We will explore the history of Western science from Copernicus through the 20th century, and visit sites in London and Paris that were central to scientific discoveries and developments in astronomy, chemistry, physics, geology, biology, and more. We will examine some cultural and religious factors that facilitated or hindered scientific development. And we will consider the impact of various scientific discoveries within the framework of knowledge at the time of discovery. Our early travel days will include “classroom” time, to discuss assigned readings. Readings give an account of the history of science for a lay audience, while the discussion will emphasize the relevant scientific concepts. As we gain some understanding about important contributions to science, we will increase our site visits to engage with artifacts of these discoveries. We will visit the home of Charles Darwin; explore the labs of Marie Curie and Louis Pasteur; see equipment used by Lavoisier, Faraday, and Boyle; visit the final resting places of Newton, Rutherford, Herschel, and Hawking; and stand on the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

Week 1

• Monday, Jan. 5: Depart from SFO
• Tuesday, Jan. 6: Arrive in London
• Wednesday, Jan. 7: London 
  Class topics: Earth & space: navigation, astronomy
  Activities: British Library; walking tour
• Thursday, Jan. 8: London  
  Class topics: Life sciences: anatomy & medicine, microbiology
  Activities: Tower of London; walking tour
• Friday, Jan. 9: London
  Class topics: Physical sciences: chemistry, light, energy
  Activities: St. Paul’s Cathedral; British Museum
• Saturday, Jan. 10: London
  Class topics: Physical sciences: power, thermodynamics, light, electromagnetism
  Activities: Westminster Abbey; walking tour

Week 2

• Sunday, Jan.11: London
  Class topics: Earth & space, Physical sciences: astronomy, atomic structure, radioactivity
  Activities: Royal Observatory Greenwich
• Monday, Jan. 12: London 
  Class topics: Life sciences: evolution, genetics, DNA
  Activities: Science Museum
• Tuesday, Jan. 13: Day trip to Oxford
  Activities: Oxford University Museum of Natural History, History of Science Museum
• Wednesday, Jan. 14: London
  Free day!
• Thursday, Jan. 15: Day trip to Cambridge
  Activities: Walking tour of Cambridge University
• Friday, Jan. 16: London
  Class: Exam
  Activities: Royal Institution, Royal Society
• Saturday, Jan. 17: Day trip to Downe
  Activities: Down House (Home of Charles Darwin)

Week 3

• Sunday, Jan. 18: London
  Free day!
• Monday, Jan. 19: London
  Activities: Natural History Museum
• Tuesday, Jan. 20: Depart London, arrive Paris
• Wednesday, Jan. 21: Paris
  Activities: Notre Dame; walking tour
• Thursday, Jan. 22: Paris
  Activities: Eiffel Tower; walking tour
• Friday, Jan. 23: Paris
  Activities: Panthéon; Musée Curie; Observatoire de Paris
• Saturday, Jan. 24: Paris
  Activities: Musée des Arts et Métiers

Week 4

• Sunday, Jan. 25: Paris
  Free day!
• Monday, Jan. 26: Paris
  Activities: Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle
• Tuesday, Jan. 27: Depart from Paris, Arrive in SFO

Course Fee: TBD
Learn about the Jan Term Travel Scholarship for additional funding.

This fee includes:
Airfare, Local Transportation, Lodging, Meals, Excursions (e.g., museums, tours, etc.), Gratuity, Travel Insurance ($35/student - international classes only), Miscellaneous

Estimated cost outside of course fee:
$200-900 for passport; transportation to/from SFO; meals in airports; fancy meals in excess of per diem; activities on free days; souvenirs; water-resistant clothing if needed.