Development of Chemistry and Medicine through the Ages
Tentative Summer 2027 Dates: May 10 - June 1, 2027
Program Locations
- Greece: Athens and Kos
- Czech Republic: Prague
- Germany: Munic, Heidelberg, and Mainz
Program Highlights
- Interdisciplinary Study Across Europe — Explore the connections between philosophy, science, technology, medicine, and education through immersive, place-based learning.
- Origins of Medicine in Greece — Study the legacy of Hippocrates on Kos and visit the Acropolis of Athens to examine ancient belief systems shaping early medical practice.
- Science & Alchemy in Czech Republic — Investigate early chemistry and the scientific method, including the Speculum Alchemiae and reflection at Theresienstadt concentration camp.
- Innovation & Industry in Germany — Examine pharmaceutical and chemical leadership through visits to Heidelberg University, BASF, Carl Bosch Museum, and the Deutsches Museum.
- Intellectual & Cultural Legacy — Engage the influence of Hildegard of Bingen and Europe’s long-standing university and research traditions.
- Rigorous Academic Experience — 2,250 contact minutes integrating lectures, site visits, and guided reflection across three countries.
Faculty Leaders
Master Lecturer
Albert T. and Sarah F. Brout Professor of Business
Forbes Hall 2003
Associate Professor
matthew.campolattaro@cnu.edu (757) 594-8509Forbes Hall 1054
Course Information
CHEM 110 (Chemistry and Society) or BCHM 333 (Medicinal Chemistry: Blockbuster Drugs)
No required prerequisites for CHEM 110.
Required Prerequisites for BCHM 333: CHEM 222 or at the discretion of the instructor.
Course Description
Human history and culture are multi-layered subjects, and medicine and science played no small part in their course. In this study abroad course we will strive to examine how culture, politics, and education has influenced development of what we know today as modern chemistry and medicine and vice versa. We will also focus on how technological developments allowed philosophy to be put to the test and cross into realm of science through experimentation. This course would not be complete without scrutinizing the human and environmental cost of these achievements. We will visit museums and historic landmarks to learn about the culture and history of chemistry and medicine advances through the ages; learn about important scientific breakthroughs and mishaps, as well as development of modern safety regulations and ethics. Students will be tasked with examining historical facts through multiple lenses of analysis and synthesizing a final paper reflecting on their experiences.
Additional Information
- Accommodations
- Ground transportation
- International health insurance
- Group activities
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- Airfare
- Students are responsible for purchasing their international airfare to and from the program destination(s). Students should not purchase their flight until receiving specific instructions from the faculty leaders after December 1.
- Airfare
- Tuition (3 credits)
- In-state: $1,440
- Out-of-State: $3,171
- Travel insurance
- Most meals
- Personal expenses
Deadline: December 1, 2026
Student with a valid passport:
Students who have a current passport will need to upload an image of their passport by December 1, 2026, to their enrollment forms.
Student without a Valid Passport
Apply for or renew your passport immediately. After November 1, students must pay to expedite the application process. Do not delay beginning this process.
Passport Application and Renewal
The routine processing time is currently up to 6 weeks and expedited services is up to 3 weeks. These processing times are subject to change and can lengthen significantly. We highly recommend applying for or renewing your passport as soon as possible. Most countries require at least 6 months remaining time on your passport expiration from your intended date of departure. Example: If your passport expires on December 1, 2027, you would need to renew your passport to travel in the summer of 2027.
Each country has established entry requirements and travel restrictions set for foreign visitors and their citizens. Any country can change their regulations at any time. We encourage all students and their families to review details about the country or countries you plan to travel to and to continue monitoring the information leading up to your departure.
Travel & Entry Requirements from the U.S. State DepartmentApplication & Enrollment Forms Deadline
October 31*
*Program may fill prior to deadline due to a rolling admission process.