Course Summary
Subject content
- Fuel cells and renewable energy technology.
- Studying nanomaterials using electron microscopy.
- How molecular structure influences fragrance in perfumes and cosmetics.
- Computational chemistry.
- Chemistry at atomic surfaces.
- Synthesis of new compounds for catalysis.
Topic examples
- Forensic statistics.
Building circuits and programming with Arduino.
Changing the biorefinery process, a solution for tomorrow’s world.
Fluid dynamics.
Cryptography: how safe are your secrets?
Examples of laboratory sessions students might expect:
- FLasers and diffraction.
- FAstronomy.
- FPreparation of biodiesel from vegetable oil.
- FElectronic bagpipes.
- FIsolation of pigments from leaves.
These examples are merely a sample and are based on previous years. Topics may change based on the curriculum chosen by the department in any given year.
Academic skills
Aside from the study of specific content, students will learn to improve their academic writing, learning to shape arguments and developing an academic writing style, whilst also improving their subject-specific vocabulary.
Learning experience
Students will experience a mixture of lectures, seminars, group work and independent study on this course. Lecture content is taught by academic staff and is underpinned by additional practical sessions in laboratories and on field trips, with experienced graduate students assisting.
Additional information
The academic course is enhanced by field trips to sites of scientific interest, and cultural enrichment is provided through the general Academic Experience Courses, which includes an extensive programme of social and cultural activities, sports and much more.
Course outcomes
Students will receive an official certificate from the University of St Andrews to confirm their successful completion of the course.
- Age range: 16-18
- Full-board accommodation in St Andrews University
- All-inclusive course fee
- Tuition from St Andrews University academics
- Live and study with students from all over the world
- Explore this historic university and town!
What's Included?
- tuition and instruction
- reading material
- lab equipment and sports equipment
- accommodation
- breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
- transportation to and from the airport on the specified arrival and departure dates
- extracurricular programme including guest presentations
- field trips
- all cultural and social activities organised
- Sports Centre membership.
Accommodation
SAEC students will be staying at Andrew Melville Hall or Agnes Blackadder Hall. All SAEC students have guaranteed accommodation, however, en-suite rooms are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Agnes Blackadder Hall, named after the first female graduate of the University, is a four-storey building situated on North Haugh near the various science buildings. It is also located near to the sports centre and is only a 15-minute walk from the centre of town. Agnes Blackadder Hall offers en-suite accommodation. Andrew Melville Hall is also situated on the North Haugh. Easily recognisable for its ship-like appearance. Every room looks out over surrounding parkland as well as towards the renowned West Sands beach. Students staying at Andrew Melville Hall will have their own room and shared bathrooms. Boys and girls are grouped, usually on separate floors within the building. Dedicated staff are on duty day and night to provide pastoral care and emergency first aid response, and to ensure students’ safety and well-being.
Tuition
All of the courses on offer feature teaching from current academic staff from the University and offer students the opportunity to experience academic life in one of the UK’s oldest and highest-ranking institutions.
Extracurricular Activities
All courses are complemented by a vast array of extracurricular activities. Students can participate in a number of cultural excursions to places of historic importance or scientific interest, including a full day trip to the city of Edinburgh. There is also an ongoing programme of informal activities provided in the evening and on weekends.
St Andrews University
A summer school at a prestigious university that sits proudly alongside Oxford and Cambridge as one of the top three oldest UK universities.
