About the Course
The human body is amazing— and sometimes, gross. From the blood inside us to the gas that comes out, each slimy, gunky, or smelly part has a vital role to play in keeping us healthy. In this three-week mini course, we’ll dive deep into the microscopic world of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. What do we breathe in or eat that makes us sick? What organisms may be living on our eyelashes and under our fingernails? How do we treat illnesses and diseases caused by microscopic things? We’ll explore these questions and bodily functions through online discussions, mini-lessons about body systems, research articles, and short at-home experiments, and gain a better understanding of the microscopic world—especially those things you don’t want to discuss at the dinner table!
The content in Gross Science: Microorganisms overlaps with the CTY course Grossology. Students who have already taken Grossology may wish to consult with an enrollment advisor before selecting this course.
Learning Objectives
- Identify and explain the structure and functions of specific body systems
- Explain the role of a specific body system in maintaining homeostasis
- Compare and contrast microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites)
- Research and explain an illness, disease, disorder, or condition caused by a microorganism
About Mini courses
Taught over 1-3 sessions, these short survey courses are designed to give students the opportunity to sample a topic, engage with a community of advanced learners, and take a course that suits their busy schedule.
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 Tue for 4 weeks
Times: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Register by: December 15, 2025
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 3 sessions over 3 weeks.
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Tue for 4 weeks
Times: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Register by: February 17, 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 3 sessions over 3 weeks.
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