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Guide to Study Abroad in Chemistry
Guide to Study Abroad in Chemistry
Study Abroad Program at Haverford
Study Abroad Program at Haverford
Haverford has created long-lasting relationships with universities across the world which has allowed many Haverford students the opportunity to study abroad during their junior or senior year. It can be challenging for STEM majors to study abroad while also completing major requirements in STEM, especially in chemistry. There are also limited program options for taking classes abroad that will count towards the Chemistry major. This page was created to make the process of selecting and planning study abroad experiences understandable and upfront. It should be noted that the information listed is only the most common and well-understood programs. There are also options extending beyond this guide that should be discussed with the Director of Study Abroad and the department. The department is also working on new and upcoming changes that will allow major schedules to be more flexible and supportive to study abroad students.
Important Contacts:
Director of Study Abroad: Rebecca Avery (ravery@haverford.edu)
Chemistry Chair: Lou Charkoudian (lcharkou@haverford.edu)
Chemistry Major Pathways
The first consideration when planning for study abroad is the type of chemistry major pathway chosen, and the course requirements for each. This information is listed below and more information can be found here. Studying abroad fits more easily into some pathways than others, mainly depending on the number of credits needed for the major. However, with the correct planning and courses taken, any it is possible for any chemistry major. Assuming that a student took introductory chemistry (first year) and organic chemistry (second year), the requirements during junior/senior year look like:
ACS Chemistry Major
Physical Chemistry (1 semester)
Quantum Chemistry (1 semester)
^Superlab (2 semesters)
Inorganic Chemistry (1 semester)
*Senior research
(2 semesters)
35x electives (1.5 semesters)
*Senior Seminar (0.5 semesters)
Total: 9 credits
Non-ACS Chemistry Major
Physical Chemistry (1 semester)
^Superlab (2 semesters)
Inorganic Chemistry(1 semester)
*Senior Research
(2 semesters)
35x electives (1 semester)
*Senior Seminar (0.5 semester)
Total: 7.5 credits
Biochemistry Concentration
P-chem (1 semester)
^Superlab (2 semesters)
Inorganic (0.5 semesters)
*Senior research
(2 semesters)
Bio elective (1 semester)
Chem elective (0.5 semester)
*Senior Seminar (0.5 semester)
Total: 7.5 credits
* Star courses are mandatory to be taken at Haverford
^ Note that the department is currently making changes to the superlab requirement that will be available to students starting in the class of 2024! This will be updated once all information is released
Possible Courses Abroad:
Study abroad courses are given chemistry credit on a case-by-case basis. The strongest determining factor will be the syllabi for the course from the university of interest. The chemistry faculty will then see if the curriculum matches up with what is taught at Haverford. The easiest credits to receive are of the 35x electives. It is also possible to receive credit for P-chem, Q-chem, and inorganic chemistry. There have also been specific courses approved to replace superlab abroad which can be found below.
Study Abroad Programs
Below are programs that students have been the most popular and supported by prior students. However, these programs are not the only feasible options for studying abroad as a chemistry major. The outline for each program contains the study abroad and chemistry curriculum information. If interested in any of the programs listed below, please be sure to contact the study abroad advisors to begin a personalized study plan. Some of the courses that were taken by prior students that received various credits (including superlab) are highlighted in the program descriptions below.
- University College London (UCL)
Location: London, United Kingdom
Semester: Fall
Type: Direct enrollment
Website:https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/study-abroad-at-ucl/subjects/chemistry/2020
Chemistry: Curriculum specializes in chemical biology, nanotechnology, materials, and computational chemistry
Students participate in formal lectures, weekly tutorials, and laboratory work
Study abroad students take classes in either level 1 or 2 modules that fit the junior curriculum at Haverford
Course Offerings:
Overlapping credits: inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, quantum mechanics
Program-specific: Chemistry of materials, reaction mechanisms in chemical and biological systems, the chemistry of biologically important molecules
2. Queens University
2. Queens University
Location: Belfast, Ireland
Semester: Fall or Spring
Type: Direct enrollment
Website:https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/chemistry-study-abroad-msci-f106/#course
Chemistry: The curriculum focuses on various advanced main chemistry subject areas with an emphasis on chemical engineering for students interested
Classes are split into various sizes including a “large group”, “middle group”, “small group”, and “personal study”
Study abroad students are placed directly into either stage 1 or 2 courses which include standard classes that are Haverford requirements
Course Offerings:
Overlapping Credits: Physical Chemistry lab, Physical theory, Inorganic chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Quantum Chemistry
Program-specific: Introduction to Mathematics for Chemists and Engineers, Industrial and Green Chemistry
Superlab Possibility:
CHEM3008 "Chemistry Research Project
CHEM3004, 3006, 3000 "Advanced Practical Work"
3. University of Edinburgh
3. University of Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Semester: Fall or Spring
Type: Direct Enrollment
Website: https://www.ed.ac.uk/global/study-abroad/courses-credits
Chemistry: The curriculum pattern covers the core requirements at Haverford with additional elective courses that focus on environmental chemistry and chemical medicine
Study abroad students can choose from a range of courses up to level 10 courses.
The course structure is not focused on one topic. Instead, students choose from a variety of chemistry modules that cover multiple topics in one course.
Superlab: Edinburgh offers a course that is a potential superlab replacement. More information about the courses are found on the website listed above
CHEM10050: Visiting student year 4 semester 2 project (More info on website)
CHEM 09016: Chemistry 3 semester 1 or 2 projects (More info)
Course Offerings:
Overlapping Credits: Inorganic chemistry, biological chemistry, physical chemistry (Most courses on core topics are offered in conjunction. May not directly satisfy Haverford requirements)
Program Specific: Sustainable Chemistry, Chemistry for Chemical Engineers, Biophysical Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Applied Environmental Geochemistry, Biomacromolecules, Chemical Medicine
4. The National University of Ireland
4. The National University of Ireland
Location: Galway, Ireland
Semester: Fall or Spring
Type: Direct Enrollment
Website:https://www.nuigalway.ie/media/internationalstudents/AMENDED_208579-NUIG-Int-Affairs-Sem-1-64pp.pdf
Chemistry: Has a smaller selection of Chemistry classes than other universities according to their online catalog. However, students can choose from a wide range of interdisciplinary courses that align with chemistry in various fields.
Course Offerings:
Overlapping Credits: Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, physical chemistry
Program Specific: Analytical Chemistry and Molecular Structure, Drug Design and Drug Discovery, biochemistry
5. University of the West Indies
5. University of the West Indies
Location: Cave Hill, Barbados
Semester: Fall or Spring
Type: Direct Enrollment
Chemistry: The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill campus, focuses on the interdisciplinary courses between biological, chemical, environmental science, and ecology. These various topics are split into each category and taught separately and taught within one department. This unique curriculum limits the amount of core chemistry courses that overlap with Haverford requirements.
Course Offerings:
Overlapping Credits: Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry
Program Specific: Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Supramolecular Chemistry; Protein Biochemistry, Primary Metabolism, Chemistry of the Environment, Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology
6. University of Cape Town
6. University of Cape Town
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Semester: Spring
Type: Direct Enrollment
Website: http://www.chemistry.uct.ac.za/cem/undergrad/courses
Chemistry: The Chemistry Department offers a variety of second and third-year courses for study abroad chemistry students as well as those interested in engineering or medicine.
All of the chemistry courses offer an integrated lab component that can be discussed with Chemistry faculty to determine if it is an appropriate replacement for superlab
At this University, you will find unique courses that can not be found in Haverford’s curriculum and therefore some great opportunities to learn new topics!
Course Offerings:
Overlapping Credits: there are no courses at this university that directly align with Haverford’s core requirements for chemistry majors. Though, electives may still be taken to fulfill other requirements.
Program Specific: Catalysis, Bioinorganic, Bioanalytical Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Supramolecular Chemistry, Chemical Glycobiology
7. University of Stockholm (DIS)
7. University of Stockholm (DIS)
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Semester: Spring
Type: Homestay, Direct enrollment
Website: https://www.su.se/english/education/go-international/exchange-studies
Chemistry: There are a few courses at this University that align with the core requirements at Haverford. There is also a strong focus on research and lab training courses that align with superlab offerings and goals at Haverford and could potentially replace it.
Course Offerings:
Overlapping Credits: Quantum Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry
Program Specific: Green chemistry, Organometallic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Analytic Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Atmospheric Chemistry
“Superlab like” course:
“Advanced research traineeship in materials chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and analytic chemistry” - this course is offered at various levels
“Research Traineeship in Organic Chemistry”, “Research Project in Biochemistry", “Chemistry, Research Project”
Research Assistantship at Stockholm Univerisity's Research Institution and Department of Life Science, Biochemistry & Biophysics (More Info)
8. University of Melbourne
8. University of Melbourne
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Semester: Fall / Spring
Type: Direct Enrollment
Chemistry: The curriculum at Melbourne is centered around core requirements that match Haverford’s but also has a variety of elective topics that are unique to the college. Students should expect to take classes of both level 2 and level 3. It also offers a research-based class that has been given superlab credit in the past.
Overlapping Credits: Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry
Program Specific: Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Food Chemistry, and more
“Super lab-like” course:
Chemical Research Project (CHEM30013): (More Info)
Advanced Practical Chemistry (CHEM30015): (More Info)
9. IFSA Butler Victoria university
9. IFSA Butler Victoria university
Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Semester: Fall / Spring
Type: Direct Enrollment
Website: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/explore/degrees/science/requirements?major=chemistry#select-majors
Chemistry: The chemistry department at Victoria University focuses on the concepts that teach the basics of Chemistry as well as how to apply these ideas through research and work in the lab. "With this major, you'll learn about molecules, the principles behind their behavior, and how they interact with each other. Find out how this knowledge is being used in the development of new medicines, and to create new molecules and synthetic materials". Their major curriculum is more structured and focused on laboratory skills and advanced chemical knowledge.
Overlapping Credits: Inorganic and Materials Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical and Process Chemistry
Program Specific: Renewable Energy Conversion, Biochemistry options
“Super lab-like” course:
CHEM305: Chemistry Synthesis Laboratory (More info)
CHEM306: Chemistry Materials and Methods Laboratory (More Info)
CHEM489: Research Project in Chemistry (More info)
10. University College Dublin
10. University College Dublin
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Semester: Fall / Spring
Type: Direct Enrollment
Chemistry: The curriculum at UCD is largely structured around core chemistry classes as well as research experiences making it a great choice for those wanting to receive superlab credit. They also have many applied science courses which is great for those interested in industry, biochemistry, and pre-medical careers.
Haverford Credits: Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Quantum Mechanics,
Program Specific: Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Structure and Reactivity, Transition Metal Chemistry, Sustainable Chemistry, Chemistry of Materials, Computational Chemistry
“Super lab-like” course:
UCD Science Study Abroad Research Module (More Info)
Working within research groups to advance laboratory skills and research analysis skills
Paired with instrumental analysis course
Next Steps:
Decide when you would like to study abroad
Look through the approved colleges (and any other in mind) and choose the ones that most interest you
Reach out to the Chair of the department & the director of study abroad to create a personal plan
Plan and complete all the necessary documentation for your trip
Have a wonderful time and take many pictures
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