Study Abroad | Valencia
Fall 2023: Academics

Course Code: UCV-22

Instruction Language: English

The surface of our planet is populated by curious living forms. The life is an intricately and organized system of chemical factories, that acquire the matter from their surroundings, and use these raw materials to generate copies of themselves. These living organisms are extraordinarily diverse. One of the most rapidly expanding areas of biological research is genetics, the biologic science that focuses on the mechanisms of inheritance. What could be more different than a tiger and a piece of seaweed, or a bacterium and a tree? Yet our ancestors, knowing nothing about cells or DNA, discovered that all these things had something in common. This is an exciting time to begin studying biology, the science of life. Almost daily, biologists are making remarkable new discoveries about the human species and about the millions of other organisms with which we share this planet. Therefore, the main objective of our subject is the study of biology from the point of view of molecular genetics focused on health professionals.

Course Code: UCV-61

Instruction Language: English

The course is devoted to the study of the structures, functions and interactions of biological macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids, which provide the structure of cells and perform many of the functions associated with life.

Course Code: UCV-90

Instruction Language: English

The general aims of the course are: to know and understand the basics of anatomy to facilitate the study of the locomotor system and the different organ systems as a priority basis for understanding human movement. Relate the structure and function of the various parts of the human body. Initiation to the knowledge of structures, systems of the human body and its involvement in movement.

Course Code: UCV-66

Instruction Language: English

Focuses on the molecular basis of gene expression and inheritance. Basic molecular genetics techniques will be learned through laboratory sessions. Attendance to related scientific seminars and introductory bioinformatic sessions is included.

Course Code: UCV-23

Instruction Language: English

Physiology is the science that studies the functioning of life. We explore the different systems; organs and tissues that make the human body function correctly. Our primary goal is the human physiology study of the state of relative stability of the body’s internal environment and these processes feedback systems, which helps to restore the conditions needed for health and life, the homeostasis. In this second subject our aim is to focus the mechanisms that allow the energy and matter uptake (digestive and respiratory systems), distribution (circulatory) and elimination (excretory). Furthermore, the major uses of physiology knowledge in therapeutics will be deeply discussed.

Course Code: UCV-69

Instruction Language: English

Focuses on the large-scale comprehensive study of a specific proteome, including information on protein abundances, their variations and modifications, along with their interacting partners and networks, in order to understand cellular processes.

Course Code: UCV-62

Instruction Language: English

Focuses on the study of different types of stem cells, methods for their isolation and culture. Examples for their use in research and for the development of therapeutic programs will be provided.

Course Code: UCV-40

Instruction Language: Spanish

The overall objective of this course is that students acquire basic concepts and tools to implement and operate innovation management in an organization as well as the skills and values needed to carry out collaborative creative work aimed at achieving objectives of improvement and innovation.

Course Code: UCV-41

Instruction Language: English

Takes a theoretical and practical approach to activities concerning the establishment of customer relationships and loyalty. Its objectives are: provide students with an understanding of the theory and concepts related to this discipline; integrate the different dimensions of CRM in the corporate business practice and identify their profits; classify customers according to their behavior; understand the novelty and timeliness of relationship marketing as a routine practice in the markets.

Course Code: UCV-43

Instruction Language: English

One of the objectives most organizations have in common is to achieve sustained growth. Through this course students will learn how to obtain various benefits, such as economies of scale and experience curve effects, or to exploit potential synergies of multiple types, assuring this way the foundations for future profits. This is an introductory course to the different models of existing strategies within the framework of strategic direction, whose objective is the study of the company and its management from a holistic point of view and with a global scope.

Course Code: UCV-44

Instruction Language: English

Theoretical contents: BLOCK I:  1 .- A macro perspective of the economy. GDP and prices 2 .- The basic Keynesian model. Fiscal policy and the extended multiplier model. BLOCK II: 3. – Equilibrium in the goods market: the IS curve. 4. – Functions of money, central bank and monetary policy. The money market: the LM curve 5.- The balance IS-LM. BLOCK III: 6.- Aggregate demand and aggregate supply. BLOCK IV: 7.- Cycles and Growth 8.- The foreign sector.

Course Code: UCV-46

Instruction Language: English

Provides a vision of the reality in which firms develop their work, contributing to the creation of professionals capable of carrying out work involving management, consulting, and evaluation in production and service organizations, and their functional areas.

Course Code: UCV-45

Instruction Language: English

The main goals of this course are: to understand the meaning and relevance of environmental education; to develop awareness of the current environmental problems; to acquire guidelines and skills for the design of environmental education activities; to project and program practical assumptions of environmental education.

Course Code: UCV-46

Instruction Language: English

The main goals of this course are: to know the legislative framework of the EIA and the structure, content and general methodology in environmental impact studies; to identify, predict and evaluate the economic, environmental and social impact of development activities in coastal areas; to provide information on the environmental consequences for decision-making; to promote environmentally sustainable development through the identification of appropriate alternatives and mitigation measures. Requirements: background in general concepts of Biodiversity, Ecology and Geology.

Course Code: UCV-76

Instruction Language: English

The construct of organizational climate refers to the employees’ perceptions of their work environment. These perceptions are important because they have a remarkable impact on both employees’ and organizations’ well-being and performance. In this course, we will focus on identifying and understanding a number of variables through which positive organizational climates can be fostered, such as organizational justice, organizational structure, leadership, or psychological safety, among others.

Course Code: UCV-44

Instruction Language: English

The main goals of this course are: to recognize the different categories of classification of protected natural areas and their application in the natural environment; to understand the most important concepts and methodological strategies related to the conservation and management of protected natural spaces; to assess the degree of threat to habitats and species and its consequences on natural and socio-economic systems; to learn the general tools for the recovery of threatened species and the functioning of the species recovery centers; to employ legislation on habitat and species recovery.

Course Code: UCV-55

Instruction Language: English

To provide an overview of different active teaching and learning methodologies and techniques for the pre-school and elementary classroom; to provide and analyze a wide-ranging resource of practical ideas to be used and adapted flexibly and creatively in different contexts and situations; to provide students with a wide approach to children’s literature in English; to provide broad perspectives on significant aspects of literature: genre, timeline, setting in time and place, relevant authors, among others; to be acquainted with ITC’s and see the benefits when teaching literature to children.

Course Code: Internship 12/UCV-56

Instruction Language: English

Students will undertake a period of teacher training at a school in Valencia. Placements will depend on their major and linguistic competence in English and/or Spanish. While at school, students will have a tutor who will guide them throughout the whole process. Hands-on learning for prospective teachers! For eligibility requirements, please visit www.aifsabroad.com

Course Code: UCV-59

Instruction Language: English

This course will provide an overview of current basic tools in biochemistry and molecular biology and their applications in a protocol-type format. Some of the examples will be worked out in the lab to provide students with hands-on practical training.

Course Code: UCV-24

Instruction Language: English

Fundamental concepts of: health, disease, public health. Role of the physiotherapist; health systems, health organizations and healthcare levels; epidemiology; determinants of community health; information systems; data analysis methods; demography; communication; physiotherapy in primary and community care; occupational health: risks, accidents and diseases associated with work; prevention; promotion and education plans for health; risk groups; chronic processes and preventive measures; communicable diseases; environment and health; international/global health; quality management in healthcare organizations; patient safety; strategic planning and management; economic evaluation in public health.

Course Code: UCV-95

Instruction Language: English

This course will give students an understanding of the delivery of care to patients requiring urgent attention including the coordination and mechanisms of emergency care. Students will acquire basic knowledge in the ability to communicate with individuals and family members during situations requiring emergency care and will be able to identify and manage situations of imminent vital compromise.

Course Code: UCV-91

Instruction Language: English

General goals: leading in the field of ethical reflection in order to know the constituents of human action and moral character of the person; deepen the need for professional responsibility based on moral, legal and ethical standards; to provide basic knowledge of medical ethics and particular of ethics in nursing; recognize the importance of a holistic view of the person; understand the current landscape of bioethics through different approaches; anthropological and analyze its impact on health care.

Course Code: UCV-92

Instruction Language: Spanish

Students will have the opportunity to carry out 1-2 rotations in hospitals in Valencia with a UCV agreement. The number of hours, hospital and department are subject to availability. Students on the internship will participate in nursing related activity and learn how to act and reflect on the practice. Students will learn and apply nursing procedures and methods to the care of patients, relate theory and practice to the reality of nursing work and promote the patient’s autonomy within their limits and possibilities. B2 level language or higher and other application documents apply. A minimum Lower Advanced level of Spanish is required. Hospitals will determine the shifts. These usually run for 7 hours from Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm or 3pm to 10-pm and for three continuous weeks. Placements have limited availability. Additional fees may apply. Contact the AIFS Program Advisor for more details.

Course Code: UCV-18726

Instruction Language: English

Aims to help students develop a constant personal and professional drive to better themselves, a problem-solving approach, a decision making attitude, leadership and management, to develop effective study habits, time organization skills, individual autonomy, critical and self-critical thinking, and oral and written communication skills and covers the fundamental concepts needed to understand the human body functions. Students will also study the function of each one of the human body systems and the scientific language used in clinical practice.

Course Code: UCV-25

Instruction Language: English

Through this subject the student will learn the main pathological mechanisms of injuries in sport, how to apply the main sports physiotherapy techniques and procedures. Determine the objectives and plan and execute the activity plan for recovery in sports physiotherapy. Apply different techniques and physiotherapy methods in the field of sport.

Course Code: UCV-93

Instruction Language: English

Teaches students how to prevent the most prevalent injuries and diseases induced by physical activity and sport; to evaluate the most common injuries in the most practiced sports; to describe, analyze and evaluate protocols to make fast and appropriate decisions to treat sports injuries; to know and apply the principles of injury prevention and to recognize and analyze problems in the topic of injury prevention and recovery.

Course Code: UCV-94

Instruction Language: English

Teaches the basic terminology of strength and conditioning training; the main components of strength and conditioning training and how to observe, detect and correct critical elements of the training; to understand the relevance of the general principles of strength and conditioning training in different contexts of practice (health, education and sport high-level) and to understand methodological aspects and means used to develop physical qualities.

Course Code: UCV-95

Instruction Language: English

The aim of this subject is to provide educational resources and skills to the use of the main hardware and software required in different jobs related with physical activity and sport (educational, management, research and sport training). To understand the basic theoretical aspects of new technologies for physical activity and sport. To know the different applications of technologies, depending on the different fields of sport and physical education (education, sport management, health, high performance and research). To be able to apply a variety of appliances, tools methodologies and protocols.

Course Code: UCV-34

Instruction Language: English

Provides a general overview of Spanish history from the Middle Ages to current times via cinema. In order to understand contemporary Spanish society, the class focuses on some of the most important aspects of the country’s history and analyzes them through historical texts and movies. Students will be provided with some key historical overviews as well as with some filming notions so that they can analyze both the films’ technical characteristics as well as their historical representations. Aims not only to teach the students how to analyze a movie, from an artistic point of view, but also to show them how cinema can be enjoyable and didactic at the same time while providing them with an increasing knowledge of Spanish culture and history.

Course Code: UCV-40

Instruction Language: English

The course will challenge the traditional division between the humanities and science by exploring how medical and health-related issues are represented in a range of literary and filmic texts. Particular emphasis will be given to the cultural and social dimensions of health, as well as to two specific questions: What is health? What is illness? Each week, we will explore the experience of illness, disease, and disability from the perspective of both patients and medical practitioners in order to better understand the biological, economic, political and aesthetic discourses that shape our understanding of physical and psychological well-being.

Course Code: UCV-33

Instruction Language: English

With an emphasis on the present-day but setting the examination of institutions and attitudes in their historical context, this course offers an introduction to Spanish culture, familiarizing students with the social, economic and political structures of contemporary Spain. Course highlights include: the restoration of the ancestral monarchy after years of dictatorship; organization in autonomous communities; and the perception of Spain in the world today.

Course Code: UCV-39

Instruction Language: English

Explores the Gothic as an artistic and cultural phenomenon from its earliest development in 18th-century literature to its contemporary manifestations in modern cinema. Apart from discussing key works of the Gothic imagination, students will also seek to understand this genre in terms of its philosophical, psychological and sociological dimensions. As students engage in a thorough analysis of each text or film, they are also encouraged to think critically about the Gothic in relation to the European/ American cultures in which it has developed.

Course Code: UCV-42

Instruction Language: English

In this subject students study the analysis of operational marketing variables also known as the four "Ps". Once settled the strategic marketing skills taught in Marketing I, the student is ready to study the basic strategies of the marketing mix: product, price, place and promotion.

Course Code: UCV-96

Instruction Language: English

Aims to develop students’ knowledge of nutritional problems among the current population, the epidemiological factors responsible for them, and the measures used to promote healthy nutrition. Covers the difference between nutrition and dietetics and provides adequate knowledge for nursing professionals to be able to carry out nutrition programmes in nursing clinics and be able to elaborate balanced diets for a person of any age group, regardless of their status.

Course Code: UCV-71

Instruction Language: English

The course will facilitate reflection on the historical background of psychology of groups and includes themes such as: the concept of group and how to approach it in social psychology; to identify the structure and the relevant group processes as well as the main characteristics of intergroup relations; to experience in simulated situations different group phenomena in traditional contexts of group psychology; to study the main methods used in psychology of groups.

Course Code: UCV-73

Instruction Language: English

Cognitive goals: to understand and analyze the neural mechanisms and underlying sleep behavior; biological and chemical variables that deprive and alter sleep; characterization and neurobiological causes of sleep disorders.

Course Code: UCV-79

Instruction Language: English

This subject aims to introduce the student to sport and exercise psychology. Four thematic blocks are addressed, that aim to encourage the student to know the main concepts and models of the field of sports psychology and to be able to design intervention plans appropriate to the sports context. These objectives will be addressed through the study of a brief history of sport psychology, the motivational processes involved in sport and exercise, group processes in sport and psychological skills related to sports performance. 

Course Code: UCV-74

Instruction Language: English

Aims to provide students with basic training in the study of motivational and emotional processes and behaviors that develop them. More specifically, students will learn about the control of individual action on social factors and the role of emotions in daily life. Documentary sources will be used for further analysis of current issues, promote the use of the methodology and research techniques of psychology, to understand new developments taking place in this scientific discipline. In this way, students acquire a greater capacity to understand and interpret the information and evidence, which will continue to promote a critical spirit and allow you to properly deal with a psychological understanding of human beings.

Course Code: UCV-61

Instruction Language: English

The course contents are focused on cellular metabolism, coordination and integration of nutrition and exercise physiology. Covers studies in obesity, diabetes, lipidemias, metabolic syndrome and exercise physiology that have an underlying basis in metabolism. Students will work on assignments on the biochemistry of metabolism, cell signaling, molecular and cellular biology of nutrients. Current, but not exclusive, interests are metabolic effects, hormonal regulation, and metabolic adaptations.

Course Code: UCV-63

Instruction Language: English

This course covers fundamental concepts about the nervous system from different approaches such as molecular, cellular, systemic, behavioral, and cognitive. It comprises various topics, including electrical properties of the neuron, neuronal signaling, brain development and plasticity, control of somatic sensory system and motor system, and complex brain functions. Students will learn about these subjects through lectures, computational simulations, problem-based learning workshops, quizzes, critical reading and writing, and journal club presentations. Many of the learning activities will be carried out in small groups. The main goal of this course is to provide students with a basic background to understand how the nervous system operates. Additionally, students will expand their critical thinking and oral communication skills. Due to the methodology applied, active participation in the class and attendance are essential.

Course Code: UCV-43

Instruction Language: English

The main goals of this course are: to apply science and technology to produce knowledge, goods and services from marine biological resources; to describe the characteristics of secondary metabolites; introduce bioprospecting strategies and screening techniques of marine organisms and a wide range of biotechnologies (treatment technology, bioremediation, on-site and ‘ex-situ’ technologies); learn the main biotechnological applications in marine animals, human health, aquaculture, and food safety; to undertake laboratory-based training and practical experience in some of these techniques (PCRs, synthesis and extraction of RNA, electrophoresis, etc.). Requirements: background in 1) Basic biochemistry (hydrocarbons, proteins, lipids), other biomolecules RNA, DNA. 2) Basic cell biology (photosynthesis, metabolism, etc.). 3) Basic taxonomy

Course Code: UCV-38

Instruction Language: English/Spanish

Introduces students to the study of social justice, attempting to link social theory, particularly the theories of Catholic social teaching, with social action and change. Students explore the diverse meanings and definitions of social justice while developing a critical understanding of key concepts and theories. Presented in relation to some of the most important social justice debates today, this course encourages students to apply their knowledge to a wide range of subject areas and social issues. As a key component of the course, students choose a relevant placement in a community service organization/NGO, complete a minimum of four hours of service per week, and engage in meaningful reflective practice with their peers. Additional application requirements apply.

Course Code: Spanish 101

Instruction Language: Spanish

This course is intended for beginners who want to start with this new language. This course covers elementary grammar structures and vocabulary necessary for everyday life. These language basics are taught with a practical orientation. At the end of this course, the student will be able to understand and use frequently occurring everyday expressions, as well as simple phrases intended to satisfy immediate needs. He/she will be able to introduce him/herself and others, ask for and give basic personal information about his/her home, belongings and people he/she knows. They will be able to interact in an elementary way as long as their interlocutor speaks slowly and clearly and is willing to cooperate. This course aims to meet the requirements of level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It focuses on the four language skills (speaking and interaction, listening comprehension, reading comprehension and writing). During this period of classes students receive the necessary practice to pass the A1 DELE Instituto Cervantes oral and written exams at the end of the course.

Course Code: Spanish 201

Instruction Language: Spanish

Students who have studied Spanish throughout high school and continued with one semester in college, or students who have two to four semesters in college, usually place into this level. It concentrates on overall communicative skills: perfect tenses, preterit versus imperfect, telling stories, the future and the conditional, the imperative uses of the subjunctive mood, and transmission of messages (verb tenses).

Course Code: Spanish 301

Instruction Language: Spanish

The student will be able to understand long speeches without a clear structure or with only implicit relationships; understand without much effort television programs and films; long and complete texts of a literary or factual nature; and specialized articles and long technical instructions.

Course Code: Spanish 302

Instruction Language: Spanish

This course is aimed at those students who already have a good knowledge of the language, but need to continue learning in order to be able to interact with native speakers with a sufficient degree of fluency and spontaneity, so that communication is effortless between the two. At this level, the focus is on improving oral and written expression so that the student can participate in conversations with a certain degree of fluency and spontaneity and take an active part in discussions in everyday situations. The lexical and grammatical rules studied will enable the student to present clear and detailed descriptions of a wide range of topics related to his or her specialty. He/she will also be able to clearly explain his/her point of view with advantages and disadvantages. The student should also be able to understand long speeches and lectures and be able to follow complex arguments on relatively familiar topics. They will be able to understand almost all television news and most movies. This course aims to meet the requirements of level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It focuses on the four language skills (speaking and interaction, listening comprehension, reading comprehension and writing). During this period of classes students receive the necessary practice to pass the DELE Instituto Cervantes B2 oral and written exams at the end of the course.

Course Code: Spanish 401

Instruction Language: Spanish

This is a course aimed at those students who already have an extensive proficiency in the language, but need to continue learning in order to be able to easily understand practically everything they hear, to reconstruct information and arguments from various sources and to express them in a coherent and summarized way. This level focuses on improving oral and written expression in order to express oneself fluently without having to search very obviously for appropriate expressions; to use the language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes; and to present clear and detailed descriptions of complex topics that include other subjects. The student will be able to understand long speeches without a clear structure or with only implicit relationships; understand without much effort television programs and films; long and complete texts of a literary or factual nature; and specialized articles and long technical instructions. This course aims to meet the requirements of level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It focuses on the four language skills (speaking and interaction, listening comprehension, reading comprehension and writing). During this period of classes students receive the necessary practice to pass the C1 DELE Instituto Cervantes oral and written exams at the end of the course.

Course Code: Spanish 410

Instruction Language: Spanish

The main objective of this course is to provide the student with the possibility of using scientific and academic Spanish to communicate in the field of Health Care Sciences, through specific readings, contents and projects, typical of this particular field. The contents are organized along two axes. On the one hand, the elaboration of a medical-academic research project; on the other hand, the following fields will be covered: health professionals -primary care, nursing, specialists, etc.-; the patient -the doctor-patient relationship, the interview and notions of medical communication, etc.-; anatomy, most common pathologies, types of pain, types of treatment, nutrition, health and sports, and processes of certification and specification in the field of health.