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 two courses for a total of 8 UC quarter units.
• Take both courses for a letter grade; pass/no pass grading isn't available on this program.

Current Program Courses

Physics for Engineers Package

   Physics for Engineering 1 & 2 (8 UC quarter units)

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

(UCI has pre-approved the physics courses to satisfy Phys 7C & 7D or 3A & 3B. Note, labs are not included)

Physics for Life Sciences Package

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

(UCLA has pre-approved the physics courses to satisfy Phys 5A & 5B)

(UCI has pre-approved the physics courses to satisfy Phys 3A & 3C or 7C & 7D. Note, labs are not included)

Additional or optional coursework, internships, and research for academic credit are not possible on this program. 

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, reading, and time spent studying and doing homework outside of class. Each week will include two 3-hour class sessions, two 3-hour labs, two 3-hour small group tutorials, and two 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 and should expect a minimum workload of 35 hours per week to be successful in this series. 

This course uses a mix of flipped classroom and contingent teaching learning design, which means students are expected to complete pre-session reading and tests while class sessions focus on mentor-led group discussions.  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.

There is a significant amount of contact time with peer group mentors during group sessions. Students also have access to all teaching staff during whole class discussions and drop-in sessions.

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.