Scotland: Chemistry

Join us for the opportunity to further your studies in chemistry and develop your laboratory and computational skills relevant to drug design and discovery. The program will cover elements of molecular modelling, basic synthetic skills and analytical techniques used for structural characterization. Students will also benefit from the chance to immerse themselves in the life and culture of the North-East of Scotland, participate in a number of social/cultural activities organized alongside the program, and explore an area of the world they might never have thought to visit.

Program Details

Program Dates

This program will run during Summer B from June 28 to July 11, 2026

Program Itinerary

Sunday, June 28

  • Arrival Day

Monday, June 29

  • Introduction and Welcome Session
  • Introductions and Lab Safety
  • Enjoy a tour of the University of Aberdeen, your home for the next 2 weeks. The school is located in Old Aberdeen, a beautiful urban area in Scotland, with buildings dating back to the 15th century.
  • Free evening 

Tuesday, June 30

  • Lecture on Analytical Chemistry
  • Lab on Analytical Chemistry
  • Join a local guide on a city tour of Aberdeen. This dynamic city is a beautiful blend of old world charm and modern cosmopolitan community. Its known as the cultural center of Scotland, making it a very safe, vibrant and approachable city to get to know. 

Wednesday, July 1

  • Field Trip to the North Sea Coast

Thursday, July 2

  • Lecture on Synthetic Chemistry
  • Lab on Synthetic Chemistry

Friday, July 3 

  • Lecture on Computational Chemistry
  • Lab on Computational Chemistry
  • Scottish Traditional Dancing at the King's Pavillion

Saturday, July 4

  • Free Day to explore the surrounding area of Aberdeen. Known as the Granite City, take in the sparkling granite stone buildings and monuments. There are museums to enjoy, delicious seafood and fare along the harbor, cobbled roads and history dating back to the 13th century. 

Sunday, July 5

  • Free Day to keep exploring the area.

Monday, July 6

  • Lecture on Spectroscopy
  • Lab on Spectroscopy
  • Free Evening

Tuesday, July 7

  • Lecture on Medicinal Chemistry
  • Lab on Medicinal Chemistry
  • Explore Aberdeen 

Wednesday, July 8

  • Field Trip to the Highlands

Thursday, July 9

  • Lecture on Biological Chemistry
  • Lab on Biological Chemistry
  • Free Evening

Friday, July 10

  • Work on Assessments
  • Presentations
  • Farewell Dinner

Saturday, July 11

  • Departure Day
Course Information

The program is credit bearing. You will receive 4 credits for an upper level chemistry class here at Nazareth. Over two weeks the program will cover the following topics, all with a focus on drug design and discovery. Each topic will be covered by lectures and practical exercises:

  • Analytical chemistry
  • Basic aspects of synthetic chemistry
  • Computational techniques in chemistry
  • Structural characterization and spectroscopy
  • Medicinal chemistry
  • Biological chemistry
Extracurricular Activities

As part of the social activities, we are offering two full-day trips to sites of interest in north-eastern Scotland. One day will focus on the Scottish Highlands, the other one on the North Sea coast. You will need to bring clothes suitable for the changeable weather conditions we have, for example, warm clothes, a rainproof jacket and a good pair of walking shoes or boots.

If you have limitations in regards to mobility, please let us know at goabroad.incoming@abdn.ac.uk so that we can make suitable arrangements.

Accommodations

All participants will be housed in University residence halls. 

Program Costs

The program cost in 2026 is £2,250 euro, roughly $2,600 USD. 

Price Includes:

  • Tuition
  • 13 nights accommodation in University halls of residence.
  • Many fieldtrips and excursions

Not included:

  • International travel to and from the UK.
  • Transport costs to/from the University from within the UK.
  • Travel or health insurance.
  • Visa costs, where applicable.
  • All meals
Vaccination Guidance

Visit the following sites to see the recommended immunizations and medications for your program. Talk with your family and your physician to understand which ones you may need to travel. 

CDC 

Passport Health

U.S. State Department

Application Deadline (Due March 31, 2026)

Applications are due up until March 31, 2026. It is rolling admissions so its best to submit your application sooner than later before the program fills up. If you are interested in this program, please talk to Josh Fess before applying. 

Step 1: The link to the application is here. 

Step 2: Study Abroad Application Checklist Please fill out, sign, print out and bring to GAC 121.

At A Glance

(S): SPARK-Eligible

Semester: Summer B 

Program Level: Undergraduate

Program Type: Academic, 4 credits

Major(s):  Academic Entry Requirements: The program is intended for students on an undergraduate chemistry or related science track, and who have completed both their first and second years of college.

  • Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Science & Sustainability
  • Global Sustainability
  • Toxicology

 Language requirement: None

Minimum GPA Requirement: 2.5