Minor in Science, Technology and Area Studies - Second Edition

Positioned at the crossroads of science, technology and social sciences the Minor combines project-based learning with fieldwork in China or Russia. It equips you with the tools and skills to communicate across disciplines and across regions. The Minor proposes different projects depending on the stream you choose:

- China: From idea to prototype (formerly known as China Hardware Innovation Camp - CHIC). As part of an interdisciplinary team of engineers you will imagine and design a product from scratch. During your stay in Southern China you will finalize the devices at a local prototyper’s factory (Seeedstudio). In parallel you will pitch the products in front of incubators, accelerators and Chinese makers. You will also have the opportunity to visit some of the leading hardware companies in the region (e.g., Huawei, DJI, etc.).

- Russia: Investigating climate change in the Arctic. You will be introduced to the problems of climate change via fieldwork carried out either on a reseach vessel (Arctic Floating University) or in a research station (Samoylov Island). The Arctic Floating University expedition project offers a unique opportunity to carry out complex interdisciplinary research of the Arctic environment aboard of the oceanographic research-vessel “Professor Molchanov”. During the two to three-week long voyage toward the island of Novaya Zemlia, you will explore the impact of climate change in the Arctic territories from the angle of biodiversity, cryogenic processes, pollution, legal frameworks and social and economic challenges. On the research station on Samoylov Island (located in the northeast of Siberia) you will join the expedition organized by the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute in St. Petersburg. In the framework of an international research program you will study the formation, turnover and release of carbon in Siberian permafrost landscapes.

The mandatory project (18 ECTS) includes the development of transversal skills (project management, team management and intercultural management). In addition you will have to chose 12 ECTS from a pre-selected list of science and technology courses. A specific SHS course (HUM440 - Global perspectives, local realities) accompanies the Minor. It aims to contextualize contemporary global and regional issues and dynamics.

Important dates for the Minor 2017-2018:

Application: between 1 and 31 August 2017 - the application form will be made available on August 1 here. The application has been extended to September 12.

Confirmation of participation: one week before the beginning of the semester

Trip to China or Russia - mid-July 2018 (2-3 weeks)

Please note that participation to the Minor is subject to a selection process.

You can find out more about the Minor here. 

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with:

- Marc Laperrouza ([email protected]) if you have any question regarding the China stream

- Eric Hoesli ([email protected]) if you have any question regarding the Russia stream

We encourage you to take advantage of this exciting opportunity!