Harvard Summer Program in Bonn, Germany
At a Glance
Dates:
June 2–August 5, 2010
Application deadline:
February 5
Cost:
$6,300
Accommodations:
Dorms
Slideshow
Contact
- Ann Georgi, e-mail
Harvard College students can attend an information session for this program.
Biomedical research and cultural study at the University of Bonn
Faculty: Robert Lue and various faculty at the University of Bonn
The University of Bonn is the host of a novel collaboration with Harvard Summer School and the Harvard Life Sciences 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 excursions to cultural sites in and around Bonn, as well as a 4-day visit to Berlin. 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. Students meet weekly to discuss topics related 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.
Course of study
BIOS S-98rg Study Abroad in Bonn, Germany: Supervised Research in Life Sciences (32540)
Robert A. Lue.
(8 credits: UN) Limited enrollment
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, chemical synthesis, and ligand/receptor assays), cell biology (immunohistochemistry, 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.
Course credit
See Study Abroad Credit Information.
Faculty
Robert A. Lue, PhD, Professor of the Practice of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University
Additional faculty members at the University of Bonn, who are professors and chairs of the participating departments, supervise student research on site.
Application
Students must be at least 18 years old, have completed at least 1 year of college or be a first-year student, and be in good academic standing to apply.
The application materials, outlined below, are due February 5:
- A completed online application (available in early December) that includes:
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee
- A supplementary statement describing interest in the program, coursework in chemistry and biology, and travel experience abroad (previous travel is not a prerequisite)
- Official transcripts (sent directly to the address below; unofficial transcripts are accepted for Harvard College students only)
Transcripts should be addressed as follows:
Matilda West
Study Abroad Coordinator
Harvard Summer School
51 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
Students will be notified of admission decisions by late February or early March.
Cost
The cost of the program is $6,300 and a nonrefundable $50 application fee. This covers the following:
- Tuition
- Room
- Excursions (including meals when appropriate)
In addition to the program fee, students are responsible for:
- A health insurance fee ($175; waived if students have US insurance that provides coverage outside the United States)
- Transportation to and from Bonn
- The cost of passports and visas (if the latter is needed)
- Any immunizations
Program directors will advise students of likely additional expenses. A sample budget for estimating expenses will be available soon.
How to pay and funding options
See How to Pay for payment deadlines, deposit amounts, and more information including funding options for Harvard College students.
Accommodations
Students live in dormitories at the University of Bonn. All rooms are singles with private baths, and some have small kitchenette facilities. All dormitories have kitchen facilities available for students. Students also have access to the university’s subsidized cafeteria system.
Additional information
Contact Ann Georgi, ageorgi@fas.harvard.edu; (617) 495-9533; fax (617) 495-2932.
Students with disabilities should contact the disability services coordinator as soon as possible. See Students with Disabilities for more information.
Images are © copyright University of Bonn. Used with permission.