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Biological Sciences
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Program Options
Biology courses are available at many of EAP’s partner universities
worldwide. You can choose from a wide variety of short-term and year-long
programs taught in English or a foreign language.
Immerse yourself in the marine ecosystems of Australia’s
Great Barrier Reef
Explore the molecular biology of cancer and the applications
of gene therapy in the United Kingdom
Conduct research and investigate tropical community
ecology in the cloud forests of Costa Rica
Study the application of plant biotechnology to traditional
Chinese medicine in Hong Kong
Discover the diversity of South Africa’s wildlife
and Cape Floral Kingdom (fynbos)
In addition, EAP offers special-focus programs designed specifically
for biology majors in Australia and Costa
Rica.
Use the following resources to find the right programs for you:
Selection criteria and application deadlines can be found through
each country's “To
Apply” page.
- Sample Opportunities: Don’t know where
to start? This will introduce you to the range of possibilities in studying
the biological sciences on EAP.
- Program Wizard: Search
for programs offering biological sciences courses by country, language,
program length, and more (search by Biochemistry, Biology, Botany, Ecology,
and/or Zoology).
- Course Finder: Browse
biological sciences courses previously taken by EAP students (search
by Biochemistry, Biology, Botany, Ecology, and/or Zoology). Many
additional courses may be offered.
- Host University Websites
(access through each country’s “Web Links” page):
Additional course information can usually be found
through a) the university’s course catalog/handbook/prospectus,
b) the department/school/faculty website, or c) the university’s
international office website.
- Your Department: Meet with your academic advisors
early and often to discuss study abroad opportunities.
Sample Opportunities
 Summary
Chart: This chart contains information about program eligibility,
duration, and language prerequisites for the programs described below.
Most fields of biology are available at EAP’s partner universities
in Australia. EAP offers year-long options at twelve institutions, as
well as semester-length options in some locations. A fall semester marine
biology and terrestrial ecology program that is unique to UC, is available
at the University of Queensland.
Opportunities in Australia
The academic year runs from February through late November; Fall semester
from mid-July to late November; and Spring semester from February to early
July.
- Students in the biomedical sciences or environment and resource management
should consider the University of Adelaide.
- The University of New South Wales is particularly strong in
multidisciplinary programs.
- Excellent offerings in zoology are available at the University
of Western Australia, including marsupial biology, herpetology (especially
Western Australian desert species), animal behavior, and physiology.
- The University of Queensland has a strong marine program with
lab and field work integrated into courses. This program is highly structured
and most courses carry extensive prerequisites.
Marine Biology and Terrestrial Ecology, The University
of Queensland, Brisbane
This fall program is offered through the university's Centre for Marine
Studies. The Centre coordinates research and teaching focusing on the
study of the ocean, coast, estuaries, and reefs of Queensland - and bridges
activities conducted through various research stations. The program includes
lectures, lab studies, and extensive field study at the Heron Island Research
Station on the Great Barrier Reef, the Moreton Bay Research Station, and
other locations in coastal Queensland. Prerequisites include an intermediate-level
background in marine biology, ecology, environmental science, oceanography,
conservation biology, marine engineering, or related fields.
University of the West Indies, Cave Hill
Department of Biological
and Chemical Sciences
UWI offers UC students the opportunity to study plant biology in the Caribbean.
Several field-oriented courses are available covering topics such as crop
ecology, biochemical plant pathology, and tropical ornamental plants.
A three-unit biology field course that is offered prior to the second
semester provides a practical introduction to Caribbean flora and fauna
and includes the use of ecological methods during a five-day residential
course on a Caribbean island.
The University of British Columbia, Vancouver
UBC offers UC students excellent and comprehensive opportunities in
the biological sciences. Most classes are small and integrate major lab
and field components. Course work related to topics of provincial concern
(such as forestry and marine biology) is available, as are courses in
cell and developmental biology. A strong emphasis on interdisciplinary
studies links UBC's programs with current research on biodiversity, cancer,
ecology, fisheries, genetics, immunology, neuroscience, oceanography,
resource management, and wildlife biology. Three of UBC's four federally-funded
Centres of Excellence for research relate to the biological sciences (in
bacterial diseases, protein engineering, and the genetic basis of human
disease). UC students can study for the fall, spring, or the academic
year.
Marine Biology and Terrestrial Ecology Program at
Bamfield Marine Station, Vancouver Island
BMSC is a unique marine-oriented research and educational facility located
in Barkley Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Its open coast
setting complements the protected water environments of the Georgia Strait,
where major Canadian government marine institutions are located. The pristine
nature of the marine environment, coupled with a rich habitat and organismal
diversity, makes it an ideal location for students to study behavioral
ecology, evolutionary biology, marine plant aquaculture, microbiology,
and toxicology.
Seniors and graduate students in marine and coastal sciences may participate
in the BMSC fall field work program. Students are required to take Ecological
Adaptations of Seaweeds, Structure and Function in Animals, Marine Population
Ecology and Dynamics, a seminar course in marine science, and an independent
research course. The program includes extensive field work, lectures,
seminars, and laboratory work. To be eligible, students of biology, botany,
or zoology must have already completed at least two courses covering introductory
ecology, introductory invertebrates, and/or nonvascular plants.
Tropical Biology and Conservation Program, Monteverde
The Tropical Biology and Conservation Program offers unparalleled
opportunities for field study concentrated in a quarter-long experience.
UC students gain hands-on field experience in biology, conservation, zoology,
and botany in Costa Rica, one of the world's most biologically diverse
countries. Monteverde is located between seasonally dry Pacific slopes
to the west and the tropical rain forest of the Atlantic slope to the
east. This unique situation of contrasting wet and dry forest presents
an extraordinary opportunity to study plant-animal interactions, ecology,
and natural history.
The curriculum includes lectures, field research projects, organized
field trips, and Spanish language study. Students engage in independent
research with an emphasis on direct field experience that may range from
investigations of the effects of forest fragmentation on species richness
to studies of the bioluminescence of beetles. Because Monteverde is a
major center of neotropical research, it attracts scientists from all
over the world who often serve as guest lecturers and resources to EAP.
"The biology program was extremely educational.
I learned a year’s worth of ecology, Spanish, culture and more in two
and a half months. The professors were excellent. This program inspired
me and has ensured my continuation in the field of biology." —Monteverde
Student
University of Copenhagen
The University of Copenhagen has a rich historical tradition in the
biological sciences, particularly in the medical sciences and physiology.
Among the many opportunities at the University of Copenhagen, the Human
Biology Programme, offered by the university's Panum Institute, provides
an excellent academic opportunity for UC students considering careers
in medicine or biomedical research who have more than 20 units of upper-division
work in pertinent fields and strong GPA's. Past EAP students have taken
a course in human physiology followed by courses in cell biology (including
lab projects), human pathophysiology (including clinical lectures), biomedical
imaging, and philosophy of medicine. Classes and problem-solving groups
are small. Individual tutoring by advanced students is available. All
instruction in the Human Biology Programme is in English. Students who
want to participate on EAP's year program in Denmark are required to take
a summer intensive language program (ILP) beginning in June, which will
prepare them to take courses in Danish.
EAP also offers a fall program taught in English.
Georg-August University, Göttingen
Faculty of Biology
At Georg-August University programs include course work in anatomy,
biochemistry, biophysics, endocrinology, genetics, immunology, microbiology,
molecular biology, parasitology, pharmacology, and physiology. Fall and
year options begin with a six-week intensive German language program.
The spring option requires advanced knowledge of German and demonstrated
ability to perform course work taught entirely in German.
Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen
Department of Molecular
Neuroendocrinology
Advanced biology majors in pre-med fields who are enrolled in EAP at the
Georg-August University for the year may apply for a supervised spring
semester internship at the Max Planck Institute. These competitive internships
provide an excellent opportunity to work with Max Planck researchers.
The working language of the institute is English, but a good knowledge
of German is strongly advised. Special opportunities for graduate students
are available.
At the bilingual Chinese
University of Hong Kong, the Faculty of Science emphasizes teaching,
research, and practical service to society. In addition to comprehensive
training in the biological sciences, the Biology Department offers a specialization
in Human Biology (in collaboration with Departments of Anatomy and Physiology),
an Environmental Science program in conjunction with the Departments of
Biochemistry and Chemistry, and a Food and Nutritional Sciences program
together with the Department of Biochemistry. The Biology Department has
been designated an "Area of Excellence" in plant and fungal
technology and is a center of research in plant biotechnology.
The Departments of Biochemistry and Biology sponsor undergraduate and
graduate programs in Molecular Biotechnology in which students focus on
microbial, animal, and plant biotechnology and gain hands-on, laboratory
experience in its methods and techniques. The School of Chinese Medicine
offers a unique program of courses in medicinal plants and the history,
theory, and methodology of Chinese medicine as well as its application
to specific medical specialties.
EAP offers programs in the fall and spring semesters and the full academic
year. Course work is in English, Cantonese, and Standard Chinese (Putonghua).
Hong Kong University of
Technology
Since its founding in 1991, HKUST has become a leader in science education
and research. Its undergraduate programs provide a strong core of instruction
in basic and applied science. Areas of emphasis include molecular and
cellular biology, cellular biochemistry, neurobiology, tumor biology,
biotechnology and medicinal biochemistry, plant biology and biotechnology,
and marine and environmental biology. Research-oriented graduate programs
include interdisciplinary work in atmospheric, marine, and coastal environment;
biotechnology; and environmental science and engineering.
The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
Faculty of Science
As the oldest and largest institution of higher education in Hong Kong,
HKU has a long tradition of excellence and leading-edge contributions
in education and research. The Biology Program at HKU features a comprehensive
curriculum and hands-on experience in three main areas: biology and biochemistry,
cellular and molecular biology, and ecology and biodiversity. The Animal
and Plant Biotechnology Program (departments of botany and zoology) emphasizes
the theoretical basis of the latest developments in cellular and molecular
biology and their applications to health care, drug design, genetic engineering,
agriculture, aquaculture, and the biotechnology industry. Courses in the
Environmental Life Science Program cover a wide range of habitat types
and living systems and have a strong emphasis on field work and data analysis.
Biochemistry includes courses in the core subjects of bioinformatics,
developmental genetics, and molecular signaling, and in the advanced subjects
of neurochemistry, immunology, and molecular medicine.
University of Padova
Faculty of Mathematical,
Physical and Natural Science
At the University of Padova Faculty of Sciences, teaching merges with
research and formation of new research personnel. The professors and researchers
carry out their teaching and research activity in a vast framework of
disciplines of the entire basic scientific domain: astronomy, biology,
chemistry, computer science, earth science, mathematics, and physics.
Particular attention is devoted to interdisciplinary and applied areas:
natural science, cultural heritage (with the faculty of Arts and Philosophy),
environmental science (with the Faculty of Agriculture), materials science
(with the Faculty of Engineering). At Padova, the common cultural basis
of the disciplines follows the “scientific method” and Galileo
Galilei who in fact introduced it for the first time here, where he had
the opportunity to develop his ideas. The scientific and teaching activity
of this Faculty is carried out in the departments where the professors
and researchers spend most of their time. Therefore, they are available
and easily contacted by the students. Qualified undergraduate students
may also apply to take some or all of their classes through the School
of Medicine, gaining clinical experience and enhancing their academic
careers. Courses are in Italian. Students with only one year of the required
two years of university-level Italian study may qualify by participation
in the summer Pre-ILP program.
Field
Research Program (FRP)
The FRP offers undergraduate students the opportunity to engage in independent
research under the direction of a Mexican specialist. The program begins
in Mexico City with a Spanish-language review, a Contemporary Mexico course,
and a Research Methodology course. During this first six weeks, students
meet with and choose their mentor to finalize their research plans. Students
then go to the sites designated for their subject areas and spend the
remainder of the program doing research and writing up their results.
Those interested in environmental sciences and ecology, resource conservation,
soil and plant sciences, tropical diseases, or public health may go to
the state of Yucatán and study in the city of Mérida or
the nearby site of Edén.
The University of Otago
The University of Otago offers excellent
and comprehensive training in specific topics in marine biology. Advanced
undergraduates with a good background in ecology may take courses in marine
conservation, marine aquaculture, marine mammal biology, or marine fisheries
biology.
National University of Singapore
Department of Biological Sciences
NUS provides a full range of offerings covering animal biology, biochemistry,
cell and molecular biology, entomology, marine biology, microbiology,
physiology, and plant biology. Class sizes are generally small with tutorial
sections taught by accomplished scientists. Although many biochemistry
and cell and molecular biology courses are similar to those taught at
UC, other courses cover subjects of practical significance for the region,
including the ecosystems and biodiversity of the tropics and programs
relevant to Singapore's life sciences industry. The Biological Sciences
Department and the Faculty of Medicine jointly offer both foundation and
specialized courses in biomedical science and molecular cell biology.
The dynamic research culture in the sciences at NUS includes biodiversity,
biomedicine, and biotechnology. Students with advanced preparation are
encouraged to do research in the laboratory or Beyond the Classroom.
At NUS the Tropical Marine Science Institute has seven multidisciplinary
research laboratories as well as programs in marine biology (taxonomy
and systematics of marine organisms, marine biodiversity, environmental
management, and marine molecular biology), marine biotechnology, aquaculture,
mammal studies, acoustic research, oceanography, and marine information
technology.
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Faculty Handbooks
At both University of KwaZulu-Natal campuses, labs are integrated into
courses and provide excellent hands-on experience as well as the opportunity
for field trips.
University of Natal, Durban
The University of KwaZulu-Natal's Durban campus has special strengths
in cellular biology and environmental sciences. Marine science studies
focus on the Indian Ocean and Antarctic Rim as well as wetland and estuary
ecology and management..
University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg
At Pietermaritzburg, the University of KwaZulu-Natal offers students the
opportunity to study wildlife science in South Africa. Programs focus
on a multidisciplinary approach to ecology and include courses in biometry,
botany, genetics, grassland science, rural resource management, microbiology,
virology, ecology, and entomology.
The UCT Science Faculty specializes in two areas of the biological sciences,
offered through various departments. For students with a deep interest
in the environment and Africa’s living organisms, the program in
Environmental and Geographical Sciences combines the study of natural
environments with their interactions with social environments. The program
in Molecular and Cellular Biology offers interdisciplinary curricula in
biochemistry, microbiology, genetics and development, and biotechnology,
and exciting new courses such as medicinal chemistry and environmental
chemistry. Departments of Botany, Oceanography, and Zoology take advantage
of the location of South Africa to study terrestrial and aquatic plants,
ocean and atmospheric science (with research in coastal upwelling, climatology,
satellite remote sensing, and ocean modeling), African ornithology, and
research in physiological, biochemical, ecological, and ethological research.
Highly qualified UC science majors may be selected by UCT faculty members
to participate in one of the intensive scientific field work experiences
that take place in January prior to the spring semester. These courses
are Botany: Ecosystem Ecology, Zoology: Behavioral Ecology, and Marine
Ecology.
Lund University
Biology and Chemistry
Advanced undergraduate courses taught in English are available in ecology,
animal physiology, immunology, neurobiology, biochemistry, and biotechnology.
To qualify, students must have completed specific course prerequisites
at UC prior to departure.
Biochemistry courses involve a considerable amount of lab work and are
an excellent opportunity for students in pre-med tracks that emphasize
biochemistry or those who are preparing for careers in biochemistry or
biology. UC students who have 20 units of course work in chemistry may
take an introductory 10-unit course in biochemistry (offered in Swedish
with an English tutorial section). Those who have had the equivalent of
this course may take a 10-unit course in biochemical methods (offered
in English). To be eligible, students must take Swedish language during
the fall. UC students who excel in Lund's advanced biology courses may
arrange interesting follow-up study projects. Such projects have sometimes
led to publications.
EAP offers an intensive Swedish language program beginning in June. It
is recommended (but optional) for participants in the fall program, and
required for those in the year-long program.
Most biological specialties are available at EAP host universities in
the United Kingdom and Ireland.
University of East Anglia (UEA)
School of Biological Sciences
UEA has one of the most successful research-based biology departments
in the UK, ranking among the top ten recipients of research funding from
the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. It is a member
of the Norwich Research Park, which
is one of Europe's largest groups of scientists working on plants, food,
and microorganisms. Senior research staff numbers have increased recently
to over 100, including nine independent Research Fellows who hold prestigious
awards from the Royal Society. Research activity ranges from molecular
to population biology. A major initiative in Developmental Biology has
begun to foster research links with the university's new School of Medicine,
expanding the area of biomedical research. Together with the School of
Environmental Sciences, the biological sciences department houses the
Center for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, one of the largest concentrations
of evolutionary ecologists and conservation biologists in the UK.
University of London: King's College
The School
of Biomedical Sciences
Formed in 1998, after King's College London merged with United Medical
and Dental Schools of Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospitals, the School offers
a wide range of undergraduate courses in anatomy, cell and human biology,
bio molecular science, pharmacology, therapeutics, and physiotherapy.
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