COURSE INFORMATION:

Students take one of the following:

CHEM 183: Chemistry in the Latin Community (3 credits)
CHEM 483: Environmental Sampling and Analysis (3 credits)

PROGRAM INFORMATION:

The purpose of CHEM 183 is to take students to Costa Rica to explore chemistry in context of a natural setting and how chemistry is integrated within the local Hispanic community. Students will complete water quality projects and purification, learn how water is used in a small community from washing clothes to paper recycling. Emphasis will be on how chemistry is being used by a community to provide for sustainable living and how culture influences chemical sustainability.

The purpose of CHEM 483 is to provide upper level chemistry students an opportunity to conduct chemical analysis in a natural setting. This experience will be a unique offering in our department, providing a study abroad experience for a population of students who normally do not get one. Students in this course will collect samples throughout the local environment and analyze them to understand the physical, chemical and biological processes that impact water quality. We will discuss both local activities such as coffee bean farming as well as global phenomena such as ocean acidification.

Students should be aware that this program will involve hiking, data collection outside, and strenuous walking at times.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

-Students must have an overall GPA of 2.5
-Students must already possess a valid passport, or be able to obtain a valid passport

PROGRAM DIRECTORS:

Dr. Katherine Mullaugh
Department: Chemistry and Biochemistry
mullaughkm@cofc.edu
843-953-6587

Dr. Mullaugh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. She has experience carrying out field work in remote locations that required significant planning. For example, while in graduate school Dr. Mullaugh participated in a two month-long research cruises leaving for international locations (Mexico and Fiji). She has also previously traveled to Costa Rica.

Dr. William Veal
Department: Chemistry
vealw@cofc.edu
843-953-8045

Dr. Veal is a professor of science education in the School of Education, Health and Human Performance and an adjunct professor in the Department of Chemistry. He has been director of the SMFT graduate program, successfully designed and led international programs in Chile, Ecuador, and Cameroon, and has consulted overseas in South America, Europe, and Asia. Part of his research has involved working with indigenous children in Ecuador.

Note: For questions regarding on-site program details and course content, please contact the program directors. Any inquiries regarding application processing, billing, or financial aid opportunities can be directed to the Center for International Education (contact information listed above).

*A minimum number of participants is required for all study abroad programs to run.