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Harvard Medical School’s Pre-College Online Program offers high school students a unique opportunity to explore the world of medicine and biomedical science through a rigorous, engaging online curriculum. Designed for students who are curious about careers in health care, research, and the life sciences, this program blends instruction from Harvard Medical School faculty and clinicians with real-world case studies and hands-on learning experiences.

Whether you’re dreaming of becoming a doctor, fascinated by the inner workings of the human body, or interested in how scientific discoveries translate into new treatments, Harvard Medical School’s pre-college courses give you an early look at foundational concepts shaping 21st-century medicine. With a mix of Capstone Courses that delve into professional and research pathways and Academic Enrichment Courses that build core scientific knowledge, this program helps aspiring students clarify career goals, strengthen academic readiness, and stand out in future college applications.

Below are the courses available through Harvard Medical School’s Pre-College Online Program:

Capstone Courses:

Becoming a Doctor: A Deep Dive into the Medical Profession

This capstone course gives students a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly means to become a physician in today’s medical landscape. You’ll explore the various paths to medical school, learn how doctors think and make decisions in clinical settings, and gain insight into how health care systems operate. The curriculum blends expert interviews, case studies, and multimedia lessons to show you how scientific knowledge, empathy, and innovation intersect in modern medicine. Students also investigate emerging technologies shaping the future of care and complete a final project that helps define their personal vision for a career in medicine, which can support future applications and essays.

Medical Research: Shaping the Future of Health and Medicine

This capstone course immerses students in the world of scientific discovery, from foundational research to life-saving breakthroughs. You’ll learn how ideas move from the lab bench to clinical application, examine the collaboration between scientists and clinicians, and discover cutting-edge tools like genomic analysis and AI-driven diagnostics. Along the way, students identify real-world problems and design an original research-inspired project, strengthening their understanding of how research drives progress in health and disease treatment.

Academic Enrichment Courses:

Biochemistry

Explore the molecular foundations of life with this academic enrichment course that unpacks how cells function, how molecules interact, and why biochemical processes underlie both health and disease. You’ll study metabolism, cellular structure, signal pathways, and protein architecture, and see how these concepts connect to medical science and therapeutic development.

Genetics

Dive into the world of genes and heredity as you learn how DNA shapes who we are and how genetic information influences health and disease. Topics include DNA/RNA function, inheritance patterns, population genetics, genetic variation’s role in cancer, and the frontier of precision medicine and gene editing.

Immunology

This course introduces students to the immune system’s intricate defense network. You’ll learn how the body recognizes threats, how innate and adaptive responses work, and how cells communicate to fight infection. The course also covers immune system malfunction in conditions like autoimmunity and the latest immunotherapy strategies against cancer.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology takes you inside how drugs work in the body — from how they are absorbed and metabolized to how they interact with cells and produce therapeutic effects. You’ll explore drug design, pharmacokinetic processes, safety considerations, and the path from discovery to clinical use. This course builds a foundational understanding of how medicines are developed and used in patient care.

Physiology

In this course, you’ll examine how organ systems function and interact to maintain life. Topics include respiration, blood flow, fluid balance, homeostasis, and the dynamics of major bodily systems. Through real-world examples, you’ll gain insight into how the body adapts and responds to challenges, offering a foundation for further study in medicine and health sciences.