Suggested Programs for PHYS Majors
Like most STEM students, students in the Physics major need to be more intentional in their academic planning in order to make study abroad work. While a summer might help you get or stay ahead without risking progress toward your degree, it can be more expensive. While a semester or year might be more challenging academically, for most UC Merced students it tends to be a much lower out-of-pocket cost.
Programs with Special Opportunities in Physics
1.
Lund Univ.
Lund University has robust course offerings in the physical sciences, particularly in the departments of Chemistry and Physics. You can enroll in both theoretical and project-based courses and engage in research projects within the university. You may also take first year graduate-level courses for upper-division credit provided you have the appropriate background.
2.
Summer Lab Research, Science, Univ. of Tokyo
Spend six weeks next summer engaged in scientific research in Tokyo. This is a full-time academic internship led by world-class faculty at the University of Tokyo, the #1 university in Japan. Shared dialogue, experiments, and peer consultation are integral to the program, and give you an opportunity to conduct lab research with scientists from around the world.
3.
National Univ. of Singapore (NUS)
The Faculty of Science has many world-renowned and award-winning faculty who are passionate about their fields of study. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program in Science gives you the opportunity to work with these faculty members in various areas of research. The National University of Singapore offers a full range of courses in the sciences.
4.
Australian Universities: Australian National Univ.
Unique in its multidisciplinary structure, Australian National University is known for integrating the latest research with teaching .The university is ranked as one of the world's top institutions for a broad range of science research areas, including physics, astronomy, metallurgy, materials, mathematics, and chemistry.
5.
Chinese Univ. of Hong Kong (CUHK)
This program offers a full range of courses that include fieldwork, research, or lab components that provide you with the opportunity to gain practical experience in your major. The Mathematics Department has a computing laboratory with the latest technology, and the Department of Chemistry is one of the largest and best equipped departments at CUHK with laboratories for analytical, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry.
6.
Univ. of Copenhagen
Students in Copenhagen enjoy small class sizes within this large research-based institution. The departments of Chemistry, Mathematical Science, and Geosciences have a large selection of courses taught in English. You may take first year graduate-level courses for upper-division credit provided you have the appropriate background.
7.
Scottish Universities: Univ. of St. Andrews
The University of St. Andrews has established a reputation as one of the world's leading research and teaching centers. St. Andrews is a beautiful historic town and is an excellent choice for studying physical sciences.
8.
New Zealand Universities: Univ. of Auckland
The Faculty of Science at the University of Auckland is the largest and most highly ranked science department in New Zealand and offers a diverse range of excellent programs and courses. You may also apply for a summer scholarship (U.S. winter) valued at $5,000 to conduct a 10-week research project under the supervision of an academic staff member.
9.
Irish Universities: Univ. College Dublin
University College Dublin (UCD) is one of Europe's leading research universities. In the newly designed UCD Science Centre, courses are taught in the biological, biomedical, chemical, geological, physical, mathematical, and computer science areas.
By no means is this list comprehensive, but you may also search additional program opportunities.
UCEAP Courses Publicly Approved
The School of Natural Sciences has made some previously approved courses for SNS substitutions and/or requirements available to the public. This is not a comprehensive list of courses available but it may be a starting point in your research.
Course Approval and Course Approval Forms
With a few exceptions of previously approved courses (ask your academic advisor), courses will need to be approved to meet individual degree requirements. In these cases, students will use the Course Approval Form for the school that would typically offer such a course at UC Merced:
The school will usually require a syllabus or equivalent in order to do a review. Keep in mind that syllabi may be protected intellectual property of certain professors or universities and may not be publicly posted online. If it is a UC Center program, you may be able to acquire syllabi through your study abroad advisor. If the program is with a local host university and the course is not posted online, you may be able to inquire with the instructor or host university in some cases.
Academic Planning
No matter your academic intentions while studying abroad, you should consult your academic advisor in Natural Sciences and your MyAudit report to plan out your study abroad academic goals. Once you narrow your search to 1-3 study abroad programs consult your program page or ask your study abroad advisor about resources for researching courses in your program.