Programs Suggested for Human Biology
Biological & Life Sciences, NetherlandsExpand your knowledge of medical practice and policies in the Netherlands. Examine medical case studies at Maastricht University while taking hand-picked courses, spanning from human genetics to medical ethics, in English. Courses are taught using Problem-Based Learning (PBL) which emphasizes solving real-world problems in small tutorial groups. |
English Universities: Univ. of ManchesterAre you interested in pursuing a career in medicine? The Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Manchester offers a wide range of courses for those interested in Biological Science and the history of science, technology, and medicine. This University is particularly strong in human as well as molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. Special note: For the Univ. of Manchester you will need to apply to the "English Universities" program and rank the Univ. of Manchester as your top choice. |
Univ. of Hong KongTake courses to substitute BIO 101 (Biochemistry), 141 (Evolution), molecular medicine/cancer genetics, endocrinology, bioinformatics, or microbiology along with many other upper-division biology electives. |
Scottish Universities: Univ. of EdinburghWork on courses in Scotland to take care of BIO 161 (Human Physiology), 141 (Evolution), or electives like cancer biology, biostatics, neurobiology, developmental biology, or a wide selection of additional upper-division electives. Special note: For the Univ. of Edinburgh you will need to apply to the "Scottish Universities" program and rank the Univ. of Edinburgh as your top choice. |
McGill Univ., CanadaTake on courses to substitute BIO 101 (Biochemistry), 140 (Genetics), 120 & 120L (Microbiology), or a selection of upper-division electives like biophysics or neurobiology. |
Yonsei Univ., KoreaYonsei Univ. in Korea is the most popular study abroad destination for biology students outside the UK and courses are available in English. Learn more about deadlines, details, and the application (summer or semester/year) |
Lund Univ., SwedenLund Univ. in Sweden is a great fit for human biology students at a low cost for Europe and courses are available in English. |
Pre-Med & Life Science Research, ScotlandThe University of Glasgow has a long tradition of internationally recognized anatomical practice and it offers modern facilities for anatomy dissection. The university’s high world rankings in the life sciences and expansive biology department make it an excellent location for gaining hands-on research experience. |
Programs Suggested for Ecology & Environmental Biology
Marine Biology & Terrestrial Ecology, AustraliaStudy diverse marine ecosystems in this research-focused program with courses in marine science and terrestrial ecology counting toward upper-division ESS and BIO with fieldwork. This program includes research coursework at a field station in the Great Barrier Reef. |
Tropical Biology & Conservation, Costa RicaTromp around the jungle, do serious undergraduate research, and study in the field with this unique program where you can take upper-division electives like tropical/biodiversity (BIO 143), community ecology (BIO 145), or coursework that falls under environmental science and sustainability. This program includes fieldwork in the Costa Rican cloud forests. |
National Univ. of Singapore (NUS)Take anthropology courses at arguably the highest ranked university in Asia through UCEAP. Take classes in most UC majors taught by faculty from around the world, and engage with this top level university community through research, clubs, sports, and cultural activities. |
Scottish Universities: Univ. of GlasgowThe School of Life Sciences at the University of Glasgow is part of the College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences. At this college, you will experience a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to study processes at every level of biological organization—from genes, to cells, organ, individuals, populations, and ecosystems. Special note: For the Univ. of Glasgow you will need to apply to the "Scottish Universities" program and rank the Univ. of Glasgow as your top choice. |
Univ. of British Columbia, CanadaDuring the fall, qualified biology majors have the opportunity to take upper-division marine science courses at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. The Bamfield Centre is a unique research and teaching facility on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Courses include field trips to the beaches of many local islands, forests, lakes, bogs and rivers. They may also include unique opportunities such as snorkeling and driving small outboard boats. |
Univ. of the West Indies, BarbadosBarbados is an excellent location to focus studies on tropical and marine science. The University of West Indies at Cave Hill offers a wide selection of courses including: Caribbean Island Biogeography, Tropical Ornamental Plants, Climate Variability and Predictability, Coral Reef Ecology, Fisheries Biology, and Environmental Chemistry. The Cave Hill campus is also home to the Barbados Sea Turtle Project which offers opportunities to volunteer for 1 to 2 month periods throughout the year. |
Lund Univ., SwedenYou will have the opportunity to supplement biology coursework with project classes and research. You may take first year graduate-level courses for upper-division credit provided you have the appropriate background. |
Biodiversity, SingaporeAfter first exploring biodiversity in the classroom, you’ll go out and conduct your own investigation on a Malaysian island. You’ll learn about tropical freshwater and seawater ecosystems and investigate distinct habitats including a mangrove swamp, rainforest, and coral reefs. To complement your understanding of the Singapore environment and its communities, you’ll get an introduction to the local language. |
Socio Ecological Sustainability in Southern ChileIn Villarrica, you begin the course work that addresses the themes of the program. Courses are offered in a sequence that builds gradually to prepare you for the final planning projects. The first week is completely focused on the Latin American Conservation course to give you a broad background. Next, the first fieldwork trip brings you together with all of the instructors to introduce the three courses that will run the length of the program and provide the basis for much of your work. Several other fieldwork trips to different national parks will help you to define your own project and gain the necessary expertise. A five-day visit to Kodkod, a natural retreat area with cabins and meeting spaces, will be the location for much of the intensive field methods course. Additional time in the field and the classrooms will culminate with the final presentations of your team's environmental planning project and the celebration of the program. |
Summer Physics Abroad
One potential route to study abroad for STEM students is to tackle a full year of introductory physics over the summer. Typically, this is the summer between students’ first and second year at UC Merced. Consider these options:
Australia: Sydney Summer PhysicsEarn a full year of calculus-based physics credit in just eight weeks. Fulfill math requirements for the life sciences or get a jump on pre-med coursework and experience life in Sydney, Australia. |
Cyprus: Nicosia Summer PhysicsStudy intensive physics for the life sciences in beautiful Cyprus. Note that this program is better suited to biological sciences students than other STEM students. |
Ireland: Cork Summer PhysicsIn just eight weeks at the University College Cork, you can earn a full year of calculus-based physics credit, get a jump on math coursework, or prepare for a pre-med track. Lab experiments and group workshops expand your science knowledge with students from around the world. |
Spain: Madrid Summer PhysicsAdd some sizzle to your summer—study in Madrid and return with a full year of physics credit. This intense 8-week program is ideal for life sciences majors who want to get a quick boost in academics. |
United Kingdom: Glasgow Science & EngineeringAs the home to the James Watt School of Engineering and the School of Life Sciences, the University of Glasgow offers the perfect environment for this intensive physics summer program. |
United Kingdom: Summer in SussexMinutes from the sparkling seafront, Sussex is quintessentially English, with spectacular castles, greenery, and attractions fit for royals. Pre-med and life sciences majors can earn up to a year of physics credit in two months! |