Science and Math

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The Importance of Planning Ahead

If you are majoring in one of the sciences, integrate study abroad into your Northwestern science program early in your academic career. Required introductory sequences usually completed in freshman and sophomore years often are followed by upper level core courses designed to be completed during junior year. However, it is possible to plan your courses to accommodate study abroad. For example, meeting major requirements through AP exams or summer study or completing junior year sequences during sophomore year abroad can often facilitate study.

Go through your academic plan with your college adviser and discuss the relationship between study abroad and your major with your major adviser as early as possible in your academic career. This will allow the study abroad experience to accentuate the Northwestern curriculum without interfering with important courses or sequences.

Study Abroad Options for Sciences and Math Students

From conducting biology field research in a tropical rainforest to fulfilling pre-med requirements in England, Northwestern students have many options for studying the sciences and math abroad.

  1. University-centered programs with a classroom focus
    Many universities abroad offer advanced coursework in the sciences that may accentuate your major. This choice may be appealing in cases where the university has demonstrated expertise in a particular area of specialization that is of interest. If you are planning to have coursework count towards your major, you should plan out a slate of courses that could be used for major credit at Northwestern. Northwestern's exchange programs sends students to leading engineering and science schools. Northwestern is also affiliated with leading universities, where students can select from a full range of science and math courses.
  2. Field study and research focused programs
    Field study and research programs abroad can strengthen and expand your science background and help build skills in independent study and research, which can provide powerful support to future applications to graduate or professional school. In addition, field study and research programs can provide challenging and vision expanding experiences not available through classroom instruction and lead to a thorough understanding of another culture. Northestern offers field studies and internship programs in the Americas, Europe and China.

Pursuing a study abroad program that doesn't focus on science
Many students focus their study abroad program on an academic area outside their major. After all, one of the main motivating factors behind studying abroad is the opportunity to broaden your education and view of the world.

With careful planning, it may be possible for you not to take any science courses abroad, or alternatively, to take just one science course along with courses in other subjects. Once again, the possible paths and arrangements are best made early through conversations with your major adviser and college adviser.

Sciences and Math Programs

  • Study Abroad programs and Northwestern may have specific prerequisites, including language prerequisites, for admission. Click on the program name, below, to view prerequisites and other details.
  • Northwestern has a number of requirements that students must adhere to while they are abroad. View these requirements.
  • At British universities, it is generally difficult to combine science and humanities studies. This is more manageable in Australia or New Zealand.
  • Field Studies and research opportunities are available at many of these programs. Students are more often able to utilize these opportunities when studying abroad for the full year rather than only one semester.

World-Renowned Science and Math Programs (Both English and Foreign-Language Programs)

Program Location Coursework NU Terms Abroad
ETH Zurich (Northwestern Exchange)
 Zurich, Switzerland
  • Study at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), one of the world's leading engineering, science and technology schools.
  • Courses are taught in German, although some coursework and exams may be in English.
 Fall-Winter Quarters, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year
Ecole Polytechnique (Northwestern Exchange)
 Paris, France
  • Ecole Polytechnique trains the scientific and industrial elite of France, as well as the upper echelons of French civil and military officials.
  • Renowned for the physical sciences, engineering and math.
  • Courses are taught in French.
 Fall-Winter Quarters, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year
Université Louis Pasteur (Northwestern Exchange)
 Strasbourg, France
  • ULP is a comprehensive university, one of the best in the world, with over 18,000 students and a strong tradition of interdisciplinary research.
  • It offers excellent programs in Science: Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Math, Computer Science, Materials Science, Environmental Science, Psychology.
  • Courses are taught in French.
 Fall-Winter Quarters, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year
Budapest Semesters
in Mathematics		 Budapest, Hungary
  • Take part in Hungary's long tradition of excellence in mathematics and mathematics education.
  • This program involves 3-4 upper-level math courses per semester, as well as one or two area studies courses.
  • Courses are taught in English by eminent Hungarian professors from the Technical University of Budapest.
  • Sample courses: Conjecture and Proof, Combinatorics, Theory of Computing, Advanced Algebra, Topics in Analysis.
 Fall Quarter, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year

Field Study and Internship Programs in the Sciences

Program Location Coursework NU Terms Abroad
Public Health in Europe: Policies and Institutions
 Paris, France
  • Developed by Northwestern University and Sciences Po, a leading public affairs school, this program offers a set curriculum of courses includes French language training, public health seminars, supervised research in a selected public health topic, and France's role in the European Union.
  • Qualified students may combine pure research at the Institut Curie with selected course work.
  • The program includes excursions to the WHO (Geneva), Rennes, EU sites, hospitals and health agencies. Cultural and historic field trips in and around Paris are also offered.
  • All non-language courses are taught in English.
 Fall Quarter
Public Health in South Africa Stellenbosch(outside of Cape Town), South Africa
  • A set curriculum of courses includes an introduction to public health in South Africa, a focused investigation of HIV/AIDS, the political economy of the new republic, and Cape-area culture and linguistic heritage.
  • Excursions to health-related sites including local clinics and townships. Field trips to Cape Town, Robben Island, the Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain, and other places of historical and ecological interest.
  • Courses are taught in English.
 Fall Quarter
Public Health in Mexico Mexico City, Mexico
  • A set curriculum of courses includes seminars in pressing public health issues, the culture and history of Mexico, plus supervised research and Spanish language training.
  • Excursions to local hospitals and health-related sites, including a rural clinic. Field trips include Teotihaucan, museums and architectural centers.
  • All non-language courses are taught in English.
 Summer Quarter
Public Health in China Beijing, China
  • A set curriculum of program courses includes intensive Chinese language training, and seminars in public health and traditional Chinese medicine.
  • Excursions to course-related sites, including government and health-related institutions. Field trips to cultural sites, such as the Great Wall, the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City also included.
  • All non-language courses are taught in English.
 Summer Quarter
Public Health in Uganda Kampala, Uganda
  • A set curriculum of program courses: an introduction to public health in Uganda, cultural performance as used for health education, the political economy of contemporary Uganda, and language and culture.
  • Out-of-classroom experiences include training with local performers, site visits to clinics, hospitals, and NGO's, and rural areas outside of Kampala.
 Spring Quarter
Science/Engineering Research in China Beijing, China
  • There are research placements in labs at leading Chinese university for science and engineering combined with intensive Chinese language training.
  • Some English-language labs available; no language prerequisite.
  • There are 12 engineering departments plus research institutes.
  • The School of Science includes math, chemistry, biology & physics.
 Summer Quarter
Organization for Tropical Studies in Costa Rica

 San Jose, Costa Rica
  • The program includes field studies in tropical biology, environmental science and policy, lectures from prominent researchers, two independent study projects and access to major research libraries in tropical biology.
  • Language and cultural studies take place outside of San Jose during the first three weeks of the program.
  • Courses are taught in English with some Spanish.
 Fall Quarter
Danish Institute for Study Abroad Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Specialized programs in "Biotechnology & Biomedicine," "Medical Practice & Policy," "Sustainablility in Europe" and "Public Health" are open to students majoring in the sciences.
  • Elective courses are also offered in biology, biotechnology, environmental science/studies, food science, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, pre-medicine and public health.
 Fall Quarter, Winter-Spring Quarter, Full Year
Internships in Francophone Europe Paris, France
  • This is a one semester, intensive internship/academic experience, with all courses taught in French.
  • Students have the opportunity to be placed in internships in public health, social medicine, ecology and environment, public transportation, civil engineering, and maritime policy, among others.
 Fall Quarter, Winter-Spring Quarter

English-Language Programs with Strong Science and Math Departments

Program Location Coursework NU Terms Abroad
Queen Mary, University of London
 London, England
  • Queen Mary prides itself on being an outstanding academic destination for overseas students due to its wide range of course offerings and flexible structure.
  • Strong depaprtments include: biology, math, computer science, chemistry, physics, and engineering.
 Fall Quarter, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year
King's College,
University of London

 London, England
  • The King’s Pre-Medical Program is a highly selective program which is intended for juniors and seniors who plan to enter the medical profession upon graduation. This is an intensive program which focuses on practice-based clinical experience as well as high-level academic study. Students must enroll in a "Practice of Medicine" course and can choose remaining courses from related departments including Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology, Anatomy, and Pharmacology.
  • Strong departments also include: biology, biomedical sciences, physical sciences, health and life sciences, and math.
  • Students must be accepted by each department individually and must have a strong background in all subjects they wish to study.
 Fall Quarter, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year
London School of Economics & Political Science
 London, England
  • One of the world's leading institutions for social science.
  • Known in particular for its cutting-edge research and extraordinary faculty.
  • Very strong mathematics department.
 Full Year
Oxford University Oxford, England
  • Founded in the 10th century, Oxford is the oldest English-speaking University in the world.
  • Your studies will be driven by your intellectual interests and will require a significant amount of self-motivation and curiosity.
  • At the core of an Oxford education is the tutorial system, where students meet one-on-one or in small groups with a subject tutor who will provide constructive guidance and feedback on your work. In most cases, Oxford students focus on one particular subject without general or elective study in subjects outside their specialty.
  • You must have completed at least five or six courses in the subject you want to study.
  • This program is particularly strong in math, biology, chemistry, earth sciences and physics.
 Full Year
University College London, University of London London, England
  • The oldest and largest constituent member college of the University of London.
  • Strong departments include: biology, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, earth science, genetics, pharmacology, physics and statistical science.
  • Students select courses in 1-2 departments only and must have a strong background in these subjects.
 Fall Quarter, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year
University of Stirling Stirling, Scotland
  • Strong academic reputation and research standards.
  • This program is strong in environmental sciences, ecology, environmental education, marine biology and marine science.
  • Students take three courses per semester which require extensive out-of-class work.
 Fall Quarter, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year
University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, Scotland
  • One of the most distinguished research institutions in Europe.
  • This program is strong in biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, environmental science, geophysics, physics, and math.
  • One of the largest and most highly-rated science and engineering groupings in the UK.
 Fall Quarter, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year
Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
  • A world-renowned institution combining history, tradition, and academic excellence.
  • Strong courses in: biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geography, genetics, math, microbiology, and physics.
 Fall Quarter, Winter-Sprng Quarters, Full Year
University of Otago Dunedin, New Zealand
  • This program is strong in biology and geology. (Recommended by one NU professor as New Zealand's strongest geology department.)
  • For full year or winter-spring students: 6-week intensive field study courses offered, which count as semester courses. Topics include southern landscapes, Maori studies, earth & ocean science, geology. Students who desire NU credit for this summer program need to submit an NU summer application, in addition to an application for study abroad during the year. Contact the Study Abroad Office for details.
 Fall Quarter, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year
Victoria University of Wellington Wellington, New Zealand This university excels in earth sciences and offers courses in many science and math disciplines. Fall Quarter, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full year
University of Sydney Sydney, Australia This program is strong in math, engineering, anthropology and archaeology. Fall Quarter, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year
University of Melbourne Melbourne, Australia
  • This program is strong in biology, chemistry, physics, math and engineering.
  • A special biology field studies program is available for study abroad students.
 Fall Quarter, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year
University of Queensland Brisbane, Australia
  • This program is strong in biology, ecology, botany, chemistry, physics, biotechnology, environmental science and engineering.
  • A biology field study program is available; it requires early start date.

 Fall Quarter, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year
University of New South Wales Sydney, Australia
  • This program is strong in math, biology, chemistry, physics and engineering.
  • Geology field research opportunities are available through the department at the university.
 Fall Quarter, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year
American University in Cairo Cairo, Egypt Course offerings include biology, desert and marine ecology, chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering. Fall Quarter, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Hong Kong, China Variety of courses offered in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, and Math in the School of Science. Fall Quarter, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year

Foreign-Language Programs with Strong Science and Math Departments

Program Location Coursework NU Terms Abroad
Consortium for Advanced Studies in Barcelona (Northwestern Program) Barcelona, Spain
  • A variety of Biology courses taught in Spanish or Catalan available at Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona and Universitat de Barcelona.
  • A variety of Math courses taught in Spanish or Catalan available at Universitat de Barcelona during the Spring or Full Year.
 Fall Quarter, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year
Madrid Language and Liberal Arts Program Madrid, Spain Advanced language students who attend for the full year or spring semester can enroll in science courses at the partner institution Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Fall Quarter, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year
Antioch - Tübingen Tübingen, Germany
  • Students enroll directly at Tübingen's Eberhard-Karls Universität, one of Germany's oldest and most renowned universities.
  • Lab opportunities available at the university, at the nearby Max Planck Insitutes, and at various local labs.
  • Many strong departments in math and sciences, including math, computer science, physics and astronomy, chemistry, biology.
 Fall Quarter, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year
IES - Berlin Berlin, Germany
  • Extensive course offerings at the renowned Humboldt University of Berlin in the university's biology, chemistry, physics, math and computer science departments.
  • On a case-by-case basis, limited internship placements are available, depending the student's specific background and area of focus.
 Fall Quarter, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year
IES - Freiburg Freiburg, Germany Diverse course offerings at the University of Freiburg are offered in biology, environmental science, math, physics, chemistry and geology and in the college of medicine Fall Quarter, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year
Year of Study in Munich Munich, Germany Variety of course offerings at the University of Munich and the Technical University of Munich in math and science. Full Year
IES Abroad Nantes Nantes, France The Université de Nantes offers courses in math, biology and chemistry. Students interested in taking the lab portion of a science course must request permission from the IES Abroad Director on-site, in accordance with the Chair of the particular department at the university, at the beginning of the term. Fall Quarter, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (NU Exchange) Santiago, Chile Various courses are available in the sciences, and PUC is an important national center of research in natural science and health. Research is encouraged. Fall Quarter, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year

Northwestern Contacts for Studying Sciences and Math Abroad

Sciences, Pre-Med: Andy Rivers, Phone: 847-497-7100, Location: Tech F225
Math: Mike Stein, Phone: 847-491-3299, Location: Lunt 308