Course Descriptions Secondary

Course Schedule

Please see below our Autumn 2023 secondary school courses. Students attend one course for the six-week programme. Our secondary school courses are spread across different time slots. No prior knowledge of any of the subjects is necessary. Courses are subject to change.

A Crash Course in Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Python

A Crash Course in Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Python is designed for learners who are interested in learning about AI and how it works. The learner will embark on an exploration of Artificial Intelligence using the versatile Python programming language. The course covers what AI is, how it works, and the basics of Python. From mastering Python fundamentals and logical thinking to creating basic chatbots and even understanding neural networks,they will acquire essential skills to grasp the core concepts of AI. By the end of this journey, learners will have the tools to build their own AI-based projects and a solid foundation for further exploration in the exciting field of artificial intelligence using Scratch.

Artificial Intelligence: A Step toward the Future

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a field of computer science that focuses on the creation of intelligent machines that can think and act like humans. These intelligent machines can be used to perform tasks that are typically done by humans, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making.

In this course, students will learn about the different types of AI, including narrow or general AI, and how they are used in a variety of applications such as natural language processing, machine learning, and robotics. Here is a list of topics that will be covered in an artificial intelligence course for secondary school students:

1. Introduction to artificial intelligence: Definition of AI, types of AI (narrow, general), and its potential impact on society.

2. History of AI: Timeline of major events and milestones in the development of AI.

3. AI applications: Examples of AI in various fields such as natural language processing, machine learning, and robotics.

4. Machine learning: Definition of machine learning, types of machine learning algorithms (supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement), and examples of how machine learning is used in real-world applications.

5. Robotics: Definition of robotics, types of robots (industrial, service, domestic), and examples of how robots are used in different industries.

6. Natural language processing: Definition of natural language processing, examples of how natural language processing is used in real-world applications, and techniques for processing and analyzing human language.

7. Ethical and societal implications of AI: Discussion of the potential risks and benefits of AI, as well as ethical considerations related to the development and use of AI.

8. Programming for AI: Introduction to programming concepts and techniques for building simple AI systems using programming languages such as Python.

9. Project or assignment: Students may have the opportunity to work on a project or assignment that involves programming or building an AI system. This could involve designing and implementing a simple machine-learning algorithm, building a robot, or working with natural language data.

Overall, this course is aimed to provide students with a foundational understanding of AI and its potential impact on society, as well as introduce them to the concepts and techniques used in the field.

Bunchúrsa san Eolaíocht Sonraí Géanómaíochta

Tá dul chun cinn ollmhór déanta sna teicneolaíochtaí a úsáidtear chun seicheamhú a dhéanamh ar ghéanóm an duine le blianta beaga anuas. Dá bharr, tá méadú tagtha ar infhaighteacht agus inúsáidteacht sonraí géanómaíochta i bhfionnachtain eolaíochta bhunúsach sna heolaíochtaí beatha agus i bhfeidhmeanna cliniciúla sa bheachtleigheas.

Chun anailís a dhéanamh ar na tacair sonraí casta seo, tá gá le glúin nua d’eolaithe sár-oilte a thuigeann go maith na bunphrionsabail bhitheolaíocha agus teicneolaíochta agus a bhfuil na scileanna ríomhaireachta agus cainníochtúla cuí acu.

Is cúrsa sé seachtaine é seo a chuirfidh mic léinn ar an eolas maidir le:

• Bunphrionsabail na géineolaíochta, ag forbairt na dtopaicí a clúdaíodh le linn an Teastais Shóisearaigh mar shampla, DNA, RNA, agus géinte, iad curtha in iúl le cabhair ó bhrabhsálaithe géanóim idirghníomhacha (IGV).
• Teicneolaíochtaí seicheamhaithe a úsáidtear sa ghéanómaíocht, agus béim curtha ar sheicheamhú RNA. Gheobhaidh na daltaí taithí ag féachaint ar an eolas seo in IGV chun anailís phraiticiúil a dhéanamh ar na topaicí a clúdaíodh le linn an ranga ar bhunphrionsabail na géineolaíochta.
• Freisin, cruthóidh daltaí cuntas saor in aisce ar Posit/RStudio Cloud agus gheobhaidh siad taithí phraiticiúil ag úsáid R, teanga ríomhaireachta staitistiúil foinse oscailte. Is scileanna inaistrithe iad seo ar féidir iad a úsáid i réimsí eile a bhaineann leas as sonraí eolaíochta, mar shampla airgeadas, an tsíceolaíocht, an innealtóireacht agus an mhatamaitic.
• Conas léirshamhlú sonraí a dhéanamh le tacar sonraí in R tríd úsáid a bhaint as histeagraim, scaipléaráidí, agus léaráidí boscaí.
• Conas léirmhíniú a dhéanamh ar léaráidí trí phatrúin agus treochtaí a aithint i dtacar sonraí go físiúil agus go foirmiúil ag baint úsáid as tástáil staitistiúil.
• Réamheolas ar mheaisínfhoghlaim, agus conas is féidir í a úsáid sa ghéanómaíocht chun cabhrú le cinntí cliniciúla.

An sprioc atá ag an gcúrsa seo ná go gcabhródh sé le daltaí tuiscint a fháil ar an réimse leathan de chúrsaí ollscoile agus conairí gairme atá ar fáil dóibh - go háirithe sna réimsí staidéir idirdhisciplíneacha nach féidir staidéar a dhéanamh orthu go díreach ag leibhéal na hArdteiste.

Tá an ghéineolaíocht, staitisticí, agus an ríomheolaíocht mar chuid lárnach den ghéanómaíocht agus tugann an eolaíocht sonraí géanómaíochta deiseanna fostaíochta i gcomhlachtaí bith-theicneolaíochta agus cógaisíochta mar aon le deiseanna i dtaighde acadúil agus i dtimpeallachtaí ospidéal, áit a mbíonn sé mar bhonn faoin mbeachtleigheas.

Riachtanais an Chúrsa:
An t-aon riachtanas atá ag an gcúrsa seo ná go bhfuil gá go mbeadh cuntas ríomhphoist ag rannpháirtithe chun clárú le Posit/RStudio Cloud.

Tá lúcháir ar Acadamh na hÓige áiteanna saor in aisce a fhógairt do mhic léinn ar an “mBonnchúrsa san Eolaíocht Sonraí Géanómaíochta” atá á chur ar fáil trí Ghaeilge san ollscoil an téarma seo. Tá maoiniú curtha ar fáil ón gCiste Straitéiseach chun cur ar chumas scoileanna páirt a ghlacadh sa chúrsa Gaeilge seo de réir na gcuspóirí atá leagtha amach i Straitéis na Gaeilge 2021-2025.

Introduction to Genomics Data Science

Rapid advancements in technologies used to sequence the human genome have led to an unprecedented increase in the availability and use of genomics data, from fundamental scientific discovery in the life sciences to clinical applications in precision medicine.

The analysis of these large, complex datasets requires a new generation of highly trained scientists who possess not only a sound understanding of the underlying biological principles and technologies but also the necessary quantitative and computational skills.

This 6-week course will provide students with:

• Fundamentals in genetics, expanding on junior cert cycle topics such as DNA, RNA and genes delivered with the aid of interactive genome browsers (IGV).
• Introduction to sequencing technologies used in genomics, with a focus on RNA-Sequencing. Students will get hands-on experience viewing sequencing reads in IGV to further illustrate the topics covered during fundamentals in genetics.
• Students will create a free account on Posit/RStudio Cloud and gain hands-on experience using R, an open-source statistical computing language. Skills learned in R are transferrable to all fields of data science including finance, psychology, engineering, mathematics etc.
• The ability to perform basic data visualisation techniques in R by plotting datasets using histograms, scatterplots and boxplots.
• Interpretation of plots by identifying patterns and trends in datasets both visually and formally using a statistical test.
• An introduction to machine learning, and how its application in genomics can aid clinical decisions.

The course aims to help junior cert cycle students gain an appreciation for the wide and sometimes confusing variety of degree options and career paths available to them – particularly true for new interdisciplinary fields of study which may not map well to individual subjects at leaving certificate level.

Genomics data science incorporates the study of genetics, statistics, and computer science, providing a range of employment opportunities in biotech and pharma companies, as well as in academic research and in hospital settings, where it underpins the promise of precision medicine.

The Youth Academy is delighted to announce free places for students in our “Bunchúrsa san Eolaíocht Sonraí Géanómaíochta” course delivered through Irish at the university this term. The funding is provided from the Strategic Fund to enable schools to participate in this Irish course as per the objectives in the Strategy for the Irish Language 2021-2025. 

Cities Underwater: How Mathematics Can Help Us Climate Change

Mathematics is critical to solving some of the world’s pressing issues. Dublin, Lisbon, Boston…these are all cities at risk or already experiencing effects of global warming due to rising coastal waters and flooding. Coastal cities worldwide may be partially or entirely underwater if climate change is not immediately addressed. What solutions can YOU brainstorm to address issues with coastal flooding?

This course will explore how mathematics can be used in the real world to solve a global issue. You will work with a small group to research a city around the world at risk for coastal flooding and develop a solution over the six weeks to help them address flooding. We will use geometry, statistics, and problem-solving to develop solutions, design prototypes, and conduct real-world tests of the designs. Then, you will use Tinkercad, a web application for 3D design, to design your final solution. We will also 3D print your models using the on-campus Makerspace! We will finish off the course by generating a cost-to-benefit analysis. You will also have the opportunity to share your ideas with the rest of the class. Check out tinkercad.com to get an idea of what virtual tools we will use! No previous knowledge of CAD or 3D modelling is needed.

Join us for an exciting course where you can think creatively, be artistic, use online 3D modelling, and see your ideas come to life through mathematics! 

Climate: The Past, The Present and the Future

We hear about climate change all the time, but often very little about the details behind the headlines. This course will look at Earth’s climate – the fundamentals of how global climate works, how past records inform our understanding of how and why climate changes, what a future warming climate looks like for the plants, animals, and societies who currently occupy the Earth (for Ireland in particular), what impacts those predictions are likely to have and what we can do to prevent the worst-case scenarios.

The course will include experiments with the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide and the planet-wide physical forces that impact the atmosphere, analyses of climate data and an in-depth look at individual and collective climate impacts with a view toward sustainability and climate action.

Exploring the microbial world that exists inside your body 

Your body is home to millions of microbes, and they are all talking about YOU (behind your back!?) 

There is thought to be as many microbes living within and on your body as there is human cells that make up YOU. Most of these microbes reside in your gut, helping themselves to the food that you eat and talking through various signals that you might not even be aware of. Perhaps these microbes know you better than you know yourself… 

In this hands-on course we will examine how the MICROBIOME (that collection of microbes that knows you inside and out) influences human digestion, metabolism and your health. 

The good, the bad, and even the weird- we will dive into everything microbial and uncover the secret language spoken between our bodies and our bodies microbial residents.

Medical Engineering: Where Engineering Meets Medicine

Medical devices such as prosthetic limbs, heart stents and pacemakers are becoming commonplace in healthcare, but designing devices that can interact seamlessly with the delicate cells and tissues in our body without causing harm is not an easy task.

During this course we will take a deep dive into the field of medical engineering, learning about many common health conditions and the medical devices that have been designed to treat them. We will study the engineering behind these devices and how they are carefully designed to integrate with the human body.

This course will be delivered via interactive weekly workshops, where students will work together on quizzes and activities. Each week, we will learn about diseases affecting different components of the human body, and how doctors, scientists, and engineers work together to solve problems in healthcare.

Examples of some topics we will cover during the course are:

• Cardiovascular health and disease
• Biomechanics and orthopaedics
• Biomaterials and tissue engineering
• The immune system and autoimmune diseases
• Vaccine development & public health
• Bioelectronics

This course is ideal for any students interested in learning more about biology, biomedical engineering, medicine, or healthcare.

Ocean Explorers: Unveiling the Wonders of Marine Ecology

Prepare to embark on an exciting journey to discover the marvels of the ocean and its global ecology. Starting with a broad introduction to ocean ecosystems, students will explore the interconnected food chain and encounter the mesmerizing fauna inhabiting the deep blue.  

As the weeks progress, students will dive deeper into specific marine topics. They will meet the amazing marine mammals, such as whales and dolphins, learning about their unique adaptations and the importance of conservation. Taking on the role of marine biologists, the young learners will explore the adventurous world of marine science, understanding its vital contributions to ocean understanding and protection.  

By the end of the course, these young Ocean Explorers will be equipped with a global understanding of marine ecology, insights into marine biology careers, and a profound commitment to safeguarding our blue planet. Inspired and informed, they will be ready to step forward as advocates for the ocean and its magnificent inhabitants, driving positive change for a sustainable ocean future.  

Throughout the course, we will use engaging visuals, videos, and interactive activities to enhance the learning experience of the concepts we will go through, which include :   

• Introduction to ocean ecology and its significance   
• Understanding different ocean zones and the food chain   
• Marine mammals: adaptations, behaviors, and conservation   
• The role of marine biologists and field observations   
• Human impacts on the ocean and the importance of conservation   
• Inspiring stories of ocean conservation heroes   
• Envisioning a sustainable future for our oceans   
• Becoming ocean guardians and advocates    

By the end of the six weeks, students will have gained a global understanding of ocean ecology, appreciation for marine mammals and their conservation, insights into the role of marine biologists, and a heightened awareness of anthropic risks to the ocean. They will be empowered to take actions to protect our oceans and become advocates for marine life conservation.

Why do we act the way we do? Practical information for the curious mind

Psychology is the science that studies human behaviour and mental processes. Psychology encompasses all (or almost all) aspects of human experience, from the functions of the brain to the actions of nations, from child development to the care of the elderly. In this six-week course we will take a look at some of these areas. We will discuss how human behaviour works and how psychology is able to study it, and how the human processes have not changed that much since we were prehistoric people in caves. We will also learn why psychology is a science and what areas a psychologist can work in. Also, following the guidelines of forensic psychology and criminal profiling, we will learn how to make a personality profile. We will engage in the classic nature vs. nurture debate, trying to understand why we act the way we do, and what makes us do it. Are we predetermined or do we learn it from our environment? Finally, we will also look at the dark side of psychology, and how we can learn from the past.

To do this, we will not only learn theory about diverse areas of psychology, but we will also do practical group activities and discussions in order to encourage critical thinking and apply it to our daily lives. At the end of the course, our students will be able to answer the following questions:

1. Is psychology a science?

2. What are the emotions and how can we regulate them?

3. What is personality profiling?

4. What are the ethical implications of experiments?

5. Is our personality determined or are we influenced by our environment?

You ARE the Main Character: Actor technique and script work

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be an actor in a professional play? What do their rehearsals look like? How do they learn all those lines? What's it really like to be the main character?

This 6 week drama course will give students the chance to work with a real theatre script and allow them to take centre stage as they learn the basics of actor technique. Students will be grouped into scenes of 2-3 actors and given a chunk of text from a play that we will analyse together and then bring to life. Some of the skills we cover will include:

-Vocal technique: warm-ups, engaging the diaphragm, projection, clarity

-Character building: identity, physicality, personality, dramaturgy

-Script analysis: creating units and beats, actioning and objectives

-Staging: different theatrical forms, using and filling the space, blocking

...and of course, we'll have some fun with drama games and improvisation sessions too :)

By the end of the course, every student will have experienced what it is like to work with a substantial scene for the stage. It's time to show everyone that you really are the main character!