HONR 2010G: Medical London, Culture and Context

• CRN: 30159 
• Class time: W 6 - 7:50 pm
• Instructors:  Jeffrey Matthew Hoch, Ph.D. , and  Aileen Farrar, Ph.D. 
• Class size: 10 students
• Trip to London: Friday, February 24 - Sunday, March 5
• Satisfies 1 ExEL credit
• Open to Honors students only

Much of medical practice in the Western world has its roots in Western Europe, and for centuries, London served as one of the major European centers of medical education and practice. This seminar examines the cultural context of medicine and medical education in London through various lenses. Readings from a variety of literary, historical, medical, and cultural sources will acquaint students with London medical practice and the unique challenges it has faced during past centuries.

The highlight of the course is a required trip to London where we will visit historical sites important to the development of the medical field. The travel component is required for successful completion of this course.

$2,750 - direct cost (required)

• Initial Deposit ($1,750): due within one week of registering for the course
• Final Payment ($1,000): due Thursday, December 1

All payments are nonrefundable unless the course is canceled. All payments are made through the  NSU Marketplace . 

Payment Includes:

• flights and travel insurance
• housing
• all group activities requiring entrance fees/tickets
• several group meals

Payment Doesn't Include:

• tuition and fees for the course
• personal expenses
• local travel (Tube, taxi, etc.)
• food throughout the trip
• souvenirs

Spending Money - We recommend students bring an additional $750 to use on food, travel, souvenirs, and other personal expenses.

Frugal students could spend less. Many museums are free, so a student can visit a free museum for their independent research project. The British pound is currently weak, so we will benefit from a favorable currency exchange rate.

Important: If you fail to meet the application and payment deadlines, you will be dropped from the course.

1. Register for HONR 2010G: Medical London, Culture and Context when the Winter 2023 Course Registration opens. Space is limited and seats fill up quickly, so register as soon as possible. See  here  for registration dates.
2. Complete and submit the  online application  within one week of registering for the course.
3. Submit your initial deposit of $1,750 through the  NSU Marketplace  within one week of registering for the course.
4. Make sure you have a valid passport by Thursday, December 1. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the proposed travel dates, meaning that your passport should be valid through September 5, 2023. If you need to obtain or renew your passport, do so as soon as possible.
5. Submit your final payment of $1,000 through the  NSU Marketplace  by Thursday, December 1.
6. Complete and submit the  Liability Waiver form  in a timely manner.

Please keep in mind that you'll need proof of your Covid-19 vaccination or exemption and proof of all vaccinations required by the destination country. You'll also need to provide your Visa information if you're an international student.

Housing details to be determined. Check back for updates.

Subject to change

Friday, February 24: Depart from Miami International Airport in the evening

Saturday, February 25: Arrive in London, get settled. Neighborhood orientation, class trip to British Museum

Sunday, February 26: English Breakfast, Museum of London, Florence Nightingale Museum

Monday, February 27: Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Imperial War Museum

Tuesday, February 28: Wellcome Collection, Linnean Society, group dinner and theatre in London’s West End 

Wednesday, March 1: Alexander Fleming Lab, Science Museum, Natural History Museum, and Victoria & Albert Museum 

Thursday, March 2: Day trip to Oxford 

Friday, March 3: Gordon Museum of Pathology, Old Operating Theatre, Lunch at Borough Market Saturday, March 4: Free day 

Sunday, March 5: Return to Florida! (Early morning departure, arrive Sunday afternoon) 

Is travel to London required for students in this class?

Yes. This is an experiential learning, travel-study course and travel to London is an essential element.

When is the trip to London?

The trip to London is scheduled for Spring Break, Friday, February 24 - Sunday, March 5.

Is the class over after the trip?

No, this is a full-semester class, and we will continue to learn, research, and present findings after the trip.

Do students have to travel with the group?

Yes. We will book our tickets and purchase travel insurance as a group through NSU’s International Travel Office. We will fly to and from London together. While there, we will travel together to our accommodations and various sites. However, time in the afternoons and last day will be reserved for independent research and exploration.

Can a guest stay with me at our accommodation or join us on class outings?

No.

What will we do in London?

Our primary goal in traveling to London is to visit sites of cultural and scientific significance, such as museums, hospitals, and labs, to experience and analyze first-hand the ideas, values, and materials that were important to the development of modern society and the sciences of biology and medicine. The exact schedule will be discussed in class, but a tentative itinerary is provided above.

Students will attend required trips with the instructors but will also arrange independent/small-group trips as part of their own research projects. Outside of required trips, students will have free time to explore London and visit other sites of interest. While traveling with the class, students are expected to follow all policies as noted in the NSU Student Handbook and Undergraduate Catalog. This applies to US restrictions on the consumption of alcohol and US laws related to drugs.

How will our activities in London be organized?

Each day will include class excursions in the mornings and afternoons that are planned to last about two to four hours each. There will be about fifteen scientific and cultural excursions in all; students are required to attend at least twelve (or four-fifths of the required itinerary). There will also be optional excursions with Drs. Hoch and Farrar, which students may also attend. Otherwise, students will be free to arrange their schedules as they see fit. They will need to visit sites as part of their independent research projects in their free time, but we are hoping that students will also use their time to explore other cultural and historical attractions in London.

Is a passport required?

Yes, and the passport must be valid for at least six months from the dates of travel, per university rules. International students must seek additional guidance about their visa status. Many post offices offer passport services. The passport process takes 10-12 weeks (expedited service is available for an additional fee). For more information, please visit  https://travel.state.gov . If you don’t have a passport, we recommend doing it now!

Is London a safe city for international travelers?

Yes. London is very safe for a big city. As a major world city, there are some specific risks, but we will discuss these risks and emergency protocols prior to the trip. For Americans, one of the biggest issues is forgetting that cars travel on the opposite side of the road. For more information, visit  http://www.visitlondon.com/travellerinformation/essentialinformation/staying-safe-in-london .

What should a student do in case of emergency during travel?

The NSU International Travel Office has specific emergency protocols that we will discuss as a group prior to travel. Students may also contact the NSU Travel Office or World Aware Travel Services if a need for emergency travel home or for other needs. Students will have mobile contact information for Drs. Hoch and Farrar for help at any time. Our travel insurance agency will also be able to provide assistance in the case of some emergencies.

What will the weather be like during our trip?

In late February and early March in London, the average temperatures range from 30°F to 50°F but plan for some fluctuation. Expect rain (probably a 50% chance each day), wind, fog, and grey clouds with the occasional burst of sunshine and some brisk summery days. This is when the weather is the most unpredictable – it can be rainy in the morning and sunny in the afternoon. We recommend bringing a waterproof jacket, a warm coat, an umbrella, and comfortable shoes. It might get cold and wet, but it can also be very pleasant!

Will we travel outside of London?

We will be traveling to Oxford as a class for one day of the trip. Otherwise, you may have a chance to travel outside of London on the last day, which allows an entire day for free exploration and research. This must be discussed with the instructors. Plan to pack accordingly based on where you plan to visit.

What are the Covid-19 protocols for the trip?

Please see here for the CDC " International Travel Requirements and Recommendations "

Email:  jhoch@nova.edu  

Phone: (954) 262 - 7978

Email:  afarrar@nova.edu 

Phone: (954) 262 - 8219