Science in London

Summer 2012: May 16 to June 7 (tentative dates)

Program Location

Welcome to London, the capital of England, the U.K., and arguably the world!  London provides unparalleled opportunities to examine first hand the contributions to modern society of past and current British scientists, including Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Rosalind Franklin, Francis Crick, Alexander Fleming, Stephen Hawking, and many more. There will also be time to explore London’s art, culture and 2000-year old history.  Come live and learn in this global, historical, modern, and vibrant city.  There is no better place to earn your GenEd Cluster 3, IDLS science, or Honors option credits!

Academic Program

The 4-credit Science in London program is designed for General Education and IDLS students to explore the scientific basis of our understanding of our physical universe, with an emphasis on British contributions.  We will examine the scientific and social forces behind key scientific issues such as stem cell research, health care and climate change, focusing on differences between U.S. and U.K attitudes and responses. As resources, we will use selected readings from science magazines and videos, as well as visits to Stonehenge, the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, Darwin’s residence, Cambridge University and City, and numerous London museums.

We will also take in numerous cultural events and attractions, including 3-4 theatrical and/or musical performances, art and history museums, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle and St Paul’s Cathedral, to name but a few. 

There will be some free time, including one free weekend, to further explore London or other nearby destinations on our own.

The Science in London program is primarily experiential, with the instructional emphasis on visits and guided tours to sites of scientific interest in and around London.  The context for these experiences will be provided by readings and videos as well as short lectures and seminar-style discussions.

Assignments will include a pre-program book report, journaling to integrate visits and tours with readings and discussion, and a final paper, due one week AFTER the end of the program.

Classroom and other meetings will be held in informal spaces in and near our lodgings.  All instruction will be provided by the JMU faculty member, with guided tours provided by British professionals.

Tentative course offerings:

Students will select one of the followiing credit options for a total 4 credit hours:

1. GSCL 101 (3) + GSCL 104 (1) General Education Cluster 3, Track I
2. GSCL 163 (1) + GSCL 164 (2) + IDLS 391 (1) General Education Cluster 3, Track II
3. CHEM 280 (3) + IDLS 391 (1) upper-level IDLS Science
4. IDLS 391 (3) + GSCL 104 (1) IDLS Study Abroad or elective

Accommodations

Our accommodations will be in hotels in the Bloomsbury area, within walking distance of the British Museum, Piccadilly Circus, the Oxford Street shopping area, Soho, Regents Park, inexpensive ethnic restaurants, cinemas, and Theatreland.   With numerous nearby bus and tube stations and our tube and bus passes, the city is ours. Some group meals will be provided.

Program Costs

For the current projected costs for this program, please click on the following link to the Fees for JMU Study Abroad Programs page.

In addition to the program fee and tuition for 4 credit hours, students will need to plan for airfare and spending money.

The program will provide:

• Lodging in the Bloomsbury district, with free wireless internet and breakfast
• A meal allowance sufficient to cover 1-2 meals per day
• Several group meals during the program
• Admission to all program academic and cultural visits and all tours
• A central London tube and bus pass, plus all other program-related transportation in and around London
• A cell phone

Application

For more detailed instructions and to download the application, please click on the following link to the Applications and Forms section for JMU Short-Term Programs.

In addition to the Short-term Application, a personal interview will be required. Applicants must have a 2.7 minimum GPA. There are no course pre-requisites, no foreign language proficiency required and students of all majors and classes (including freshmen) are welcome.

For More Information

For additional information about the British Foundations of Modern Science in London program, please contact the program director:

Professor Deborah Warnaar
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry     
Tel: 540-568-7904
E-mail:warnaadl@jmu.edu       

http://csma31.csm.jmu.edu/chemistry/faculty/warnaar/london.htm