Programs : Brochure

Spring Break in Switzerland, Germany, and Italy:
Science and Religion -
From the Big Bang to the Soul

Program Overview

The course traces the development of science and religion through known human history, using astronomical discoveries to chronicle the positive and negative influences of religion over the past two millennia. The course content is largely covered in the winter quarter beginning with cosmology, progressing through chemical, biological, and hominid evolution to examine where life comes from and what being human means, followed by examining the lives several great scientists and concluding with topics in neuroscience that relate to the soul and the self. The course culminates in a 9-day learning adventure over the spring break to museums and exhibits in Europe featuring guest presentations and guided tours at sites in Italy, Germany, and Switzerland. A few of the sites include the CERN supercollider in Geneva, the Einstein Museum in Bern, Kepler's House outside Stuttgart, the famous Deutches Museum in Munich, the Galileo Museum in Florence, and the Vatican and the Vatican Observatory in Rome.

By the end of the course students will be able to:
a. Articulate the major historical developments in science and their religious connections
b. Identify the main religious influences on science's development
c. Describe how personal, cultural, and religious influences affect science
d. Contrast religious and scientific perspectives
e. Apply historical precedent to current issues of science and religion.

Read the article "Science and Religion Up Close: Lia DiMitri Reflects on Study Abroad Trip" to get a student perspective on this exciting ICA!

Academics

Credit/Registration

Students will be registered for Science and Religion: From the Big Bang to Neuroscience AS-I T-201, 3 credits as part of their winter term credit load and should factor the course into their winter credit load. The course includes two required parts: 

• Part 1: Winter term 10 week online class class
• Part 2: Spring Break ICA to Europe

Instructor: Dr. Fraser Fleming, Professor of Chemistry 

Program Calendar

Winter Term: Online class

Arrival Date: March 20, 2027
Departure Date: March 28, 2027

Itinerary Highlights Include:

• Geneva: History of Science Museum; CERN laboratory
• Bern: Einstein Museum; Tour of Zytglogge
• Stuttgart: Cistercian Monastery of Maulbronn; Kepler Museum
• Munich: Paleontology Museum; Deutsches Museum
• Florence: Brunelleschi's Dome; Basilica di Santa Croce; Museo Galileo
• Rome: Vatican Museums and Observatory, St. Peter's Basilica, Colosseum and Roman Forum
• and much more!

Program Fee - TBD $1,500*

Due November 16, 2026: $500 Advance Payment + $25 application fee
Due January 15, 2027: $1,000 Final Payment
All payments are non-refundable unless declined admission.
*This program fee has been generously subsidized by the department to significantly reduce student costs.  

Included in Program Fee:

• Accommodations in Italy, Germany, Switzerland
• Tours and entrance fees for all program activities
• Local transit including inter-country train tickets
• Some group meals
• On Call emergency and medical insurance

Not Included in Program Fee (estimated):

• Round trip airfare $1,200
• Passport $160
• Meals $250
• Airport transfer $50
• Course materials $32
• Spending money $400
• Visa (if applicable)

More Information

• US citizens are not required to obtain a visa. Other nationalities must check the Italian, German, and Swiss Embassy websites for information.
• A recommended flight itinerary will be provided. Students are responsible for booking their own transatlantic airfare.