Academics

Fields of Study: Chemistry, Science

Gain valuable research experience by spending five weeks near the Mediterranean coast at the University of Alicante in faculty-supervised research projects. You'll work in university laboratories, gaining hands-on exposure to experimental techniques and applied scientific inquiry. Round out your experience with a course in intercultural communication in academic and professional contexts.

Unique study opportunities

  • Take research courses in English, designed specifically for UC students.
  • Choose from two different research tracks based on your chemistry- and science-related experience. 

Language

Language of Instruction:

Language Study: None

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

  • Take two courses for a total of 9 quarter/6 semester UC units.
  • A letter grade is required for both courses. 

Current Program Courses

This five-week program offers two tracks: 

Track 1: Introduction to Research in Chemistry and Intercultural Communication: This track is for students who have completed 2-3 semesters of science coursework. Track 1 introduces participants to core research methods and laboratory practices through chemistry. 

  • Introduction to Research Chemistry (4.5 quarter/3 semester UC units, upper division)
    This course is an introduction to laboratory practices in analytical and either biochemistry or inorganic chemistry.
  • Intercultural Communication in Academic Professional Contexts (4.5 quarter/3 semester UC units, upper division)
    This course focuses on communication theory and practice in cross-cultural settings, with an emphasis on Spanish and international academic contexts, including modules on working in pluricultural/intercultural labs, universities, and companies.

Track 2: Advanced Chemistry Research and Intercultural Communication: This track is for students with more extensive academic preparation in the sciences. It offers a deeper research experience, with students contributing to ongoing faculty-led projects in chemistry.

  • Advanced Chemistry Research (4.5 quarter/3 semester UC units, upper division) 
    In this advanced research course, students are placed in small research groups (2–3 students each) in one of four areas: analytical, organic, inorganic, or biochemistry. Each group is part of an active research project led by University of Alicante faculty, providing hands-on lab experience and close faculty mentorship.
  • Intercultural Communication in Academic Professional Contexts (4.5 quarter/3 semester UC units, upper division)
    This course focuses on communication theory and practice in cross-cultural settings, with an emphasis on Spanish and international academic contexts, including modules on working in pluricultural/intercultural labs, universities, and companies. The advanced track course includes a greater integration of case studies and discipline-specific communication challenges. 

Major/minor/GE requirements and course equivalencies are all determined differently at each campus. Discuss these questions with your UC academic advisor.

Additional or optional coursework, internships, and research for academic credit aren't available on this program.

Catalogs and resources

  • UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses students have taken on this program. This isn't a current representation of course offerings on this program.
  • Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location. There are currently no listings for this program in the database.

Academic culture

In this fast-paced program, you'll work approximately 25 hours per week in the laboratory, plus weekly one-on-one meetings with your lab supervisor. Research groups are led by faculty in the Faculty of Science, and the lead professor provides academic oversight, assesses progress, and assigns final grades in line with course syllabi. Research areas include analytical, organic, inorganic, and biochemistry, depending on your academic background and placement.

You'll take courses alongside other UC students in relatively small classes. 

The intensity of this program requires active participation to maintain the pace. To avoid falling behind and to succeed up to the final weeks of the program, attend all classes and complete all assignments.

Prior to the start of the program, accepted students will receive detailed instructions from the academic specialist regarding the course registration process at the University of Alicante.

Grades

You'll earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. While UA may offer a suggested grade conversion scale, UCEAP uses its own conversion scales approved by UC faculty who are familiar with the Spanish and US academic systems. 

Grades for this program are typically available in early October.

Tip: If you intend to put yourself on your campus degree list for graduation while on UCEAP, consult your campus advisors before departure about possible delays in the degree verification process.