Category Descriptions:
A note to students:
If your project uses machine learning (ML) and the main strength of the project lies in how you used ML, you should enter Category IX (Computer Science and Modeling). On the other hand, if the focus of your project is more on the discipline which you applies ML and you want to talk more about the underlying scientific principles and implications, you should enter your project in that other discipline.
For instance, if you used a CNN to differentiate between types of lung cancer cells and you want to focus mainly on how those cells are different and the medical implications of those differences, center in Category III, Medicine and Health. However, if you want to focus more on the architecture of your model and how you improved it, enter in Category IX.
Category I – General Biology
Any aspect of biology not better judged by someone with specific training in biochemistry or molecular biology as described above. Projects may involve plants, simple organisms, animal behavior, and classical genetics.
Category II – Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The study of chemical processes in living organisms or biology at the molecular level. Focuses on the structure, function, and processes of cells (e.g., nucleic acids, proteins, lipids).
Category III – Medicine and Health
Studies focusing on areas including disease diagnosis, patient care, public health, epidemiology. These studies may involve a secondary analysis of data or data collected by the student.
Category IV – Behavioral and Social Science
Studies of human cognition and/or behavior or studies involving larger units of analysis such as economies or political systems. Common fields of study include psychology, sociology, education, economics, and political science.
Category V – Chemistry
The science of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter. Projects typically involve: Organic, Analytical, Physical, or Inorganic. Over the last several years, additional concentrations have begun to emerge, including Nuclear chemistry, Polymer chemistry, Biophysical chemistry, Environmental chemistry.
Category VI – Earth and Environmental Science
Projects having to do with any aspect of the environment, energy, or Earth Science. Projects may combine biological, chemical and physical components.
Category VII – Physics and Astronomy
The areas of natural science that study non-living systems. Projects typically involve physics, and astronomy.
Category VIII – Engineering
The application of scientific and mathematical principles to practical ends such as the design, manufacture, and operation of efficient and economical structures, processes, and systems.
Category IX – Computer Science and Modeling
The study of information processes, the structures and procedures that represent processes, and their implementation in information processing systems. It includes systems analysis and design, application and system software design, programming and datacenter operations as well as the development and application of data-analytical and theoretical methods, mathematical modeling and computational simulation techniques to the study of biological behavior and social systems.