Chemistry Research in Alicante

Unique study opportunities

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

Language

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. The pass/no pass grading option isn't available on this program.

Current Program Courses

This five-week program offers two tracks: 

Track 1: Introduction to Chemistry Research and Intercultural Communication: This track is for students who have completed one introductory level biology or chemistry course plus one lower division STEM course. Track 1 introduces participants to foundational chemistry concepts, laboratory skills, data analysis, and theory through supervised experiments. Review the syllabus below to confirm that the program does not duplicate experiments completed in previous or planned coursework and that it aligns with your academic needs.

• Introduction to Chemistry Research (4.5 quarter/3 semester UC units, upper division)
  This course is an introduction to laboratory practices in biochemistry and chemistry. Students in this track are in one group together, learning the fundamentals of chemistry with a practical focus. Topics include chemical equilibrium, instrumental analysis, and spectrophotometry. Please note, students are required to purchase their own lab coat, safety goggles, lab notebook, and scientific calculator as listed in the syllabus. The cost of these supplies is out of pocket.
• Intercultural Communication in 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.

Track 2: Advanced Chemistry Research and Intercultural Communication: This track is for students with more extensive academic preparation in the sciences and have completed at least 3 upper division chemistry courses. 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 and complete research in 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. Students in this track work with local Spanish students. Please note, students are required to purchase their own lab coat, safety goggles, lab notebook, and scientific calculator as listed in the syllabus. The cost of these supplies is out of pocket.
• Intercultural Communication in 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.

Major/minor/GE requirements and course equivalencies are all determined differently at each campus. Discuss these questions and the course syllabi with your UC academic advisor to confirm it aligns with your academic plan.

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

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. You will be in class Monday through Friday.

Students in the introductory track will be with other UCEAP students in a chemistry lab, learning lab methodologies and conducting general chemistry experiments. You’ll work approximately 25 hours per week in the lab.

Students in the advanced track will be placed into an ongoing research project at the university. You’ll work with local Spanish students and 1-2 other UCEAP students, under the supervision of a lead professor. Research areas include analytical, organic, inorganic, or biochemistry and you’ll work approximately 25 hours per week in the lab.

The Intercultural Communication course will be with other UCEAP students in a relatively small class size.

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. Advanced track students will be sent more information on the lab selection and placement after acceptance into the program. Please note, research track selections are final and non-transferable; requests for changes cannot be accommodated.

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.