Come learn about this fantastic opportunity to study Biology in Barcelona, Spain this Winter 2026.  Dr. Steven Caruso will be sharing stories from last year's program, giving course overviews and talking about cultural excursions included in the program fee. 

Program overview: 

Experience the perfect blend of academic growth, cultural immersion, and unforgettable exploration in the heart of Barcelona, Spain. This three-credit, three-week faculty-led study abroad program at the prestigious Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) offers students an enriching opportunity to enhance their intercultural competency while earning valuable academic credits. Designed for BIOL/BINF/BIOC majors and other students with the necessary prerequisites, participants will engage in hands-on research through courses like Genetics Lab, Phage Hunters Edition and Phage Hunters Genome Analysis, earning credits that fulfill major and general education requirements.

Course Options: 

Non-BIOL majors only:

BIOL 216L - Phage Hunters Genome Analysis for non-majors (3 credits, GEP: Lab Component for Science or Writing Intensive): In Phage Hunters Genome Analysis, students receive training in bacteriophage biology and genetics to annotate complete bacteriophage genome sequences and identify the unknown bacteriophages. The course includes a large degree of self-paced investigative work. No science background is required. 
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 100 with a grade of ‘C’ or better

BIOL majors choose 1 of 2 options below for a total of 3 credits (2 credits + 1 credit):

BIOL 302L - Molecular and General Genetics Laboratory (2 credits, GEP: Lab Component for Science):
A laboratory course designed to illustrate fundamental genetic principles by experimentation. Such principles include the nature of genetic material, transfer of genetic information in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, organization and regulation of gene expression, Mendel’s rules of heredity, linkage and crossing over, and genetic variation. Students will be expected to work independently, spending periods of time outside the scheduled lab period collecting data. Satisfies Upper-level BIOL Lab Elective for BIOL B.A. and BIOL B.S..
Prerequisite(s):  BIOL 300L and BIOL 302 with a grade of a ‘C’ or better

or

BIOL 316L - Phage Hunters Genome Analysis (2 credits):

In Phage Hunters Genome Analysis, students annotate complete bacteriophage genome sequences and identify the unknown bacteriophages. The course includes a large degree of self-paced investigative work. This course fulfills upper- level laboratory credits for the BIOL BA/BS major, the BIOC major, the BIOL minor and upper-level elective credit for the BINF major. For students in other majors, the course provides upper-level credit and can be used as a science laboratory course for GEP requirements.  
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 300L and BIOL 302 with a grade of a ‘C’ or better 

BIOL 499 - Undergraduate Laboratory/Field Research (1 credit): The course will include in silico research on phage genomes and the writing of a manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal. BIOL students (BS only) may use independent research in the laboratory of a faculty member as a substitute for one of the upper level laboratory classes required by the major. To do so, students must register for BIOL 499 for two semesters in a row. In the second semester, they must also register for this course, BIOL 499L, in which they will give oral presentations and write a final paper about their research project.