Sciences and Overseas Study
Students frequently ask whether they can take courses in natural and mathematical sciences abroad. We do not
recommend that students who only need to fulfill distributional requirements take science and math courses
abroad. Courses in these disciplines abroad are usually designed for majors. However, students majoring in the
sciences have a number of interesting options to choose from:
AUSTRALIA
IU has exchange programs at the Australian National University, the University of Adelaide the University of Western Australia and the University of
Wollongong. Each institution has strong programs in the natural and physical sciences although some fields
stand out at each. Students have taken courses in biology, chemistry, geology and mathematics at these
institutions which have counted towards their major requirements. Others have taken such courses to satisfy
distributional requirements but have found the courses more demanding than they expected. Check the
notebooks and course catalogues in the Information Center for more details.
BRITAIN
IU has one exchange position in chemistry and another in physics at the University of Kent in Canterbury,
England. Students participating in this exchange take a full year of courses which count towards their degree in
chemistry or physics, while their British counterparts come to Indiana University in their place. Students in the
biological sciences have also studied at the University of Kent, dedicating a full year to science study, including
lab work. Biochemistry, microbiology and computer science are especially strong fields at Kent.
COSTA RICA
IU's Department of Biology has two tropical biology programs: one which explores the rainforest of Costa Rica
during the winter break. Fifteen
qualified students may participate in this program which grants 3 credits for BIOL L433 (Tropical
Biology).
COSTA RICA (CIEE)
Students on CIEE's Tropical Biology program take classes at the Monteverde Institute's biological field station near the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in Monteverde, Costa Rica. IU students earn 16 cedits in coures on tropical diversity, community ecology, and humans in the tropics. Students also complete an independent study project and receive Spanish instruction. Spanish language background is recommended, but not required.
GERMANY
Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics majors, with a working
knowledge of German, can study successfully at the University of
Freiburg. Semester courses are available and students need not devote
themselves fully to the sciences, unlike Britain where science students do
not have the option to take humanities and social science courses.
ISRAEL
Hebrew University has an academic year program for pre-med students with biology, chemistry and physics
courses. Students also take Hebrew language and area studies courses as part of the year-long program.
NETHERLANDS ANTILLES (CIEE)
Courses for biology, environmental studies, resource management. Integration
of lectures and field experience in the setting which makes for a natural
classroom..
OTHER OPTIONS
Science students may certainly explore other options than those listed above. There are a number of science-related programs sponsored by other institutions which may be of interest to you. Consult the IIE books,
Academic Year Abroad or Summer Study Abroad, which are available in the Overseas Study Information Center
(Franklin Hall 303).
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