Human Physiology in Sydney
Sydney, Australia
Why you should go
Sydney provides a unique backdrop for studying physiology by blending world-class research and clinical institutions with direct access to Australia’s distinct environment and wildlife. In this Global Seminar, we’ll study how we breathe, digest and metabolize food, transport substances through our blood, and how all these systems can go awry in disease. Throughout the course, field trips across Sydney will show these biological processes in action — observing the unique metabolic adaptations of marsupials at the Taronga Zoo, examining Australia’s largest collection of medical pathology specimens at the Museum of Human Disease, and exploring the food systems and nutritional physiology of First Nations Australians at the Sydney City Farm.
Courses
- BIPN 102GS: Human Physiology II/Global Context (draft PDF)
- BIPN 104GS: Physiological Inquiry/Global Context (draft PDF)
Faculty Leader
Mingyu Yangmiy029@ucsd.edu
Mingyu Yang is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the School of Biological Sciences. He received his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering through the Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, which kindled his love of human physiology. At UCSD, Ming teaches undergraduate and master’s-level courses in anatomy, physiology, and biostatistics, in addition to conducting education research about how students learn biological concepts. Since joining UCSD, he has received undergraduate teaching awards from Thurgood Marshall and Eleanor Roosevelt Colleges. Ming’s #1 passion is teaching undergraduate students, and he can’t wait to take you on a big biological field trip in the summer!
Who should go
For biology majors, this Global Seminar fulfils eight units of upper-division elective coursework. For Human Biology majors specifically, BIPN 102GS fulfils one of the ‘Human Physiology Core Course’ requirements. Both courses in this Global Seminar have BIPN 100 (Human Physiology I) as a prerequisite.
Information Sessions
- Global Seminar Overview Session: Wed, Sept. 30, 3 - 4 PM
- Program "Meet the Professor" session: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 12:30 - 1:30 PM
- Register here for the live Zoom link, and/or to get the post-session recording.
Dates
| Departure from U.S.: | Fri., June 25, 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
- Australian Museum
- Museum of Human Disease, University of New South Wales
- Sydney Botanical Gardens
- Sydney City Farm
- Taronga Zoo
- SEA LIFE Aquarium
Excursions are subject to change without prior notice. No refunds are possible.
Housing
- 2 participants per room, in a shared apartment with other participants
- Bathroom, a kitchen, and laundry all in the apartment
- Sheets and towels are provided;
- Wireless Internet available in rooms and common areas throughout the building
- 40 min commute to class
- 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 Study Center in downtown Sydney ("CBD")
- 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 Sydney Airport to the student housing is included for those arriving between 10-3pm on arrival day. (range to be confirmed
- A local transportation pass for 5 weeks will be provided for each student.
Phones
- Information about how to obtain a local or e-SIM card will be provided at the pre-departure orientation.
- Students will be responsible for purchasing their own calling time/minutes.
Insurance, Health, and Safety
- Comprehensive insurance package with CISI
- 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.
