Student-Led Courses
At CCS, students don't just take classes, they lead them too! From sharing their own knowledge to organizing speakers, students have created courses based on their diverse interests. Explore this page to learn more about past, current, and upcoming student-led courses.
Review the guidelines & eligibility criteria
2025 - 2026
Winter 2026
BIOL CS 5: Cell Biology by the Numbers
Enroll Code: 53082
Description:
In this course, we will embark on a journey through Dr. Ron Milo and Dr. Rob Phillips's “Cell Biology by the Numbers.” Through interactive discussions and problem-solving sessions, we will examine fundamental biological processes using numerical reasoning and “back-of-the-envelope” or “Fermi” calculations. The course is designed to tease the brain and build intuition about scale, concentration, energy, and time in cellular systems, empowering students to approach biology from a unique perspective.
No prerequisites. This course is designed for students interested in (not necessarily majoring in) biology. Students in Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Chemical Engineering are strongly encouraged to enroll. Basic Calculus MATH (2A-B or equivalent), General Chemistry CHEM and Introductory Biology (MCDB 1A or equivelant) are recommended but not necessary.
Instructor: Led by Xagros Faraji under the supervision of Lior Sepunaru.
MUS CS 5: Fundamentals of Post-Production Audio
Enroll Code: 62851
Description:
Post-production audio can be understood as both a technical process and an expressive medium. While many aspects are subjective and open to creative interpretation, there are also foundational principles that guide good practice and can be refined like any other craft.
The goal of this course is to provide students with the foundational knowledge and tools necessary for effective post-production audio work across various media formats. Topics will include signal flow, equalization, dynamic control, stereo imaging, harmonic manipulation, creative effects, and the basics of mastering. Throughout, we will focus on using these tools to enhance clarity, evoke emotion, and build compelling sonic environments.
As with any craft, hands-on practice is essential. Weekly assignments are intended to help students apply and deepen their understanding of each topic. These assignments will not be graded but are highly encouraged for your personal development. Selected assignments may be reviewed during class for optional feedback and discussion.
Class time will be structured around short lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on exploration of post-production workflows. Students are encouraged to experiment, ask questions, and engage in open dialogue particularly with subjective choices that are discussed.
There are no prerequisites for this course, but a basic familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs) or sound editing software may be helpful. All students are welcome to participate in this course.
Instructor: Led by Hudson Rose under the supervision of Andrew Watts.
PHYS CS 5: Non-Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics
Enroll Code: 62869
Description:
This is a colloquium on non-equilibrium statistical mechanics. The main goal is to develop an understanding of how systems out of thermal equilibrium evolve in time, and how they evolve towards equilibrium. The course will be roughly divided into three sections. The first will be on stochastic processes, and the role of fluctuations. Our canonical example throughout this portion will be various forms of Brownian motion. The second section will be on kinetic theory. The primary goals of this section will be to a] formalize the connection between classical mechanics and statistical mechanics and b] to understand how systems far from equilibrium can evolve towards it. Finally, we will explore quantum statistical mechanics. The goal will be to understand how quantum systems interact, and how interactions give rise interesting quantum and classical dynamics.
A familiarity with Hamiltonian mechanics, basic concepts in statistical mechanics (particularly the Boltzmann distribution), and basics of quantum mechanics (braket notation, the Schrodinger equation) is strongly encouraged.
Instructor: Led by Sidharth Kannan under the supervision of Ian Banta.
PHYS CS 5: Intro to Embedded Prototyping
Enroll Code: 62901
Description:
A lab format class where students learn the skills needed to bring ideas to life. The class will focus on Python-based coding of microcontrollers, single-board computers (SBC), hardware communication, IP network communication, PCB design, 3D Printing, and oscilloscope use, with a possible project-based end/ongoing support after the class is over. The class will often refer to my previous work at UCSB and my designs.
The audience of this class would be motivated students who are interested in learning how to build their ideas using currently technology for personal or research purposes. This class can be used as a precursor for physics majors to learn tools useful in research. Students from all majors who are technologically inclined should be able to succeed in this class.
Prerequisites include a laptop. Python and Linux familiarity. If none, students must be willing to put in the effort.
Interested students should reach out to eliottschaffer@ucsb.edu for an add code.
Instructor: Led by Eliott Schaffer under the supervision of David Stuart.
Fall 2025
BIOL CS 5: Macabre Botany
Enroll Code: 71787
Description:
From flowers that mimic corpses to flesh dissolving enzymes, plants provide a unique perspective to explore the biology of life and death. This course integrates plant physiology, toxicology, and evolution in order to ask exactly how and why plants evolved these insane characteristics, and how we can incorporate this knowledge into our own lives. We will investigate the poisonous, carnivorous, intoxicating, and just flat out gross photosynthesizers that are often overlooked.
Interested L&S students should reach out to Ava Jolly at avajolly@ucsb.edu.
Instructor: Led by Ava Jolly under the supervision of John Latto.MATH CS 5: Categories, Types, Logics
Enroll Code: 71795
Description:
We will discuss the close connection between category theory and logic. Essentially, certain structured categories have an "internal language," a logical system whose deductions can be interpreted within the structured category in question. Martin-Löf dependent type theory is the internal language of locally cartesian closed categories, and it is the basis of many modern proof assistants and functional programming languages (Lean, Rocq, Agda, etc.). We will learn enough category theory to understand the categorical semantics of Martin-Löf type theory, and use those semantics to prove some syntactic theorems.Instructor: Led by Tom Lindquist under the supervision of Stephen Bigelow.
W&L CS 5: Autotheory: Deconstruction Epistemologies
Enroll Code: 71803
Description:
This course will explore works of autotheory, a hybrid genre combining critical theory with autobiography, rich in a history of marginalized writers who build knowledge by resisting predominant hierarchies and literary conventions. By engaging with seminal auto-theory texts, participants will consider the questions: How does hegemony inform dominant epistemologies? What is the impact of writing about and/or without academic and literary conventions? How can these understandings be integrated into daily life?
After examining the foundations of autotheory, participants will put these principles into practice through their own writing. In-class writing exercises and discussions will guide students through the process of determining what topics might be best expressed with or without conventions, how to select the critical theory that best informs a topic, and how to accessibly incorporate critical theory for the author's intended rhetorical impact.
Instructor: Led by Ari Linder under the supervision of Rebbecca Brown
CMPTGCS 5: Machine Learning Theory and Statistical Mechanics
This is a colloquium on the influence of physics on both foundational and cutting edge machine learning methods. We will explore how statistical physics can be used to build intuition for and prove properties of machine learning models and algorithms. We will examine the most foundational neural networks, like the multilayer perceptron, and the state-of-the-art generative models, like energy based models and diffusion models.
This colloquium is intended for Computer Science, Physics and Math students. Familiarity with calculus, linear algebra, and probability will be helpful, as will basic conceptual understanding of machine learning, but we will go over the relevant ideas.
PHYS CS 5: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
The Stern-Gerlach experiment, two-state systems, mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics, uncertainty, wavefunctions, energy quantization, the Schrödinger equation, quantum entanglement, and other topics of interest to the class (time permitting). Recommended preparation: calculus (MATH 3B), linear algebra (MATH 4A), and physics to the level of PHYS 21.
PHYS CS 5: Classical and Quantum Field Theory
Introduction to classical and quantum field theory. Classical scalar, spinor, and vector fields; free field equations of motion; interaction of classical fields. Review of quantum mechanics; canonical quantization; Wick's theorem and Feynman diagram; regularization and renormalization.
Prerequisites: Phys 103 and Phys 115A. Recommended preparation: Phys 104 and Phys 115B.
W&L CS 5: Creating Consciousness; What's The Point?
It's no secret that the role and value of the artist in a society built on the accumulation of wealth has been put into question. So, what is the point of being an artist/creating art in an era where it is not monetarily appreciated? This class will focus on Literary Theories and philosophies with a historical materialist lens to answer this question and explore the possibilities of what it means to be an artist from a creative perspective. Intended for Humanities majors, the course is open to all with an interest or passion for the arts. Email me at: derekuy@ucsb.edu if you have any questions.