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Study Abroad Guide 2009

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The University of Sussex has a long-established programme specifically designed for the needs of pre-medical students from North America.

We recognise that the decision to study abroad is often an especially difficult one for pre-med students. However, our programme will ensure that you complete your prerequisites, stay on track for graduation and have a cultural and academic experience that will make a very positive addition to your resumι. Once you enter medical school you will find it increasingly difficult to take time to travel. However, medical schools view study abroad very positively – and you can almost guarantee that you will be asked about it at your interview.

Advice

The pre-med team at Sussex will work with you to plan a sensible choice of courses for your time at Sussex, and will liaise with your advisors back home in the US. We will also provide assistance with medical school applications. While your pre-med letter should be written from your home school, we can help you by making sure that letters of recommendation from Sussex are available in good time, and provide the sort of information and comments that will enhance your application.

Length of study

Students on this programme may study with us for a year or a combination of terms; please refer to the Study periods web page for study options and term dates.

Alumni of the programme

The Pre-Medical programme in Sussex started in 1990, and now some 30 students per year from all over the US participate. Most of our alumni go to medical school immediately or soon after graduation, but others have decided to take time out, opting for graduate school, or Masters programmes in public health.

Recommendations from study abroad advisors and faculty

The Sussex Pre-Medical programme, is recommended by faculty and study abroad advisors at prestigious state universities and private colleges throughout the US.

Work experience

As a student on the Pre-Medical programme you may have an opportunity to volunteer at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, a local hospice, or for the campus rescue team. (Note that eligibility is dependent on meeting conditions, eg criminal records checks, required by the appropriate authorities.) Most students find the experience of a hospital environment in a nationally funded health-care system interesting and valuable. At the end of the year, you will be expected to make a presentation to the whole group on your experiences.

Prerequisite courses

Many pre-medical students planning to study abroad aim to have completed their prerequisite science courses by the end of their sophomore year. However, we have available a range of the necessary courses in biochemistry, chemistry, physics and mathematics. Many of these are taught by faculty who have had experience teaching the same course in a North American institution. Most courses follow one of the standard American textbooks.

General Chemistry

The course introduces you to the fundamental properties of matter. The course text is Chemical Principles: The Quest for Insight (2005) by Peter Atkins and Loretta Jones.

Health: a Matter of National Concern

This course is about the history of the British National Health Service, its economic organisation and the role it plays in British society.

Mathematics

The University offers a range of mathematics courses, to suit all backgrounds.

Organic Chemistry

The course serves as an introduction to the theory and practice of Organic Chemistry. The current text is Organic Chemistry (2004) by Marye Anne Fox and James K Whitesell.

Physics

The course follows the textbook College Physics (2007) by Alan Giambattista, Betty McCarthy Richardson and Robert C Richardson. Topics may include mechanics and heat, fluids and electricity, and light and modern physics.

Contact us:

Dr Penny Chaloner
Director
Sussex Pre-Medical programme
School of Life Sciences
University of Sussex
Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QJ, UK
F +44 (0)1273 677196
E premed@central.sussex.ac.uk

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Student in lab
Teaching dates and contact details

Enquiries:

International and Study Abroad Office,
Mantell Building, University of Sussex
Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9RF, UK.
T +44 1273 678422
F +44 1273 678640
E international@sussex.ac.uk

Teaching dates 2008-2009

Mayterm
1 May 2008 – 23 May 2008
International Summer School
25 June 2008 – 17 August 2008
Sussex in September
5 – 26 September 2008
Autumn term
6 October 2008 – 12 December 2008
Spring term
12 January 2009 – 20 March 2009
Summer term
20 April 2009 – 26 June 2009

Teaching dates 2009-2010

International Summer School
29 June 2009 – 24 July 2009, and 27 July 2009 – 21 August 2009
Sussex in September
4 – 25 September 2009
Autumn term
5 October 2009 – 11 December 2009
Spring term
11 January 2010 – 19 March 2010
Summer term
19 April 2010 – 25 June 2010

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