Course Descriptions Secondary

Course Schedule

Please see below our Autumn 2024 secondary school courses. Students attend one course for the six-week programme. There are no virtual courses for this season. No prior knowledge of any of the subjects is necessary. Courses are subject to change.

Traditional Chinese Medicines 

The Youth Academy is delighted to announce a new programme for secondary school students starting in October 2024 in ‘Traditional Chinese Medicine’ which will be delivered by the distinguished Faculty Team from the Confucius Institute of Chinese and Regenerative Medicine at University of Galway.

The Confucius Institute is kindly subsidising the fees for the ‘Traditional Chinese Medicine’ course on a pilot basis this October and the fee for students will be €120 (normally €200).

This course teaches you about Traditional Chinese Medicine and is delivered by the Faculty Team from the Confucius Institute of Chinese and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Galway. 

• Did you know there are different approaches to medicine around the world? Learn about traditional Chinese medicine and its amazing history steeped in thousands of years of practice to diagnose various types of diseases and syndromes. You will discover what makes it different from Western medicine and some of the basic theories including Yin-Yang and the Five Elements.
• Learn about the fascinating ways of diagnosing diseases and syndromes, with hands-on activity, for example examining the pulse as a diagnostic tool.
• Through the senses of smell and taste, explore the world of common Chinese medicines (e.g. ginseng and liquorice) and learn about their properties and effects.
• Understand the basic principles of Acupuncture (no needles will be used on you!) and Tuina.
• Master some simple daily health tips (suitable for teenagers) rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
• Learn about the magic of Traditional Chinese Medicine and how it integrates with Western medicine with some real-life case studies. 

The course will be of interest to students who might be considering studying medicine or healthcare in the future and would like to broaden their horizons and to students who are interested in learning more about one of the world’s oldest medical systems.   

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Bootcamp: Design Thinking in Action  

Get ready to team up with the University of Galway's IdeasLab for a fun and hands-on adventure into the world of innovation and creativity! In this bootcamp, you’ll work in teams to tackle real challenges faced by companies like Aerogen, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic in the medtech space. 

You’ll dive into Design Thinking, a way to solve problems by putting people first. You will work as part of a team and focus on enhancing the experiences of people who work in the healthcare sector in areas such as heart stents, stomas and medical packaging.  In one of our recent programmes our teams came up with novel ways to support healthcare professionals prepare stents for patients.   At every stage, you'll be supported with real-life examples and practical, hands-on exercises that help bring your ideas to life. Together with your teammates, you’ll develop your creativity, build prototypes, and use storytelling to create innovative solutions that could make a real difference in the world. 

Marine Science: Explore the Hidden Mysteries of the Deep Sea  

A deep dive into the intriguing realm of marine sciences, and ready to take your first steps as a marine scientist! During each week of the course, you will have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of marine research.  

• Study the complex dynamics of deep ocean circulation, currents, and waves
• The resilience of cold water and tropical corals
• The critical impact of microplastics on fish and marine ecosystems
• Engage in data analysis methodologies to unravel the complexities of marine phenomena using recent survey data
• Precise flow rate calculations, and apply scientific principles to real-world scenarios
• Immerse yourself in experiential learning opportunities through hands-on practical activities, where theoretical knowledge is translated into practical skills, fostering a deeper understanding of marine science concepts
• Witness the marvels of deep-sea exploration through captivating ROV videos, offering a glimpse into the enigmatic depths of the ocean and showcasing cutting-edge research techniques

Join us on this academic voyage of discovery, where intellectual curiosity meets scientific exploration, and together, we strive to broaden our understanding of the marine world and its intricate ecosystem 

Game Makers: Learn to Code with Fun Projects 

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of programming through the creation of engaging and interactive games. Starting with simple projects and progressing to more complex ones, students will explore essential coding concepts in a hands-on and enjoyable way. Each session is dedicated to building a specific game, allowing students to apply their skills immediately. These workshops are designed for learners of all levels, with no prior gaming or programming experience required. 

Outcomes: 

• Understand fundamental game development concepts and coding principles
• Develop problem-solving and logical thinking skills through game design
• Design and implement interactive game elements, including sprites and tile maps
• Test, debug, and refine games to improve functionality and user experience
• Build and customize game levels and environments