Fitzwilliam College Summer School Programme

4001-699-686

Subjects


Biology
Philosophy
Physics
Engineering
Computer Science
Psychology and Neuroscience
Mathematics for Natural Sciences
Elements of Mathematical Economics
Chemistry
Business Economics
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
Medicine

  About Fitzwilliam College Summer School 

Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is the fourth-oldest university in the world. Fitzwilliam College is one of the 31 constituent colleges of the University of Cambridge, with a rich history of inclusive education. Research and education across the 150 faculties and departments of the university cover a vast array of fields. Many of the subjects taught at Cambridge are ranked in the top 5 worldwide by the QS world university rankings by subject.

FitzEd is the summer school programme of Fitzwilliam College in the University of Cambridge for international students aged 16-18 years. The FitzEd Summer School is a unique summer programme at Cambridge that is exclusively taught by current academics from the University of Cambridge or one of its constituent Colleges.

It's academic
Our programme reflects the traditional Cambridge supervisions at the core of our undergraduate courses. It will help you develop your academic skills through lectures and challenging small-group problem-solving sessions. No more than 15 participants will be enrolled in each course to ensure that you make the most out of your time with us. You will be offered a minimum of 40h of tuition across the 2-week programme. In addition to this you will be expected to spend several hours on problem-solving in preparation for your supervision. You will also need to work a minimum of 8h on your research project.

It’s cultural
Besides the academic component of the programme, you will have the opportunity to explore Cambridge, visit famous landmarks and museums in the city and go punting on the River Cam. Furthermore, over the weekend we will take you on an excursion to explore London!

It’s fun
The many social activities that we will organise for you will give you a fantastic opportunity to deepen your new friendships with like-minded people from around the world. Forming these new bonds with others from different cultural backgrounds will improve your ability to study and live in a multicultural environment such as Cambridge.

In 2023, Fitzwilliam College and ASEEDER have entered a strategic partnership to open the FitzEd Summer and Winter School Programmes to outstanding high school students in China. Since 2023, more than 300 students from across the country participated in these programmes. In the summer of 2025 we will offer two summer school programmes, the first in the period of 13th-26th July, and the second between 27th July – 9th August. The schedule is fully packed with academic, cultural and social activities throughout your time with us.
You can also visit the website of Fitzwilliam College at https://www.fitz.cam.ac.uk/fitzed to view more information.

  Videos 

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of our previous participants said that they would recommend FitzEd Summer School for others
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said that taking our courses strengthened their enjoyment and interest of the subject they studied
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of them were more confident about their choice of subject for university than they were before attending the programme.

  Why choose us? 

Official

Official Summer School Programme of Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. All course instructors are academics at Fitzwilliam College or one of the other colleges of the University of Cambridge.

Top Subjects

FitzEd Summer School provides 16 subject areas for participants. According to the QS World University Rankings, Cambridge is ranked in the top 10 at university level worldwide for these subjects. Participants will engage in small-group classes with a maximum of 15 participants.

Enrichment Activities

Participants will take part in lectures and workshops aimed at developing numerous soft skills which are essential for academic progression. There will be sessions to cultivate the participants’ writing, presentation, communication and study skills. Besides the academically challenging workload participants will undertake, they will be encouraged to join in enriching extra-curricular activities such as playing sports, table tennis, board games or lawn games, take creative writing lessons, practise your art and design skills, play the piano, attend movie nights, and much more.

Academic essay

The participants will be required to write an individual academic essay combining their knowledge from the course and private study. The top 2 essays from each course will be published in the FitzEd Summer School Journal and displayed on Fitzwilliam College's website.

Live in Fitzwilliam College
The participants will be accommodated in en-suite rooms in Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. Full-board catering will be provided (breakfast, lunch and dinner) every day, with an authentic Cambridge formal hall experience following both the opening and closing ceremonies.
International Class
FitzEd Summer School is open for participants from all around the world. They will meet participants from other countries and cultural backgrounds, improving their ability to study and live in a multicultural environment.

  Outcomes 

● Students who attend at least 90% of the classes, write their essay and give their presentation will receive a certificate of completion by Fitzwilliam College.
● Each student will write an academic research essay and presentation and receive detailed individual feedback from the academic course instructor.
● Top 2 best performing students will receive an award certificate.
● The authors of the best 2 essays will receive a top essay certificate.
● The top 2 essays from each course will be published in the FitzEd Summer School Journal and displayed on Fitzwilliam College's website.
Detail>>

Certificate of Completion

Award Certificate

2024 FITZWILLIAM SUMMER SCHOOL JOURNAL

This is an annual journal publishing the best essays written by the top-perorming students of the FitzEd Summer School which is the official summer programme of Fitzwilliam College in the University of Cambridge.

The journal covers eleven fields: Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Microbiology, Elements of Mathematical Economics, Engineering, Chemistry, Medicine, Palaeobiology, Philosophy, and Nuclear Engineering.

Read More >

  Courses on Offer  

Biology:
Microbiology and Pathogen Evolution
Philosophy of Science in Cambridge:
Then and now
Engineering: Sustainable Vehicles
Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Psychology and Neuroscience, Option 1
Physics: Special Relativity and Quantum Mechanics
Mathematics for Natural Sciences, Option 1
Mathematics for the Natural Sciences, Option 2
Elements of Mathematical Economics
Chemistry

Mathematics for the Natural Sciences, Option 2
Elements of Mathematical Economics
Chemistry
Psychology and Neuroscience, Option 2
Business Economics
Biology: Microbiology & Microbial Genetics
Computer Science: Cybersecurity
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
Medicine

Programme 1:13th-26th July, 2025

 Instructor and Syllabus 

Biology: Microbiology and Pathogen Evolution


Dr Marta Matuszewska

Research Associate, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge and Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus

Dr Marta Matuszewska, currently a Research Associate at the University of Cambridge, is an accomplished evolutionary microbiologist specialising in bacterial host adaptation. Beyond her research, Marta actively contributes to education at the University by leading practical classes in mathematical biology and cell biology. Previously she has supervised undergraduate students in mathematical biology, nurturing the next generation of scientists.

Guest lecturer:

Dr Christopher Ruis

Research Associate, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge and World Health Organization emerging zoonotic diseases consultant


■ Course Content

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the genetic and evolutionary dynamics that drive pathogen adaptation and resistance, focusing onStaphylococcus aureus and other significant bacteria. Through lectures on molecular epidemiology, bacterial genomics, and phylogenetic analysis, students will gain foundational knowledge in understanding pathogen evolution. With a blend of theoretical concepts and hands-on activities, including guest lectures and group projects, participants will be equipped to analyse genetic data and explore real-world implications in public health and disease management.

Date 14th July

Monday

15th July

Tuesday

16th July

Wednesday

17th July

Thursday

18th July

Friday

Molecular Epidemiology DNA Structure,Causes and consequences of mutations Micro-organisms Classification Supervision Day 1 Microbes and Disease
Date 19th July

Saturday

21th July

Monday

22th July

Tuesday

23th July

Wednesday

24th July

Wednesday

Bacterial Genomics Phylogenetics and Phylogenetic Inference Guided Presentation and Essay Writing Supervision Day 2 and Guest Lecture:
SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic Response
Final Presentations

* List of prerequisite knowledge:
A broad familiarity with the items on the list above will greatly enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the classes and good preparation by all students will contribute significantly to the success of the course.
* Test your knowledge of the prerequisites! Can you answer the questions below?
1. What is DNA, and what is its primary role in living organisms?
2. What is one common disease caused by bacteria?
3. What do we call medicines that help fight bacterial infections?
* Fitzwilliam College reserves the right to changes to the course content or the course instructor.

Philosophy of Science in Cambridge: Then and now


Dr Alex Carter

Associate Professor of Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies, ICE, University of Cambridge College Lecturer in Interdisciplinary Studies, Fitzwilliam College

Alex Carter teaches Philosophy and Creativity Theory at the University of Cambridge, Institute of Continuing Education. He also oversees the Institute's undergraduate research courses. At Fitzwilliam College, Alex supervises philosophy students and provides study skills support to all college members. Alex’s research interests are diverse and include Wittgenstein’s later philosophy, the theology of Simone Weil and the philosophy of humour. Alex’s PhD thesis explored some of the surprising aspects of Wittgenstein’s views concerning freedom and fatalism. Alex is currently researching the relationship between humour and creative practice via the concept of ’serious play’.


■ Course Content

From Isaac Newton to Alan Turing, Francis Bacon to Stephen Hawking, Charles Darwin to Rosalind Franklin, James Fraser to Jane Goodall—Cambridge is renowned for its scientific breakthroughs. In this course, we explore the deeper, philosophical significance of these discoveries and ask: Is space a “stuff”? Are human beings “special”? Is mathematics certain? Can machines think? The course welcomes those new to philosophy, and invites students to apply their knowledge of other subjects in critical and creative ways.

Date 14th July

Monday

15th July

Tuesday

16th July

Wednesday

17th July

Thursday

18th July

Friday

  Philosophical faces and places of Cambridge Cambridge’s Natural Philosophers Cambridge Platonism Supervision Day 1 Philosophy, Science and Divinity
Date 19th July

Saturday

21th July

Monday

22th July

Tuesday

23th July

Wednesday

24th July

Thursday

 

Cambridge’s Analytic philosophers

Wittgenstein’s Lectures on the Foundation of Mathematics Guided Presentation and Essay Writing Supervision Day 2 Final Presentations

* List of prerequisite knowledge:
No previous study of philosophy is required; although a broad familiarity with the ideas above will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the classes and good preparation by all students will contribute significantly to the success of the course. It is also hoped that students will apply existing knowledge from other fields, e.g. physics, mathematics, law, in discussing the above topics. Much of philosophy is about making distinctions. So, if you are unsure about your suitability, you could review the below questions. There are few (if any) perfect answers in philosophy, so it is important only that you feel confident arriving at an answer.
* Test your knowledge of the prerequisites! Can you answer the questions below?
1. What is the difference between an argument and an assertion?
2. What is the difference between a paradox and a problem?
3. Can Iknow x if x is false?
* Fitzwilliam College reserves the right to changes to the course content or the course instructor

Physics: Special Relativity and Quantum Mechanics


Dr. Joao Rodrigues

Bye Fellow of St Catharine’s and Wolfson Colleges

Joao After many years working in Quantum Field Theory and Particle Physics, specifically in the parton structure of the nucleons, I changed my field of research to the climate of the polar regions. In the Polar Oceans Physics Group in Cambridge, I studied how the Arctic sea ice cover has changed in recent decades as a consequence of global warming. I examined sea ice thickness data collected by submarines and satellites and attempted to quantify the dramatic thinning of the Arctic Sea ice. At present, I teach several Physics and Mathematics courses for first-, second- and third-year students in the Natural Sciences and the Mathematical Tripos of the University of Cambridge.


■ Course Content

The motion of particles at speeds close to the speed of light is described by equations that are very different from those that we apply to study the motion of the objects in our daily life, such as the planets around the Sun. Special Relativity provides the theoretical framework to study those fast moving particles. We shall study phenomena such as the time dilation, length contraction and the famous twin paradox, which have no counterpart in the classical theory.
And let us explore the Quantum World. The atomic and subatomic particles behave in a way that for us, used to the certainties of Classical Dynamics and Electromagnetism, is unambiguously strange. Quantum Mechanics suggests there is an essential randomness in quantum phenomena and the best theory we have, based on the wave function and Schrodinger equation, can only predict the probabilities of events to occur. Such peculiarities of the theory were not appealing to everyone. We shall look at how Einstein objected to the standard formulation of Quantum Mechanics and how his ideas led to new developments.

Date 14th July

Monday

15th July

Tuesday

16th July

Wednesday

17th July

Thursday

18th July

Friday

  The Lorentz Transformation and Relativistic Kinematics Relativistic Dynamics Relativistic Optics and appearance of moving object Supervision Day 1 The historical development of Quantum Mechanics
Date 19th July

Saturday

21th July

Monday

22th July

Tuesday

23th July

Wednesday

24th July

Thursday

  The postulates of QM and simple applications The EPR paradox and Bell’s Inequality Guided Presentation and Essay Writing Supervision Day 2 Final
Presentations

* List of prerequisite knowledge:
Newtonian dynamics: Newton’s Laws, Notions of force, mass, momentum, energy and work
Optics: The laws of reflection and refraction, Notion of frequency, period, wavelength
Mathematics: Elementary techniques of differentiation and integration, Techniques for solving simple first and second order differential equations (desired but not strictly necessary)
* Test your knowledge of the prerequisites! Can you answer the questions below?
1. Igor is a cosmonaut in the International Space Station, orbiting the Earth at an altitude of 408 km at speed of 28000 km/h. What is his acceleration and what gravitational force does the Earth exert on him.
2. You apply a 4.9 N force to the free end of a spring, stretching it from its relaxed state by 12 mm. What is the spring constant? What force does the spring exert on you if you stretch it by 17 mm? How much work does the spring force do on your hand?
3. The wavelength of x rays produced in the Stanford Linear Accelerator is 0.067 fm; what is the frequency of these x rays?
* Fitzwilliam College reserves the right to changes to the course content or the course instructor.

Engineering: Sustainable Vehicles

Dr Andrea Giusti

Bye-Fellow, Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge, Senior Lecturer in Thermofluids, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London

Andrea is a Senior Lecturer in Thermofluids at Imperial College London, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Bye-Fellow at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. He studied Mechanical and Energy Engineering in Florence (Italy). Following his PhD, Andrea joined the Engineering Department at the University of Cambridge as a RollsRoyce Research Associate. He was appointed Lecturer by Imperial College in October 2018. In addition to the academic role at Imperial College, Andrea supervises undergraduate students at Fitzwilliam College. He is also Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Spray and Combustion Dynamics.


Dr Daniel Fredrich

Research Associate, Engineering Department, University of Cambridge

Daniel is a senior researcher and entrepreneur in the field of thermofluids engineering. His research focuses on the numerical prediction of thermoacoustic instabilities and the active control of reacting multiphase flows using external electrostatic fields and non-equilibrium plasma discharges. He holds a PhD in computational fluid dynamics from Imperial College London and an MSc in aeronautics and astronautics from TU Berlin. He is the co-founder of Pinepeak Ltd, a University of Cambridge spinout aiming to solve the problem of wildfires.




■ Course Content

The module we propose focuses on the design of new vehicles with sustainability at the centre of all engineering choices. The student will learn the fundamentals of vehicle dynamics, aerodynamic forces, electrification and new vehicle concepts. Theoretical lectures are paired with practical sessions which will guide the student towards a conceptual design of the vehicle of the future.

Date 14th July

Monday

15th July

Tuesday

16th July

Wednesday

17th July

Thursday

18th July

Friday

  Fuels and Emissions Sustainability and life cycle assessment Vehicle Dynamics Supervision Day 1 Aerodynamic forces
Dr Giusti Dr Giusti Dr Giusti Dr Giusti Dr Fredrich
Date 19th July

Saturday

21th July

Monday

22th July

Tuesday

23th July

Wednesday

24th July

Thursday

 

Fuels and Emissions

Electrification of transportation Guided Presentation and Essay Writing Supervision Day 2 Final Presentations
Dr Fredrich Dr Fredrich Dr Fredrich Dr Fredrich Dr Giusti

* List of prerequisite knowledge:
Fundamental concepts of mechanics (Newton’s second law, friction force, velocity, acceleration along a straight line); the concept of energy and power. Chemical reactions (reading reactants and products; balancing the reaction).
* Test your knowledge of the prerequisites! Can you answer the questions below?
1. Consider a block sliding on a table with speed U=10 m/s. The kinematic friction coefficient between the block and the table is μ= 0.1. The block is pushed against the table with a normal force equal to 10 N. What is the force parallel to the table that must be applied to the block to keep it moving at constant speed? How much power is needed to move the block?
2.A ball of mass 1 kg is launched vertically from the ground with speed 20 m/s. Assuming that gravity is the only force acting on the ball, what is the maximum height reached by the ball?
3. Methane, CH4, reacts with oxygen, O2. Find the minimum mass of oxygen per unit mass of methane to completely convert carbon into CO2 and hydrogen into H2O.
* Fitzwilliam College reserves the right to changes to the course content or the course instructor.

Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning


Dr John Fawcett

Churchill College, University of Cambridge

Since completing his PhD, John Fawcett has been working in industry alongside lecturing, tutoring, supervising and directing studies in Computer Science at Cambridge. Over more than 15 years, John has seen around 500 students through to graduation. John has delivered courses in summer schools for over 10 years and is active in undergraduate admissions, including as Subject Convenor for the Computer Science undergraduate course. John served as University Senior Proctor in the 2021/22 academical year after being Praelector for 6 years at Churchill.


■ Course Content

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have featured in the news regularly in recent years as technology continues to transform our social and work lives. This course explores the problems that we can solve with AI and ML and takes a deep dive into how we create them, including the key maths and algorithms. It moves from narrow-focused classical AI systems to solving openended problems that humans cannot necessary solve. Looking beyond today's AI and ML systems, the course looks at the challenges that the technology has still to overcome, posturing you to understand the next wave of developments.

Date 14th July

Monday

15th July

Tuesday

16th July

Wednesday

17th July

Thursday

18th July

Friday

  Classic search problems in artificial intelligence Scaling to real world search problems nteractive decision making Supervision Day 1 Prolog
Date 19th July

Saturday

21th July

Monday

22th July

Tuesday

23th July

Wednesday

24th July

Thursday

 

Understanding Knowledge

Training a Neural Network Guided Presentation and Essay Writing Supervision Day 2 Final Presentations

* List of prerequisite knowledge:
No computer science knowledge is assumed but programming experience is always useful.
* Test your knowledge of the prerequisites! Can you answer the questions below?
Suppose you have a function that can tell you which of two items, A and B, should come first in asorted list.
1. What is the difference between a tree and a graph data structure?
2. Why might breadth first search not perform well on a graph?
3. Why might depth first search not perform well on a graph?
* Fitzwilliam College reserves the right to changes to the course content or the course instructor.

Psychology and Neuroscience, option 1

Dr Aude Rauscent

Visiting Research Fellow, Department of Psychology, Bye-Fellow at Homerton College, Fitzwilliam College and Hughes Hall, Director of Studies for Psychological and Behavioural Sciences and Natural Sciences

Dr Aude Rauscent is a visiting research fellow at the Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, and one of the Directors of Studies in Psychological and Behavioural Sciences and Natural Sciences at various colleges across the University. Ten years ago, Aude moved to Cambridge University and continued her research on the neurological and psychological mechanisms subserving individual vulnerability to addiction in the CLIC, Cambridge Laboratory for research on Impulsive and Compulsive disorders, in the Department of Psychology


Dr Alexandra Krugliak

Research Associate at MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Supervisor, Trinity College, University of Cambridge

Dr Alexandra Krugliak studied Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience at The University of Maastricht (The Netherlands), before obtaining a PhD from the University of Birmingham (United Kingdom). Currently, Alexandra is a Research Associate at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit at the University of Cambridge.




■ Course Content

Have you ever wondered how humans think? In this course, you will be introduced to fundamental concepts in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience. At the lectures you will explore the fundamental mechanisms of the brain which controls various functions, including thought, emotion, motor skills, vision, and motivation. It is a complex organ composed of approximately 86 billion neurons - nearly the same number as the stars in the Milky Way! You will also learn about advanced techniques used to assess psychological and cognitive functions.

Date 14th July

Monday

15th July

Tuesday

16th July

Wednesday

17th July

Thursday

18th July

Friday

  Introduction to the fundamentals of psychology and neuroscience

Dr Rauscent

The modular and integrative functional architecture of the brain

Dr Rauscent

Towards an understanding of the individual vulnerability to develop psychiatric disorders

Dr Rauscent

Supervision Day 1

Dr Giusti

Cognitive Psychology

Dr Krugliak

Date 19th July

Saturday

21th July

Monday

22th July

Tuesday

23th July

Wednesday

24th July

Thursday

  Cognitive Neuroscience

Dr Krugliak

Visual Perception

Dr Krugliak

Guided Presentation and Essay Writing

Dr Rauscent

Supervision Day 2

Dr Rauscent

Final Presentations

Dr Rauscent

* List of prerequisite knowledge:
There is no prerequisite knowledge for this course. Strong analytical skills and a keen interest in Psychological and Behavioural Sciences will be particularly helpful. The course will suit students interested in Cognitive, Neuroimaging, Neuropsycho-pharmacology, and Neurobiology
* Test your knowledge of the prerequisites! Can you answer the questions below?
1. One brain area, one cognitive function? Comment.
2. How do the structures in the brain communicate?
3. Can you imagine tests to assess cognitive functions?
* Fitzwilliam College reserves the right to changes to the course content or the course instructor.

Mathematics for Natural Sciences, option 1


Dr Stephen Sawiak

Fellow, Tutor, College Lecturer, Assistant Director of Studies in Mathematics for Natural Sciences , Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge, MRI Physicist, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge

Dr Sawiak is an experienced lecturer, supervisor and assistant director of studies responsible for organising the mathematics supervisions for students taking physical Natural Sciences, Computer Science and Chemical Engineering courses in Fitzwilliam College. He has interviewed Natural Sciences candidates for over 15 years and supervised students in mathematics for 18 years. Day to day he conducts research in magnetic resonance imaging acquisition and analysis methods with applications to neuroscience.


■ Course Content

This exciting and challenging mathematics course gives a rapid tour from the fundamentals of calculus (differentiation and integration) up to first-year University level with advanced applications including power series expansion of functions, Fourier series and the extension of integration into multiple dimensions and non-Cartesian coordinate systems. The pace of this course will be fast and most suitable for those with already some familiarity with the basic concepts of calculus who are keen for a preview of University level mathematics made accessible to those of a bright high school level.

Date 14th July

Monday

15th July

Tuesday

16th July

Wednesday

17th July

Thursday

18th July

Friday

 

Sums, series convergence

Calculus I Differentiation Taylor Series Supervision Day 1 Calculus IIIntegration
Date 19th July

Saturday

21th July

Monday

22th July

Tuesday

23th July

Wednesday

24th July

Thursday

 

Fourier Series

Multiple integration Guided Presentation and Essay Writing Supervision Day 2 Final Presentations

* List of prerequisite knowledge:
Basic algebra, trigonometry (functions sin, cos, tan; use of radians)
* Test your knowledge of the prerequisites! Can you answer the questions below?
1. What does the gradient of a function mean?
2. If x(a+b/2)=6, what is b in terms of a and x?
3. Sketch the graphs of sin x and cos x, in radians, from -π<x<π
* Fitzwilliam College reserves the right to changes to the course content or the course instructor.

 

Mathematics for the Natural Sciences, Option 2


Serena Povia

College Teaching Associate at St John’s College, Supervisor at Magdalene and Jesus, Involved in Cambridge Admissions for the past 7 years in several colleges STEMSMART Supervisor

Mrs. Serena Povia specialises in teaching Mathematics and Physics at the University level. She has been a supervisor in physics and mathematics for the Natural Sciences course for about ten years. Current teaching commitment are the Physics and Mathematics courses for the first year and the second year. Sereba previously taught third year courses too.


■ Course Content

Programme 1: 13th-26th July, 2025 (40-hour course, 2 office hours)
Programme 2: 27th July - 9th August, 2025 (40-hour course, 2 office hours)

Date Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
 

Differential Equations 1

Integration 1 Complex Numbers Supervision Day 1 Differential Equations 2
Date Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
 

Introduction to multivariable calculus

Differential Equations 3 Guided Presentation and Essay Writing Supervision Day 2 Final Presentations

* List of prerequisite knowledge:
Derivatives (polynomials, trigonometric, exponentials, ln), product and chain rules for derivatives, integrals (polynomials, trigonometric, exponentials, ln), integrations by substitution, at least some knowledge of complex numbers.
* Note
This course will be very closely targeted at students between lower and upper sixth, those who have not seen and worked on the following pre-requisites will find the course very hard. Those who have already completed pre-university studies might find at least half of the course too easy. A question sheet will be pre-circulated to participants two weeks before the course to ensure that the prerequisites are met.
* Fitzwilliam College reserves the right to changes to the course content or the course instructor.

Elements of Mathematical Economics

Dr Vasileios Kotsidis

College Assistant Professor at Gonville and Caius College

Vasileios Kotsidis uses tools from traditional and evolutionary game theory to analyse social interactions that (potentially) involve strategic motives. His research focuses on the scope and limitations of models based on methodological individualism in interpreting individual behaviour (human or otherwise) as it is manifested in social settings. It spans along three main directions: how individuals think, what they are motivated by, and what the researcher can infer. He obtained his PhD in Economics at the University of Nottingham. His doctorate explored some theoretical aspects of social (strategic) behaviour and investigated its empirical manifestations. He also enjoys practicing karate, studying on the philosophy of mathematics, and reading fantasy literature.


■ Course Content

Programme 1: 13th-26th July, 2025 (40-hour course, 2 office hours)
Programme 2: 27th July - 9th August, 2025 (40-hour course, 2 office hours)

This course explores some fundamental notions and results that are of special importance of economic
analysis. It begins by considering elements of set theory, analysis, optimisation calculus, and statistics. It then applies them to construct a series of progressively more elaborate logical statements which form the basis of formal choice under risk. The result is a robust and analytically tractable approach to reasoning about uncertainty.

Date Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
 

Elements of Mathematics I

Elements of Mathematics II Elements of Statistics I Supervision Day 1 Elements of Statistics II
Date Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
 

Rational Choice Theory I: Uncertainty

Rational Choice Theory II: Information Guided Presentation and Essay Writing Supervision Day 2 Final Presentations

* List of prerequisite knowledge:
1. Understanding of limiting reasoning
2. Elementary trigonometry
3. Intuitive understanding of sets
4. Venn diagrams
5. Intuitive understanding of probability
* Test your knowledge of the prerequisites! Can you answer the questions below?
1. What does it meant to state that some function, f, is continuous?
2. What does it mean to state that some function, f, is differentiable?
3. Consider two sets, A and B. Suppose that A is a subset of B. What are then the union and the intersection of A and B?
* Fitzwilliam College reserves the right to changes to the course content or the course instructor.

Chemistry


Dr Andrea Chlebikova

Senior Project Chemist at Isaac Physics, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, College Teaching Associate at Sidney Sussex College, Special Supervisor at Newnham College, Course lecturer, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge

Andrea Chlebikova became involved in undergraduate teaching at Cambridge in 2015 and has been supervising first-year chemistry to students of Natural Sciences as well as more specialised physical chemistry courses ever since. She is also involved with undergraduate admissions in multiple colleges. Andrea is in charge of designing and teaching the chemistry content on the STEM SMART programme run by the University of Cambridge, preparing students from disadvantaged backgrounds for studying STEM subjects at university.


Dr Peter Bolgar

Bye-Fellow at Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge, Director of Studies and College Lecturer at Magdalene College, University of Cambridge, Lecturer (Teaching) at University College London

Peter Bolgar is a teaching Bye-Fellow in organic and bio-organic chemistry at Fitzwilliam College. He completed his undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences at Cambridge, followed by a PhD in supramolecular chemistry at the same place. Peter now specialises in teaching chemistry at the university level, lecturing a range of courses from the first, second and third year of the undergraduate curriculum. He is involved with undergraduate admissions at Magdalene College. Peter is a member of the UK Chemistry Olympiad Committee, and he mentors students for the International Chemistry Olympiad both nationally and internationally




■ Course Content

Programme 1: 13th-26th July, 2025 (40-hour course, 2 office hours)
Programme 2: 27th July - 9th August, 2025 (40-hour course, 2 office hours)

This course lets participants explore advanced topics in physical and organic chemistry, each of which are fundamental to your studies of a chemistry degree. The course is built on concepts that you will be familiar with from school curriculum. We will quickly extend your knowledge in the fields of atomic and molecular orbital theory, thermodynamics, kinetics and organic reactivity to give you a significant head start in your university education. You will be able to practice your experimental skills as well through a practical class in physical chemistry. We are looking forward exploring the highlights of first year undergraduatelevel Chemistry curriculum with you!

Date Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
 

Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics

Dr Chlebikova

Physical Chemistry: Kinetics

Dr Chlebikova

Theoretical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics

Dr Chlebikova

Supervision Day

Dr Chlebikova

Organic Chemistry: Isomerism, Conjugation, Acids & Bases

Dr Bolgar

Date Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
 

Organic Chemistry: Introduction to Organic Reaction Mechanisms

Dr Bolgar

Organic Chemistry: Introduction to Reaction Types

Dr Bolgar

Guided Presentation and Essay Writing

Dr Chlebikova

Laboratory Day

Dr Chlebikova

Final Presentations

Dr Chlebikova

* List of prerequisite knowledge:
Confidence with algebraic manipulation of expressions, including logarithms
A knowledge of differentiation will be helpful but is not necessary
Familiarity with chemistry of secondary-school level (e.g. representations of molecules and chemical bonding, recognise terminology such as “enthalpy”, some experience handling glassware)
* Test your knowledge of the prerequisites! Can you answer the questions below?
1. Calculate the volume of 0.1 molar sulfuric acid necessary to neutralise 25.6 grams of calcium hydroxide.
2. Rearrange
3. Draw a structural formula for propanoic acid and but-1-enol.
* Fitzwilliam College reserves the right to changes to the course content or the course instructor.

Programme 2:27th July - 9th August, 2025

 Instructor and Syllabus 

Mathematics for the Natural Sciences, Option 2


Serena Povia

College Teaching Associate at St John’s College, Supervisor at Magdalene and Jesus, Involved in Cambridge Admissions for the past 7 years in several colleges STEMSMART Supervisor

Mrs. Serena Povia specialises in teaching Mathematics and Physics at the University level. She has been a supervisor in physics and mathematics for the Natural Sciences course for about ten years. Current teaching commitment are the Physics and Mathematics courses for the first year and the second year. Sereba previously taught third year courses too.


■ Course Content

Programme 1: 13th-26th July, 2025 (40-hour course, 2 office hours)
Programme 2: 27th July - 9th August, 2025 (40-hour course, 2 office hours)

Date Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
 

Differential Equations 1

Integration 1 Complex Numbers Supervision Day 1 Differential Equations 2
Date Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
 

Introduction to multivariable calculus

Differential Equations 3 Guided Presentation and Essay Writing Supervision Day 2 Final Presentations

* List of prerequisite knowledge:
Derivatives (polynomials, trigonometric, exponentials, ln), product and chain rules for derivatives, integrals (polynomials, trigonometric, exponentials, ln), integrations by substitution, at least some knowledge of complex numbers.
* Note
This course will be very closely targeted at students between lower and upper sixth, those who have not seen and worked on the following pre-requisites will find the course very hard. Those who have already completed pre-university studies might find at least half of the course too easy. A question sheet will be pre-circulated to participants two weeks before the course to ensure that the prerequisites are met.
* Fitzwilliam College reserves the right to changes to the course content or the course instructor.

Elements of Mathematical Economics

Dr Vasileios Kotsidis

College Assistant Professor at Gonville and Caius College

Vasileios Kotsidis uses tools from traditional and evolutionary game theory to analyse social interactions that (potentially) involve strategic motives. His research focuses on the scope and limitations of models based on methodological individualism in interpreting individual behaviour (human or otherwise) as it is manifested in social settings. It spans along three main directions: how individuals think, what they are motivated by, and what the researcher can infer. He obtained his PhD in Economics at the University of Nottingham. His doctorate explored some theoretical aspects of social (strategic) behaviour and investigated its empirical manifestations. He also enjoys practicing karate, studying on the philosophy of mathematics, and reading fantasy literature.


■ Course Content

Programme 1: 13th-26th July, 2025 (40-hour course, 2 office hours)
Programme 2: 27th July - 9th August, 2025 (40-hour course, 2 office hours)

This course explores some fundamental notions and results that are of special importance of economic
analysis. It begins by considering elements of set theory, analysis, optimisation calculus, and statistics. It then applies them to construct a series of progressively more elaborate logical statements which form the basis of formal choice under risk. The result is a robust and analytically tractable approach to reasoning about uncertainty.

Date Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
 

Elements of Mathematics I

Elements of Mathematics II Elements of Statistics I Supervision Day 1 Elements of Statistics II
Date Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
 

Rational Choice Theory I: Uncertainty

Rational Choice Theory II: Information Guided Presentation and Essay Writing Supervision Day 2 Final Presentations

* List of prerequisite knowledge:
1. Understanding of limiting reasoning
2. Elementary trigonometry
3. Intuitive understanding of sets
4. Venn diagrams
5. Intuitive understanding of probability
* Test your knowledge of the prerequisites! Can you answer the questions below?
1. What does it meant to state that some function, f, is continuous?
2. What does it mean to state that some function, f, is differentiable?
3. Consider two sets, A and B. Suppose that A is a subset of B. What are then the union and the intersection of A and B?
* Fitzwilliam College reserves the right to changes to the course content or the course instructor.

Chemistry


Dr Andrea Chlebikova

Senior Project Chemist at Isaac Physics, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, College Teaching Associate at Sidney Sussex College, Special Supervisor at Newnham College, Course lecturer, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge

Andrea Chlebikova became involved in undergraduate teaching at Cambridge in 2015 and has been supervising first-year chemistry to students of Natural Sciences as well as more specialised physical chemistry courses ever since. She is also involved with undergraduate admissions in multiple colleges. Andrea is in charge of designing and teaching the chemistry content on the STEM SMART programme run by the University of Cambridge, preparing students from disadvantaged backgrounds for studying STEM subjects at university.


Dr Peter Bolgar

Bye-Fellow at Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge, Director of Studies and College Lecturer at Magdalene College, University of Cambridge, Lecturer (Teaching) at University College London

Peter Bolgar is a teaching Bye-Fellow in organic and bio-organic chemistry at Fitzwilliam College. He completed his undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences at Cambridge, followed by a PhD in supramolecular chemistry at the same place. Peter now specialises in teaching chemistry at the university level, lecturing a range of courses from the first, second and third year of the undergraduate curriculum. He is involved with undergraduate admissions at Magdalene College. Peter is a member of the UK Chemistry Olympiad Committee, and he mentors students for the International Chemistry Olympiad both nationally and internationally




■ Course Content

Programme 1: 13th-26th July, 2025 (40-hour course, 2 office hours)
Programme 2: 27th July - 9th August, 2025 (40-hour course, 2 office hours)

This course lets participants explore advanced topics in physical and organic chemistry, each of which are fundamental to your studies of a chemistry degree. The course is built on concepts that you will be familiar with from school curriculum. We will quickly extend your knowledge in the fields of atomic and molecular orbital theory, thermodynamics, kinetics and organic reactivity to give you a significant head start in your university education. You will be able to practice your experimental skills as well through a practical class in physical chemistry. We are looking forward exploring the highlights of first year undergraduatelevel Chemistry curriculum with you!

Date Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
 

Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics

Dr Chlebikova

Physical Chemistry: Kinetics

Dr Chlebikova

Theoretical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics

Dr Chlebikova

Supervision Day

Dr Chlebikova

Organic Chemistry: Isomerism, Conjugation, Acids & Bases

Dr Bolgar

Date Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
 

Organic Chemistry: Introduction to Organic Reaction Mechanisms

Dr Bolgar

Organic Chemistry: Introduction to Reaction Types

Dr Bolgar

Guided Presentation and Essay Writing

Dr Chlebikova

Laboratory Day

Dr Chlebikova

Final Presentations

Dr Chlebikova

* List of prerequisite knowledge:
Confidence with algebraic manipulation of expressions, including logarithms
A knowledge of differentiation will be helpful but is not necessary
Familiarity with chemistry of secondary-school level (e.g. representations of molecules and chemical bonding, recognise terminology such as “enthalpy”, some experience handling glassware)
* Test your knowledge of the prerequisites! Can you answer the questions below?
1. Calculate the volume of 0.1 molar sulfuric acid necessary to neutralise 25.6 grams of calcium hydroxide.
2. Rearrange
3. Draw a structural formula for propanoic acid and but-1-enol.
* Fitzwilliam College reserves the right to changes to the course content or the course instructor.

Psychology and Neuroscience, Option 2


Dr Katharina Zuhlsdorff

Bye-Fellow and College Lecturer at Downing College, University of Cambridge

Dr Katharina Zuhlsdorff is a visiting postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge and a Bye-Fellow/Teaching Associate at Downing College. Katharina completed her PhD in the department on the topic of computational modelling of behavioural and neuroimaging data in patients with major depressive disorder and substance use disorder. Katharina’s postdoctoral work has focussed on developing predictive models of dementia and depression using cognitive and MRI data and graph neural networks. This work has included the use of largescale datasets such as the UK Biobank and Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development studies. Katharina has received awards from the Alan Turing Institute, Foulkes Foundation and the Angharad Dodds John fellowship from Downing College.


Dr Zsóffa Zavecz

Research Associate at the Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge

Zsófia Zavecz is a postdoctoral research associate at the Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge. Her research areas are memory and sleep, with a particular emphasis on understanding the neural mechanisms of these processes. She was awarded a PhD in Psychology at the Eötvös Loránd University (Hungary) in 2020. After her PhD, Zsófia joined UC Berkeley (US) as a postdoctoral researcher, where she examined sleep as a protective factor against memory impairment in the face of Alzheimer’s disease pathology. For her second postdoctoral position, Zsófia moved to Cambridge to apply cutting-edge neuroimaging methods to investigate the neural mechanisms of perceptual learning.



■ Course Content

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to key areas of psychology and neuroscience. It begins with fundamental concepts and methods in psychology, followed by specialised topics such as electrophysiology and sleep research, memory systems, and higher-order cognitive functions. Students will also explore computational neuroscience, neuroimaging, and psychopharmacology, with a hands-on approach to problem-solving, essay writing, and research presentations. The program emphasises active learning through supervised sessions and group discussions, culminating in final presentations of individual research projects.

Date

28th July

Monday

29th July

Tuesday

30th July

Wednesday

31th July

Thursday

1st Aug

Friday

  Introduction to the fundamentals of psychology and neuroscience Electrophysiology and sleep research Memory systems and their disorders Supervision Day1 Higher order cognitive functions and neuropsychological disorders
Dr Zavecz Dr Zavecz Dr Zavecz Dr Zavecz Dr Zavecz
Date 4th Aug

Monday

5th Aug

Tuesday

6th Aug

Wednesday

7th Aug

Thursday

8th Aug

Friday

 

Introduction to computational neuroscience and machine learning

Applications of neuroimaging and psychopharmacology Guided Presentation and Writing Supervision Day 2 Final Presentations
Dr Zuhlsdorff Dr Zuhlsdorff Dr Zuhlsdorff Dr Zuhlsdorff Dr Zuhlsdorff

* List of prerequisite knowledge:
There is no prerequisite knowledge for this course. Strong analytical skills and a keen interest in Psychological and Behavioural Sciences will be particularly helpful. The course will be suitable for students interested in Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Computational Neuroscience, Neuroimaging, Behavioural Neuroscience, Neuropsychopharmacology, and Neuroscience.
* Test your knowledge of the prerequisites! Can you answer the questions below?
1. Can you list 3 neuroimaging or electrophysiological methods to study brain activity? What is the difference between them and what are the strengths and weaknesses of each?
2. How does the information spread in the brain?
3. List 5 main cognitive functions of the brain and disorders they might be impaired in.
* Fitzwilliam College reserves the right to changes to the course content or the course instructor

Business Economics

Dr Katharina Zuhlsdorff

Professor of Economics and Policy, Cambridge Judge Business School, Director of the MPhil in Technology Policy Programme, Director of Studies in Management and Fellow in Economics at Fitzwilliam College, BSc (National and Kappodistrian University of Athens), MSc (University College London), PhD (London Business School)

Prof Genakos’ research focuses on applied microeconomics, with an emphasis on industrial organization and quantitative techniques for competition analysis and regulation. He has published in many leading international peer-refereed journals and has advised many leading firms and international organizations on regulation, antitrust and pricing related issues. He is a College Lecturer in Economics, and directs studies in Management.


■ Course Content

Business economics covers the economic foundations of managerial decision making. In this module, we explore the importance of economics and how it relates to our everyday lives. Our task is to develop familiarity with microeconomic models to better understand concepts such as costs, demand, profit, competition, pricing, compensation and market entry strategy and to acquire the more subtle ability to apply them to real and simulated situations with a focus on learning how to “think like a manager” applying this thinking process to improve managerial decisions.

Date 28th July

Monday

29th July

Tuesday

30th July

Wednesday

31st July

Thursday

1st Aug

Friday

  Introduction to business economics Demand, Supply and Market Equilibrium Firm Production Process: Technology and Costs Supervision Day 1 The analysis of competitive markets
Date 4th Aug

Monday

5th Aug

Tuesday

6th Aug

Wednesday

7th Aug

Thursday

8th Aug

Friday

 

Market power

Game theory and competitive strategy Guided Presentation and Essay Writing Supervision Day 2 Final Presentations

* List of prerequisite knowledge:
Algebra: taking derivatives and differentiation.
* Test your knowledge of the prerequisites! Can you answer the questions below?
Why do brown eggs cost more (and sell less) than white eggs?
Why do airlines charge much more for tickets purchased at the last minute, while West End theaters follow the opposite practice?
Is it always beneficial to act first and charge a price for your product when you are competing with other firms in a market?
* Fitzwilliam College reserves the right to changes to the course content or the course instructor.

Biology: Microbiology & Microbial Genetics


Dr Ashraf Zarkan

Research Fellow and Group Leader, Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Bye-Fellow, Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge

Dr Ash Zarkan is a microbiologist with a long-standing interest in infectious diseases and microbial genetics. Ash is an expert on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and his research is focused on tackling the rise of AMR, especially in the human pathogen Escherichia coli (E. coli). His clinical focus is on urinary tract infections (UTIs) where E. coli is the major pathogen affecting 150 million people per year worldwide. He is an active member of the Microbiology Society, and he serves as an academic reviewer for a number of prestigious microbiology journals and grant funding bodies. Ash has lectured on several summer programmes in Cambridge on topics ranging from infectious diseases, immunity, vaccination, and antimicrobial resistance. He is an excellent and very engaging speaker. His interactive teaching style brings the excitement and experience of his research to his audience. Ash is very passionate about tackling the rapid rise of AMR and hopes to convey his passion to those who attend his courses.


■ Course Content

Microbes are the dominant life-form on the planet; they have been around longer than anything else, and they are more numerous than anything else. In fact, it is no understatement to say that we are guests in a microbial world. In this course, we'll explore the microbial world and look at how our preconceptions are changing as a result of new discoveries. We'll see how microbes have a thriving social life, and how this is tied in with the propensity of some species to cause disease and the rising problems of antimicrobial resistance. Your Course Lecturer, Dr Ash Zarkan, hopes that his enthusiasm for the subject will be.... "infectious"!

Date 28th July

Monday

29th July

Tuesday

30th July

Wednesday

31th July

Thursday

1st Aug

Friday

 

Microbiology & Pathogens

Transmission, Prevention, and the Immune System and Practical Session Microbial Genetics & Vaccine Development Supervision Day 1 and Practical Session Antimicrobial Therapies & Antimicrobial Resistance
Date 4th Aug

Monday

5th Aug

Tuesday

6th Aug

Wednesday

7th Aug

Thursday

8th Aug

Friday

 

Biofilms and Persisters

Pathogens Overview andPractical Session Guided Presentation and Essay Writing Supervision Day 2 and Practical Session Final Presentations

* List of prerequisite knowledge:
There is no required prerequisite knowledge for this course. A broad familiarity with the items on the list above will greatly enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the classes and good preparation by all students will contribute significantly to the success of the course.
* Test your knowledge of the prerequisites! Can you answer the questions below?
1. What properties make a given species of bacteria ‘pathogenic’?
2. Do bacteria communicate with one another? If so, how do they do this?
3. How do antibiotics work? Is there such a thing as ‘the perfect antibiotic’?

*Fitzwilliam College reserves the right to changes to the course content or the course instructor.

Computer Science: Cybersecurity


Dr John Fawcett

Fellow and Director of Studies, Churchill College, University of Cambridge

Since completing his PhD, John Fawcett has been working in industry alongside lecturing, tutoring, supervising and directing studies in Computer Science at Cambridge. Over more than 15 years, John has seen around 500 students through to graduation. John has delivered courses in summer schools for over 10 years and is active in undergraduate admissions, including as Subject Convenor for the Computer Science undergraduate course. John served as University Senior Proctor in the 2021/22 academical year after being Praelector for 6 years at Churchill.


■ Course Content

We hear about data breaches at one company after another, of hacks, exploits, and companies' data being encrypted for ransom. What's going on? Why is everyone's security so easily defeated, and what can we do about it? This course looks at security on the Internet, security on mobile devices, and defensive coding techniques we can all use to write better software. We explore some techniques that can scan programs for vulnerabilities and we will see the tools used in industry today to manage risk in the cyber sector.

Date 28th July

Monday

29th July

Tuesday

30th July

Wednesday

31st July

Thursday

1st Aug

Friday

 

Attack vectors and categories of attack

Defensive coding Defensive infrastructure Supervision Day 1

Security on the Internet

Date 4th Aug

Monday

5th Aug

Tuesday

6th Aug

Wednesday

7th Aug

Thursday

8th Aug

Friday

 

Security on mobile devices

Key management Guided Presentation and Essay Writing Supervision Day 2 Final Presentations

* List of prerequisite knowledge:
Some experience with C or C++.
Experience with setting up cryptographic keys is helpful but not essential.
* Test your knowledge of the prerequisites! Can you answer the questions below?
1. How is a string represented in a computer memory?
2. What is a “stack frame”?
3. What is the difference between encrypting and signing a message?
* Fitzwilliam College reserves the right to changes to the course content or the course instructor.

Mechanical and Electrical Engineering


Dr Miles Stopher

Director of Admissions and Affiliated Lecturer, Department of Engineering, Cambridge, Senior Lecturer, Fellow and Director of Studies in Engineering, Homerton College, Bye-Fellow in Engineering at Jesus College and Fitzwilliam College

Dr Miles Stopher is a Senior Lecturer in Engineering at Homerton College and the Director of Admissions and an Affiliated Lecturer in the Department of Engineering. He is a Bye-Fellow of Fitzwilliam College, having previously been Acting Senior Tutor. He has supervised and directed studies in Engineering for 10 years, across a number of colleges at the University, including his alma mater, Jesus College. He lectures Nuclear Materials for Part III materials scientists at Cambridge, An Introduction to Materials Science for Engineers, and Nuclear Materialsfor Engineers on the MPhil in Nuclear Energy. He has also lectured on nuclear safety. Miles supervises Part IA and Part IB Mechanics, Materials and Structures to engineering undergraduates at Cambridge. Prior to his arrival at Cambridge, he worked on the design of the Royal Navy’s Dreadnought-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.


■ Course Content

Engineering has many branches, but the oldest and broadest is mechanical engineering. Mechanical engineers look at the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems and machines that keep our world moving forward. Electrical engineering was born in the 18th century, known then as "the youngest of the sciences". Electrical engineers study electricity, electronics and electromagnetism, and their application in the design, development, and testing of systems. This intensive course offers a valuable insight into what it is like to study mechanical or electrical engineering at university, covering the most prominent specialisms within the fields. Students will study the foundational concepts on which such specialisms are built and apply them to real-world problems, acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to gain a head start in studying engineering at university.

Date 28th July

Monday

29th July

Tuesday

30th July

Wednesday

31st July

Thursday

1st Aug

Friday

  Mechanical Engineering: Aerospace Mechanical Engineering: Combustion Engines Mechanical Engineering: Nuclear Reactor design Supervision Day1: Mechanics problems Electrical Engineering: Integrated Digital Electronics
Date 4th Aug

Monday

5th Aug

Tuesday

6th Aug

Wednesday

7th Aug

Thursday

8th Aug

Friday

  Electrical Engineering: Renewable Electrical Power Electrical and Mechanical Engineering: Robotics Guided Presentation and Essay Writing Supervision Day 2: Electronics problems Final Presentations

* List of prerequisite knowledge:
The emphasis during the course will be on the physical understanding of the principles involved. Only elementary mathematical methods will be used. The key is the engineering and not the mathematics behind it. As such, I expect students to have a basic awareness of circuits and their components, alongside a basic understanding of mechanics (see below)
* Test your knowledge of the prerequisites! Can you answer the questions below?
*Please scan the code to view the question:
* Fitzwilliam College reserves the right to changes to the course content or the course instructor.

Medicine

Prof Matthew J. Mason

Professor of Comparative Physiology, Department of Physiology, Development & , Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Fellow at St Catharine’s College

Matt is a physiology lecturer in the Department of Physiology, Development & Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge. He teaches and examines Cambridge undergraduate medical students in physiology. His main research focus is the structure, function and evolution of the vertebrate auditory system, which he investigate using techniques such as micro-CT scanning. He then use models of middle ear function to investigate the likely hearing range of the animal in question, in order to answer questions about how hearing is matched to particular acoustical properties of the environment that the animal lives in, and how the ear might have evolved.


Dr Aaron D’sa

Consultant in Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine at Norfolk and Norwich University , Hospital, Fellow at Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge

Aaron is an anaesthetist, and is involved in teaching undergraduate medical students physiology and neuroscience at the university. He is a Specialist Registrar in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine at Addenbrooke's Hospital. He also has an interest in law and ethics. His BA is in Law, and after graduating from Fitzwilliam in 2012 he undertook an LLM in Medical Law. His Masters thesis examined 'Do Not Resuscitate' orders, and their similarities with other 'ceiling of care' decisions.。



Dr Saeed Kayhanian

Academic Clinical Fellow in Neurosurgery at Cambridge University Hospitals, Fellow at Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge

Saeed is a neurosurgeon at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and teaches anatomy to medical students at Fitzwilliam College. He has a research interest in brain injury and cell therapy for the treatment of neurological disease.


Dr Robert Abayasekara

Lecturer in Human Reproduction and Director of Pre-Clinical studies for Medicine, Admissions Tutor in Sciences, Fellow at Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge

Robert is a highly experienced medical and veterinary educator who has taught Endocrinology and Reproduction in Oxford, London and Cambridge.



■ Course Content

The FitzEd Medicine course offers pre-university students an insight into medical science, current issues in healthcare and developments in medical technology. You will have the opportunity to extend your understanding of important topics in physiology and anatomy, discuss and debate important ethical issues, and even think about the design process for medical technology. The course will include small group teaching from experts, as well as sessions to guide key writing and presenting skills, and the opportunity to present your own project work.

Date 28th July

Monday

29th July

Tuesday

30th July

Wednesday

31st July

Thursday

1st Aug

Friday

  Intro to Physiology Part 1
Prof Mason

Hormones
Dr Abayasekara
Intro to Physiology Part 2
Prof Mason

Insulin
Dr Abayasekara
How to build an anaesthetic machine
Dr D’sa

Ethics and
Medicine
Dr D’sa
Supervision Day
Dr Abayasekara
Intro to sensory systems
Prof Mason

Auditory system
Dr D’sa
Date 4th Aug

Monday

5th Aug

Tuesday

6th Aug

Wednesday

7th Aug

Thursday

8th Aug

Friday

  Introduction to anatomy
Dr Kayhanian
Rescuing the injured brain
Dr Kayhanian
Lab day
Prof Mason
Guided Presentation and Essay Writing
Dr Kayhanian
Final Presentations
Prof Mason

* List of prerequisite knowledge:
At minimum familiarity with GCSE-level biology.
* Test your knowledge of the prerequisites! Can you answer the questions below?
1. What determines the pressure within a container of gas, what causes a gas to move, and what gases are biologically important?
2. Can you describe in general terms the anatomical route that blood takes from the left ventricle, around the circulation and back to the left ventricle? What causes it to flow, and what determines the direction it takes?
3. What substances does a cell need to survive? How can these substances be classified? Are there any required substances which do not enter the cell?
* Fitzwilliam College reserves the right to changes to the course content or the course instructor.

 Timetable 

  ACCOMMODATION  

  Cultural Activities  

Supervision

Teamwork

Connections

Lecture

Sports

Formal Dinner

Closing Ceremony

Celebration

Punting

  Programme Information 

Programme 1:

13th-26th July, 2025 (40-hour tuition)

Grade and Age:

10 - 12, must be at least 16 years old by 13th July, 2025

 

Programme 2:

27th July - 9th August, 2025 (40-hour tuition)

Grade and Age:

10 - 12, must be at least 16 years old by 27th July, 2025

 

Admission quota:

15 high school students for each subject

Requirements

Students need to satisfy at least one of the following requirements:
Direct Admission:

  • Students that have received a B or above in the ASDAN EPQ are eligible for direct admission.
  • Students that have received a Global or national award in various science assessments by ASEEDER are eligible for direct admission.
  • Students that provide a recommendation letter from an invited teacher are eligible for direct admission (Each teacher can recommend up to two students).
  • Students that provides certification on IELTS level 6.5, TOEFL 90, and an A or above in a subject that is related to the short course they want to apply for in this programme.

If you do not meet the above criteria, you will be required to do an interview in English with an ASEEDER teacher.
* Since each course is limited to 15 students, registration will close once filled. Students' spots will be secured upon successful registration. However, the final enrollment result will depend on notification from Fitzwilliam College. If a course is fully booked, ASEEDER's teachers will contact the student to discuss an alternative course option.

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