About the Course
Doctors must make quick decisions based on their knowledge, experience, and a short list of symptoms—there is not always a simple solution, and lives are often on the line.
In this course, we’ll learn about the anatomy and physiology of different body systems, as well as diseases, disorders, and methods of diagnosis, by focusing on the medical specialties of cardiology, neurology, pulmonology, hematology, and immunology. During class, we’ll work in small groups to analyze and interpret case studies from the specialists’ perspectives, and you’ll write case studies based on what you’ve learned.
Outside of class meetings, you’ll use your new knowledge and conduct additional research to analyze and write case studies about situations gone wrong. You might, for example, apply your understanding of the respiratory and circulatory systems to an injured hockey player who took a hit during a game. Along the way, you’ll ask and answer questions, diagnose root causes, and suggest diagnostic tests and treatments that will help put your patients on the path to recovery.
The content in Be the Doctor: The Science Behind the Symptoms overlaps with the CTY course Diagnosis: Be the Doctor. Students who have already taken Diagnosis: Be the Doctor may wish to consult an enrollment advisor before selecting this course.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the body’s basic structures and describe the functions of vital body systems
- Explain how various diseases affect the body
- Identify diagnostic tests and procedures for certain diseases
- Analyze and create sample case studies to synthesize and prioritize symptoms, medical histories, and test results to determine an appropriate diagnosis
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
Online
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Fri for 6 weeks
Times: 9 - 10:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Register by: June 8, 2026
Filling up fast! 8 spots left
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). Course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
All online course times are Eastern time.
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Fri for 6 weeks
Times: 7 - 8:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Register by: August 11, 2026
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). Course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
All online course times are Eastern time.
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Wed for 6 weeks
Times: 7 - 8:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Register by: September 15, 2026
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). Course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
All online course times are Eastern time.
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid