STEM education abroad: yes, you can!

Joint Event on 23^rd International Conference on Advanced Materials & 10^th International Conference on Chemistry Education and Research

June 20-22, 2018 Oslo, Norway

Kimberly B Fields, David J Merkler, Kirpal Bisht and Janna Merrick

University of South Florida, USA

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Chem Sci

Abstract :

The University of South Florida (USF), with an undergraduate enrollment of 31,000 students, has a vibrant study abroad program involving hundreds of students, dozens of faculties, and over 60 countries. We have developed and administered a STEM study abroad program called USF Science in Florence which is centered in Florence, Italy. Traditionally, study abroad programs do not include chemistry, physics, or physician observation/comparative health care systems courses�that are completely in line with the students� STEM major. In our study abroad program, Organic Chemistry I and II, Physics I with Calculus, and General Biochemistry are taught with the same rigor as when those courses are taught during the standard semester. This affords STEM majors the ability to stay on track for their respective degrees while experiencing study abroad. The study abroad experience is viewed positively by prospective employers and Post-graduate program selection committees. The class sizes are small (30 students or less) with many more opportunities for individualized instruction and support than the typical USF on-campus experience. The courses offered in Florence, usually are high-enrollment courses (200-300 students per lecture) when taught in Tampa, FL. Field learning excursions to reinforce course learning objectives are incorporated as much as possible. Tours to local establishments take place weekly and include Officina Profumo � Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, the Museo Galileo, and Fattoria di Maiano. Discussion of relevant scientific topics dovetail nicely with topics in chemistry. Feedback from students involved are overwhelmingly positive of the program.

Biography :

Kimberly B Fields has completed her PhD from University of South Florida. She is an Instructor in Chemistry with eight years of experience in higher education. She has published seven papers in peer-reviewed journals and has written two book chapters. Her current research interests are in chemical education with an emphasis on Organic Chemistry and a key Member of the USF Science in Florence program development team.

E-mail: kfields@mail.usf.edu