Molecular Biology Summer Camp
For 9th–12th grade students
- July 13-17, 2026
- July 19-24, 2026
- On campus
- Hosted By: School of Science, Technology and Health
Cost and Admission
This is a paid event.
| $350.00 | Week 1 Covers lab supplies and lab manual |
| $780.00 | Week 2 (Overnight) Covers lodging, meals, lab supplies and lab manual |
Molecular Biology Summer Camp
In this five-day summer camp, students will be led through a series of experiments that illustrate the principles and hands-on techniques to do just that. Students will learn good laboratory techniques, using a pipette to handle small volumes, performing DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, restriction digest, PCR and protein analysis. Additional anatomy and physiology activities will be done as time permits.
Note: This camp is for high school students only (9th–12th).
Choose between two different date options for the camp:
- Week 1: July 13–17
- Week 2: July 19–24 (overnight camp)
Questions?
Contact Biology Department at:
562-903-4891
bio.chem@biola.edu
Week Overview
- Day 1: Pipette practice, DNA extraction
- Day 2: PCR analysis of biological samples
- Day 3: Protein gel electrophoresis, invited faculty to speak on molecular biology
- Day 4: CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in bacteria
- Day 5: Western blot analysis of protein sample
Sample Day Schedule
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:45–9 a.m. | Check In |
| 9–9:30 a.m. | Experiment Overview |
| 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. | SDS-Page and Gel Staining |
| 12–1 p.m. | Lunch Students will have access to Biola's cafeteria if they'd like to buy lunch. |
| 1–2 p.m. | Gel Transfer |
| 2–3 p.m. | Clean Up and Debrief |
| 3–3:30 p.m. | CRISPR Experiment Preview |
| 3:30–4:30 p.m. | Bacterial Transformation |
| 4:30–4:45 p.m. | Clean Up and Check Out |
Sample Overnight Camp Schedule
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8–9 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9 a.m.–12 p.m. | Lab Manual Instruction & Protein Gel Electrophoresis |
| 12–1:15 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:15–2:15 p.m. | Faculty Speaker on Molecular Biology |
| 2:15–3:30 p.m. | Review Lab Results |
| 3:30–4 p.m. | Clean Up |
| 5:30–6:45 p.m. | Dinner |
| 6:45–8:15 p.m. | Movie Night in the SUB |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the check-in and check-out time?
For the day camp, the check-time is 9 a.m. and the check-out time is 4 p.m. daily. For the overnight camp, the check-in time is 4 p.m. and the check-out time is 11 a.m. on the final day.
Is transportation provided?
Transportation to and from Biola University is not provided. Participants and their families are responsible for arranging their own travel to campus. If you have specific questions or need recommendations for local transportation options, feel free to contact us.
Where will I stay on campus?
Students are required to stay in a designated Biola dormitory on campus overnight. Upon arrival to Biola University, students will be assigned their roommate(s). Male and female attendees, along with camp counselors, will be placed on separate floors in the dormitory. The dorm rooms are suite-style, where two rooms share a private bathroom. A linen packet will be provided to all students which includes: flat sheet, fitted sheet, pillow case, large towel, hand towel and washcloth. Students can bring their own blankets or pillows if they desire.
Does the campus have wireless internet?
Biola University provides free WiFi to everyone on campus. If you bring your own personal electronics, Biola University and the School of Science and Technology assumes no responsibility for lost, broken or stolen items.
Are scholarships or financial aid available for the summer camp?
At this time, we are not able to offer scholarships or financial aid for the camp. We encourage families to plan accordingly and reach out if they have questions about payment or registration.
What is the instructor/student ratio?
It is approximately 1:12.
What is included in the cost of the camp?
The registration fee covers all instruction, lab materials, three meals/day (overnight only), on-campus housing (overnight only) and a camp T-shirt.
Will I need to bring spending money?
Students will need spending money for lunch (day camp only, Week 1), as well as spending money for any souvenirs and/or miscellaneous items they would like to purchase on their own while participating in the molecular biology camp.
Is there a commuter option?
Our week one (day camp only) is offered as a commuter option for our camp. Our week two overnight camp is designed as a residential experience to give students a full taste of college life. Students will not be allowed to lodge elsewhere even if they live locally.
Do I need prior lab experience to participate?
No prior lab experience is necessary! This camp is geared toward both beginners and students with some science background. Our faculty and staff will guide students through each activity step-by-step.
What if I have to cancel my registration for the molecular biology camp?
Attendees have until 5 p.m. (PT) on June 12, 2026 to cancel their spot and receive a refund (minus a $150 non-refundable payment for service fees). No refunds are available after June 12th. In the event Biola cancels the biology camp for circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to Covid-19 safety protocols, not meeting minimum attendance requirements, among other unforeseen circumstances, we will endeavor to provide as much advance notice as possible. Full refunds will be given on any submitted payments.