Study Abroad Office Northwestern

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Online Guide to Study Abroad

• Academic Considerations
• Requirements
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• Health and Safety Abroad
• Diversity Abroad
  

Publications and Forms

• Study Abroad Guide 2012-2013
• Study Abroad Guide 2011-2012
• NU Summer Program Application
• CASB Fall 2012 Fees
• Applicant Money Matters
• Non-NU Summer Application 2012
• NU Summer Application 2012
• Barcelona Summer Interview Schedule
• Munich Summer TUM App
• Prague Summer Handbook
• NU Summer Scholarship Application 2012
• Bonn Summer Handbook 2011
• Barcelona Summer 2011 Handbook
• Summer 2011 Pre-Departure Guide
• Non-NU Summer Worksheet
• NU Summer Pre-Departure Forms

Global Healthcare Technologies

» General Information

Location:

Cape Town, South Africa

Description:

Designed exclusively for engineering students, this program offers hands-on experience in developing medical devices to improve health outcomes in resource-poor environments, particularly the townships of Cape Town. While learning about healthcare needs specific to developing countries, students work closely with University of Cape Town (UCT) faculty and local health professionals. The emphasis is on problem definition, user-centered solutions and the utilization of appropriate technologies. 

Terms:

Winter Quarter

Sponsor:

Northwestern University Office of International Program Development (IPD) and the Biomedical Engineering Department, in partnership with the University of Cape Town

Website:

Global Healthcare Technologies

Program Contact:

Karey Fuhs, Assistant Director, IPD Study Abroad, International Program Development Office Phone: 847-467-6953

Language Requirements

No language requirements; all courses taught in English

Program Requirements

Cumulative GPA of 3.0

Academic Specialties

Biomedical Engineering, Global Health

Course Type

Program courses take place at the University of Cape Town.  This is a Northwestern program with a set curriculum; students must enroll in the courses listed below:

BME 388-SA: Healthcare in Resource Poor Environments (1 credit)

This course introduces the healthcare needs of developing countries and provides a basic introduction to medical and clinical terminology and problems. Site visits to hospital departments and community institutions are an integral part of the course.

BME 389-SA: Healthcare Technology Assessment and Planning (1 credit)

Students learn methods of macro- and micro-assessment and are introduced to concepts of cost-analysis as it relates to health status and health outcomes. The impact of technology life-cycles, innovation and application cycles, and approaches to technology transfer, strategic planning, healthcare technology policy, procurement process, standardization, and information resources will be examined in the context of a resource poor environment.

BME 391-SA: Healthcare Technology Innovation and Design (1 credit)

This team-oriented, project-based course will provide students with an introduction to the fundamentals of biomedical engineering design. Students will work closely with faculty and health professionals with an emphasis on problem definition, user-centered solutions and the use of appropriate technologies.

GBL HLTH 314-SA: Health and Community Development in South Africa (1 credit)

This course explores health-related issues confronting South Africa, their social and economic impact, and efforts to address them, particularly within the context of apartheid and posttransition policies.  Students will learn about demographics, prevention, and treatment of both infectious and chronic noncommunicable diseases.

Housing

Students are housed at local guesthouses near to the UCT campus.

Program Costs

Winter 2012 Program Fee: Please refer to the IPD Program website for cost information.

• Includes tuition, housing, excursions, and class materials. Students are responsible for the Study Abroad Administrative Fee, international airfare, health insurance, meals, and personal expenses.

Approximate Program Size

12-15 students

Application Requirements

Northwestern students must complete two applications for this program by the Winter 2013 application deadline of May 30, 2012:

1. IPD program application and interview with the IPD office.
2. Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study Abroad.
3. Interview with one of the following GHT program directors: Professor David Kelso or Professor Matthew Glucksberg

Contact Returnees

Northwestern students may enter this section of the site for a list of students who participated in this program.