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Organic Chemistry in London

Why you should go

Imagine learning organic chemistry by standing in the very places where history-changing discoveries were made. This Global Seminar combines advanced organic chemistry with an immersive exploration of greater London, allowing students to connect the molecules they study in the classroom with the people, places, and events that transformed science, medicine, and our modern world.

Weekly excursions will take students to internationally recognized centers of scientific innovation, including Alexander Fleming’s preserved laboratory at St. Mary’s Hospital, where penicillin was discovered nearly 100 years ago. By exploring these sites firsthand, students are offered a unique perspective on the perseverance, creativity, and global impact of scientific discovery.

This program pairs a discussion-based course (CHEM 151 GS) with a collaborative, active-learning advanced organic chemistry course (CHEM 154 GS). Students will master essential reaction mechanism while exploring the stories behind world-changing molecules. This unique combination of travel, history, and science offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience chemistry beyond the classroom while preparing for careers in chemistry, research, medicine, and related fields.

Courses

Faculty Leader

Valerie Schmidt
vschmidt@ucsd.edu

Valerie SchmidtValerie Schmidt is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at UC San Diego. Prof. Schmidt research background is in synthetic chemistry with broad interests in organic and organometallic chemistry. She teaches lower division organic chemistry courses and upper division electives in organic chemistry ranging from complex molecule synthesis, advanced methods & reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry, and was an inaugural UC San Diego Equity-Minded Assessment Fellow in 2023.

Schmidt studied abroad as a first-year undergraduate student through Arcadia University’s First Year Study-Abroad Experience program in London. As a result, she’s passionate about sharing this important study-abroad opportunity with students wanting to expand their chemistry knowledge. She’s enthusiastic about bringing to light the human side of scientific advances for students to experience the same wonder that sparked her interest in pursuing a career in chemistry.

Who should go

Anyone who is interested in expanding their organic chemistry skillset and exploring the connections between the structures and society! Both classes in this program count towards upper division elective courses towards the required minimum 48 units of upper division course work within all Chemistry majors and are accessible to non-chemistry STEM majors. With the completion of 1 additional upper-division chemistry elective upon completion of this Global Seminar, General Biology majors would qualify for a chemistry minor. Prerequisites for both courses together include CHEM 40 A and B or CHEM 41 A and B.

Information Sessions

  • Program "Meet the Professor" session: Monday, Oct. 26, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
  • Register here for the live Zoom link, and/or to get the post-session recording.

See the Info Session Calendar


Dates

Departure from U.S.: Sat., June 26, 2027
Arrival: Sun., June 27, 2027
Mandatory Orientation: Mon., June 28, 2027
First Day of Class: Mon., June 28, 2027
Last Day of Class: Fri., July 30, 2027
Departure for the U.S.
(or personal travel):		 Sat., July 31, 2027

Flight Information

  • You will be responsible for purchasing your own airplane tickets, and your program coordinator will provide guidelines and resources during the pre-departure process to help you find an appropriate flight.
  • Do not purchase plane tickets until the program is confirmed . All approved applicants will be notified by e-mail when the program has reached minimum enrollment.

Global Seminar Fees

All fees subject to change. See https://summersession.ucsd.edu/tuition/tuition.html for current tuition and campus-based fees.

  UCSD Other UC Non-UC
Program Cost:
(includes $500 administrative fee)		 TBD TBD TBD
Estimated Tuition and Campus-Based Fees:
 		 $2,623.24 $2,673.24 $3,675.24
Total:
(not including airfare or personal expenses)		 TBD TBD TBD

Budget Calculator

  • Coming soon!

Funding Options

See the funding options page to learn how financial aid and scholarships can help you pay for this program.

Local

Overnight

Excursions are subject to change without prior notice. No refunds are possible.

Housing

  • Room,
  • bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
  • Sheets and towels are provided; 
  • Wireless Internet available in rooms and common areas throughout the building
  • Other
  • Local transportation station? distance to 
  • Housing arrangements are subject to change based on local circumstances without prior notice. No price adjustments are possible.

Included Meals

  • Welcome dinner upon arrival
  • Farewell dinner at end of program

Classroom and Computer Access

  • Classroom space at ______
  • Wireless Internet in the classroom
  • There is no computer lab available - plan to bring a laptop.
  • Wireless access may be intermittent due to local conditions. No refunds or price adjustments are possible.

Transportation

  • Transportation by private bus to and from ____ Airport to the student housing is included in the program. ____
  • A local transportation pass for _______ will be provided for each student.
  • Transportation for all out of town excursions

Phones

  • Information about how to obtain a local SIM card will be provided at the pre-departure orientation.
  • Students will be responsible to purchase their own calling time/minutes.

Insurance, Health, and Safety

  • Comprehensive insurance package with _____
  • An in-depth orientation will be given on the morning after arrival, including health and safety procedures.
  • Program partner staff will be available by telephone after hours.
  • All students will be enrolUC travel insurance.