Harvard Summer Program in Bonn, Germany

  Germany

Bonn

Term: Summer 
Dates: June 2-August 5

Description: The University of Bonn is the site of a novel collaboration with Harvard Summer School and the Harvard Life Science Division. This program combines laboratory experience in biomedical research with the acquisition of intercultural skills in Bonn, a United Nations host city that has a profound international presence. Students participate in an intensive scientific project in a university lab and partake of a range of cultural activities, including language instruction and site visits. The University of Bonn has a long tradition of biomedical research and extensive experience hosting study abroad programs. Those accepted to the program benefit from the intensive commitment of their academic supervisors, their professors, and the chairs of the participating departments. Each week, students come together with students from other universities to take part in discussions and excursions that relate to their work and to the research landscape in Germany. While this facet of the program focuses on scientific issues, it also brings into play aspects of politics and ethics that create a unique opportunity for intercultural communication.

Highlights: BIOL S-98r Study Abroad in Bonn, Germany: Supervised Research in the Life Sciences

Students conduct supervised research in a life sciences laboratory. Participants include the departments of genetics, cell biology, cellular biochemistry, molecular medicine and experimental immunology, and physiological chemistry. Students work on ongoing research activities of the host lab, which, depending on the project, introduces them to a range of techniques in protein biochemistry (such as cell fractionation, protein purification, and optimization of enzyme activity), DNA and RNA analysis (such as PCR, the application of aptamers, and siRNAs), medicinal chemistry (drug design and ligand/receptor assays), cell biology (immunhistochemistry, primary cell culture, and transfection of cell lines), genetics of model organisms (Drosophila and mice), and cutting-edge microscopy techniques (such as confocal microscopy). In addition, students attend German language and culture classes particularly geared to their needs and exclusively arranged for this program. Prerequisites: introductory coursework with a laboratory in chemistry, molecular biology, and cellular biology.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: $6,300

- tuition
- room
- course materials
- excursions (including meals when appropriate)

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Transcript
• Written Application

Harvard Summer School Study Abroad Programs's Mission Statement: The Harvard Summer School makes Harvards academic resourcesa distinguished faculty, well-equipped laboratories, fine museums, and a world-class university library available to men and women of many ages, backgrounds, and nationalities through an intensive summer session of liberal arts courses in Cambridge and overseas. Our international student body includes Harvard undergraduate and graduate students, visitors from other colleges and universities, highly qualified secondary school students, adult learners, and nonnative English speakers seeking to refine their language skills. Students take courses to challenge themselves academically, meet degree requirements, prepare for graduate school, gain college experience, advance their careers, and pursue personal enrichment. Students who study at Harvard Summer School may reside in a supportive residential environment, commute to campus, complete courses via distance education, or participate in one of the faculty-led programs based abroad. Many come to experience the extraordinary environment of Harvard College academics, resources, and residential life. Harvard Summer School serves the University community by providing faculty with teaching opportunities that allow them to experiment with new materials and teaching methods. Students from many Harvard schools take advantage of the breadth of summer course offerings to meet requirements for concentrations and degree programs, and to create more flexibility within their term-time academic program. Harvard graduate students from abroad can work on refining their English language skills, and Harvard College students take advantage of the summer session to expand their cultural, social, and intellectual horizons by studying abroad.