Glasgow Summer Physics

Unique study opportunities

• Complete physics courses that are equivalent to courses offered at UC and fulfill degree requirements in life sciences or engineering.
• Experience the "flipped classroom" instructional strategy and participate in experiential lab work to better understand core concepts of physics.

Language

Language Study: None

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

• Take a full-time course of study: 8 UC quarter units.
• Take all physics courses for a letter grade.

Current Program Courses

Physics for Engineers Package

   Physics for Science and Engineering 1 and 2 (8 UC quarter units)

(The UCLA School of Engineering has pre-approved the physics courses to satisfy Phys 1A & 1B)

Physics for Life Sciences Package

   Physics for Life Sciences 1 and 2                     (8 UC quarter units)

(The UCLA College of L&S has pre-approved the physics courses to satisfy Phys 5A & 5B)

Catalogs and resources

• Math readiness tests: To determine academic fit for the intensive physics program, consider taking these optional tests.
• UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses UC students have taken on this program.
• Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location.

Academic culture

This fast-paced program focuses on calculus-based physics. You will be covering two quarters' worth of Physics over 8-weeks (two 4-week blocks). The program requires a substantial time commitment: full class attendance, lab participation, and time spent studying and doing research or homework outside of class. Each week will include two 3-hour lectures, two 3-hour labs, two 3-hour small group tutorials, and two 1-2 hour problem-solving workshops. You will have an exam every week. You will need to do approximately 12 hours of self-study per week, in addition to the scheduled classroom time, in order to be successful in this series. 

The pedagogical approach for the physics courses differs from traditional classroom models. You'll be introduced to the learning material before class and expected to complete the readings and online assignments as preparation. Classroom time will be used to deepen your understanding of the material through discussions and group learning activities. Your role is to take ownership of your learning outside of the classroom so you are prepared to actively participate in problem-solving activities that reinforce what you learned. Many students find this model engaging and motivating.

Continuous assessment includes regular tests, exercises, and laboratory work to provide feedback. You will be working in small groups, each with a dedicated tutor.

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. Grades for this program are usually available late September to early October.

There are several steps involved before the grades you receive at University of Glasgow will be posted on your UC transcript. Seniors should especially consider the time delay in processing grades and make sure they do not require grades sooner than what may be possible. No individual expediting is possible.