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General Microbiology in Poland

Program Information | Location Information | Courses Available | Eligibility | Costs | Deadlines & Dates | Orientation | Housing | What's Next?

Apply now!

Know the following program information, which you will provide on the online application: 

Country: Poland
Program Name: General Microbiology in Poland

Program Information
The University of Minnesota Duluth Swenson College of Science and Engineering in association with the UMD International Education Office will offer a summer study abroad program in Poland for biology majors, cell and molecular biology majors, and pre-professional students (pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-pharmacy, pre-veterinary medicine, pre-optometry, nursing, public health, etc.).

The program includes BIOL 4503 General Microbiology offered at the University of Wroclaw Institute of Genetics and Microbiology in Wrocław, Poland. 

Students will also receive an introduction to the language, geography, culture and history of Poland and Eastern Europe. Course field trips and a weekend excursion to Krakow to visit Wawel castle and cathedral, 12th century Wieliczka salt mine and the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp museum are included.  Participants also have free weekends for independent travel to destinations such as Prague, Berlin, Gdansk and Warsaw.

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Location Information
The city of Wrocław, with a population of 650,000, is situated at the foot of the Sudety Mountains along the banks of the Odra River. Odra River’s many tributaries and canals help to form one of the country’s most beautiful cities, complete with 12 islands and 112 bridges. It is interspersed with many green parks and open spaces, including Szczytnicki Park, which contains 370 species of trees and shrubs and a Japanese garden.

Wrocław, founded in the 10th century, is a major Eastern European educational center. The University of Wroclaw is over three hundred years old. Nine graduates and professors have received Nobel prizes and Charles Darwin and Johannes Brahms are among a long list of outstanding individuals who have received honorary doctorates.

Wrocław is the official host city of the European Football Championships in June 2012. Wrocław has also been selected as a European Capital of Culture for 2016, which is a city designated by the European Union, during which a series of cultural events are held.

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Courses Available
FST 4168, BIOL 4503: General Microbiology offered in Wroclaw, Poland (4 credits).

All instruction is provided in English by the Polish faculty of the Wroclaw Institute of Genetics and Microbiology. The UMD catalog describes the course as follows: Microbial cell structure, metabolism, nutrition, growth, and genetics. Structure and pathogenicity of viruses. Microbial taxonomy and diversity. Microbial diseases, immunity, serology and control. Applied and environmental microbiology including medical, food, aquatic, and soil microbiology. Laboratory and lecture.

Students will also receive an introduction to the language, geography, culture and history of Poland (no credit).

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Eligibility
Students must be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Prerequisites for the course include at least one year of college level biology and chemistry plus a course in cell biology or equivalent. Coursework in genetics and/or biochemistry is helpful, but not required.

The program is designed for biology majors, cell and molecular biology majors and pre-professional students (pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-pharmacy, pre-optometry, pre-vet medicine, nursing, public health, etc.).

Participants MUST have a passport, valid for at least six months after their return to the United States.

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Costs
A non-refundable application fee of $50 will be billed to your student account upon submission of an online application. A deposit of $400 will be billed to your student account upon your confirmation of participation. The remainder of the program fee will be billed through Student Accounts Receivable. The program cost can be found here.

Financial aid may be applied toward the cost of the program if you are enrolled as a full-time student (six credits is full-time for May/Summer). There are several study abroad scholarships for University of Minnesota students.

Fluctuating currency exchange rates may increase or decrease the cost of your international experience.

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Deadlines & Dates
The application deadline is March 5, 2012.

Early application is strongly encouraged, as admission is competitive and limited to 16 students.

Program dates are from July 15 - August 19, 2012.

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Orientation
At least two pre-departure orientations will be held. Pre-departure orientations will include information about financial aid, classwork and travel tips. A general study abroad handbook will be emailed prior to departure.

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Housing
Participants will be housed in "suite-like" mini apartments in the University of Wrocław Student Residence Hall, Ołówek. Each apartment suite accommodates four students and contains a bathroom, mini-kitchen, and two bedrooms (two students per bedroom). Sheets and blankets are provided. The kitchen includes a refrigerator, sink, hotplate, small dining table and several chairs. Dishes and utensils are not provided. Food shops are located directly across from the dormitory and several inexpensive student "milk bars" are available in the area.

The Ołówek Residence Hall is about a twenty-minute bus ride from the Institute of Genetics and Microbiology and a five-minute tram ride from the historic Wrocław city center and Market Square.

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What's Next?
Review the suggested steps to studying abroad. Familiarize yourself on financing, health and safety and other important information to consider when choosing to study abroad. When you are ready to apply, complete the online application and upload the required accompanying materials (unofficial transcript and essay). A non-refundable application fee of $50 will be billed to your student account upon submission of an online application.

Contact Conrad Firling for program or itinerary questions. For application or registration questions, contact Arianna Austin.

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