Students will explore the diverse fields of study and career pathways within communication, including strategic communication, journalism, public relations, advertising, social media, political communication, organizational communication, media production, and communication research. Through discussions of academic and professional opportunities, students will gain insight into how communication skills are applied across industries and how communication-related majors can lead to a wide range of careers. Through interactive workshops, debates, case studies, and creative projects, students practice crafting compelling arguments, telling persuasive stories, navigating disagreements, and presenting ideas with confidence. Students also examine how persuasion operates in digital media, public discourse, and contemporary social issues, developing the skills to both influence others effectively and critically evaluate attempts to influence them. Whether students aspire to become engineers, entrepreneurs, scientists, lawyers, policymakers, or creative professionals, this course equips them with practical skills to communicate their ideas, connect with others, and make an impact. By the end of the program, students will better understand not only how persuasion works, but also how to use it thoughtfully, ethically, and effectively in their academic, professional, and everyday lives.

This course delves into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship and business by exploring fundamental concepts and the transformative power of innovation. Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing them to thrive as entrepreneurs and business leaders.

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 provides an in-depth exploration of the diverse career pathways within the biological sciences. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how biological science principles are applied in real-world contexts and how these fields contribute to solving global challenges.