At a glance
Dates:
June 11–August 14, 2012
Application deadline:
The application period is now closed.
Cost:
$5,250
Accommodations:
Dorms
See also
Contact
- Venkatesh N. Murthy, e-mail
Harvard Summer Program in Bangalore, India
Harvard Summer Program in
Bangalore, India
Harvard Bangalore Science Initiative
Faculty: Ryan W. Draft and Venkatesh N. Murthy
This unique summer experience allows students to combine cultural immersion in India with sophisticated scientific research.
At the hub of Indian science, Bangalore is an ideal setting for scholarly exchange between Harvard and 3 elite research centers—the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, and the Indian Institute of Science. Students are introduced to a range of techniques useful for performing modern quantitative research in the life sciences, joining the ongoing research activities of the host lab. We welcome chemistry and applied physics students interested in biology.
To complement the supervised laboratory research, students can also attend the many seminars held regularly and the lecture component of advanced summer courses offered by the host institution. In addition to the science component, students can attend cultural events in Bangalore and participate in wildlife conservation at nearby national parks. Additionally, interested students can explore seminars at the Srishti School of Art, Design, and Technology located very close to NCBS.
Course of study
BIOS S-98rb Study Abroad in Bangalore, India: Supervised Reading and Research in Quantitative Life Sciences (32539)
Venkatesh N. Murthy and Ryan W. Draft.
(8 credits: UN) Limited enrollment
Students conduct supervised research in quantitative life sciences—including chemical biology and biophysics—in a host laboratory. Participating laboratories are chosen from a large set based on the individual student's interests and the specific direction of the course. Students join the ongoing research activities of the host lab, and are introduced to a range of techniques useful for performing modern quantitative research in the life sciences. Depending on the laboratory, this could include molecular biology, cellular biology, synthetic biology, chemical biology, single molecule biophysics, neuroscience, nucleotide and protein analysis, medicinal chemistry, genetics of model organisms—C. elegans, Drosophila, and mice—and cutting-edge microscopy techniques such as confocal, total internal reflection, and multiphoton microscopy.
Prerequisites: introductory coursework in basic biology, chemistry, physics, and math. We welcome chemistry and applied physics students interested in biology.
Course credit
See Study Abroad Credit Information.
Faculty
Ryan W. Draft, PhD, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies, Neurobiology and Lecturer on Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University
Venkatesh N. Murthy, PhD, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University
Additional faculty in Bangalore
Application
The application period is now closed.
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 3:
- A completed online application that includes:
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee
- A statement of interest in the program, including information on relevant coursework and travel experience abroad (previous travel is not a prerequisite)
- Transcripts (student record accepted for Harvard students)
Program directors may ask for interviews.
Students will be notified of admission decisions by mid-February.
Cost
There is a nonrefundable $50 application fee. The cost of the program is $5,250 and includes the following:
- Tuition
- Room and some meals
- Excursions (including meals when appropriate)
In addition to the program fee, students are responsible for:
- A health insurance fee ($195; waived if students have US insurance that provides coverage outside the United States)
- Transportation to and from Bangalore
- The cost of passports and visas (if the latter is needed)
- Any immunizations
Suggested budget
See a sample budget for estimated expenses.
How to pay and funding options
See Funding and Payment for payment deadlines, deposit amounts, and more information, including funding options for Harvard College students.
Accommodations
Students live in student housing located in the expansive and wooded NCBS campus. Rooms have private baths, and each is shared by 2 students from this program. The main cafeteria is within walking distance and offers all meals.
Additional information
Contact Venkatesh N. Murthy, vnmurthy@fas.harvard.edu.
Students with disabilities should contact the disability services coordinator as soon as possible. See Students with Disabilities for more information.
