Study Abroad in Valencia: Courses
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Recommended credits are shown in parentheses. Courses are subject to change at
the discretion of the Universidad Católica de Valencia. A minimum enrollment of 10
students is required for a course to run. Students are advised to gain approval from
their home institution for more than the 4 course minimum in case of schedule conflicts
or cancellation of courses.
ECTS: The Universidad Católica de Valencia awards ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits. The number of class hours and ECTS credits will be
shown on the transcript to allow each student’s home institution the ultimate decision
in the awarding of U.S. credit. Recommended U.S. semester credits next to each course
are based on 15 classroom hours per semester credit and are not a conversion of ECTS
credits. Students should consult with their university advisors prior to participating in
the program to have course credit pre-approved and ensure that they are taking the
appropriate amount of credits. For further information on ECTS visit
AIFSabroad.com/details/.
AIFS recommends that students gain pre-approval for several levels of Spanish to
ensure that credit is accepted for the course that students test into following the
placement test.
Spanish Language with Health, Humanities and Natural Sciences Program
All students take a Spanish language course. Then choose 3 elective courses. Students wishing to take courses taught in Spanish must have Advanced level Spanish with four or more semesters of college-level experience. For an additional fee, students may take a 4th elective. Courses are typically equivalent to 3 U.S. credits each. Some courses from part of the UCV-US Study Abroad Program offering and others are part of UCV’s regular course offering and are available to all students both local and international.
SPANISH LANGUAGE
Students are placed into one of the following courses based on the results of a written proficiency exam and oral interview. Students with an Advanced level of Spanish (four semesters of college-level Spanish) may choose Spanish for Health Professionals in place of a traditional language course. Language levels are defined according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and will be listed on the transcript on completion of the program. For further details, see AIFSabroad.com/details.
Beginner Spanish I/UCV Spanish 101 (3)
Intermediate Spanish/UCV Spanish 201 (3)
Advanced Spanish/UCV Spanish 301 (3)
Advanced Spanish Conversation and Composition/UCV Spanish 302 (3)
Spanish for Health Professionals/UCV 410 (3)
BIOTECHNOLOGY
UCV-59 (3) fall only
Advanced Instrumental Techniques
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.
UCV-60 (3)
Bio-Chemistry II: Metabolism and Nutrition
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.
UCV-61 fall only
General Biochemistry
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.
UCV-66 (3) fall only
Molecular Genetics
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.
UCV-69 (3) fall only
Proteomics
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.
UCV-71 (3) spring only
Stem Cells: Origin and Practical Applications
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.
BUSINESS
Study abroad students can take regular UCV direct enrollment courses with approval from their university advisor in the U.S. These courses are not designed specifically for the study abroad program therefore assessment methods, study guides and general methodologies may be different. Please contact the AIFS Admissions Officer for further information. Courses will be taught in English or Spanish depending on demand.
UCV-40 (3)
Creatividad y Gestión de la Innovación/Creativity and Innovation
Management
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.
UCV-41 (3) fall only
Customer Relationship Management
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.
UCV-42 (3)
Entrepreneurship
Analyzing entrepreneurial traits, entrepreneurial activities, types of businesses.
Develop an entrepreneurial attitude and prepare for creating your own business.
UCV-43 (3)
Estratégias del Crecimiento Empresarial/Corporate Growth
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.
UCV-44 (3) fall only
Macroeonomics
In this course students acquire knowledge and skills necessary to understand the
changing business environment and learn how to handle the tools necessary to
understand the basic economic problems: growth and business cycles, inflation
and unemployment. That also includes how to measure the macroeconomic figures
on production and employment levels with special emphasis on the aggregation
methods and the meaning of each variable.
UCV-45 (3)
Marketing I
This subject introduces student to the field of marketing. The first topics provide an
introduction to marketing through the study of the main marketing concepts. The
course then focuses on the study of strategic marketing decisions, addressing the
analysis of concepts such as marketing plans, segmentation and positioning.
UCV-46 (3) fall only
Principles of Business Management
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.
EDUCATION
UCV-50 (3) spring only
Body Language
Revolves around four main goals, namely, knowing and analyzing the basic theoretical
foundations of the “Physical Activities” unit; designing intervention proposals
suitable for Early Childhood Education by knowing how to analyze both the context
and the needs of the pupils; analyzing body language as a form of expression and
communication, relate it to other forms of expression and check the role it could be
playing in the pupils’ development; analyzing the contribution of P.E. to the integral
development of a person.
UCV-51 (3) spring only
Motor Development and Curriculum
Revolves around five main goals, namely, knowing and analyzing the basic
theoretical foundations of the “Physical Activities Unit”; designing intervention
proposals suitable for Early Childhood Education by knowing how to analyze both
the context and the needs of the pupils; designing and experiencing teachinglearning
activities for the development of the curriculum; analyzing the contribution
of P.E. to the integral development of a person; and knowing the learning and motor
development fundamentals in Early Childhood Education.
UCV-52 (3) fall only
Teaching ESL and Children Literature
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.
UCV-53 (3) (6) (12)
Teaching Internship
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 contact the AIFS Admissions Officer.
HUMANITIES
UCV-33 (3)
Culture and Society in Contemporary Spain
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.
UCV-34 (3)
History of Spain through Arts and Media
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.
UCV-35 (3) spring only
Literatura Española Contemporánea/Contemporary Spanish Literature
Analyzes recent Spanish culture through a selection of films and literary works.
Students read excerpts or full novels, several short stories, and watch a number of films
over the course of the semester. Works selected focus on the period of rapid social,
economic, and political change in Spain between 1979 and the present day. Through the
study of each literary work, students will gain valuable knowledge of critical issues and
a deeper understanding of the complexities of Spanish culture. Language of instruction:
Spanish.
UCV-36 (3) fall only
Literatura Hispanoamericana Contemporánea/Contemporary Hispanic-
American Literature
Analyzes recent Latin American cultural productions through a selection of literary
works. Students will engage in texts beginning with what is known as “the Boom” all
the way through 21st-century literary productions, closing the course with the Bogotá
39 generation. Through the study of each literary work, students will gain valuable
knowledge of critical issues and a deeper understanding of the complexities/diversity
of Latin American culture. Language of instruction: Spanish.
UCV-37 (3) Taught in Spanish or English based on demand
Play as a Therapeutic and Educational Tool
Play is an important part of childhood development and learning through play is the
best way to develop new skills. Toys are mediating instruments for children’s play,
usually designed with strong pedagogical potential to influence the development
of the child. This course provides a general view of the process of learning through
play-toy and a specific analysis of particular and popular toys. As students analyze
the capacities toys develop and strengthen in children, they themselves develop an
understanding of the science behind play.
UCV-38 (3)
Service Learning
Social Justice
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.
UCV-39 (3)
The Gothic in Literature
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.
NURSING
UCV-91 (3)
Ethics and Professional Ethics
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.
UCV-92 (3)
Hospital/Nursing Internship
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.
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 Admissions Officer for more details.
UCV-93 (3)
Human Physiology
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.
UCV-94 (3)
Life Support
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.
UCV-95 (3)
Nursing Care of Women
Provides students with a better understanding of normal and abnormal pregnancy,
delivery and puerperium, as well as the main pathologies in gynecology that affect
women during their reproductive age and during post menopause. Covers the
physiological mechanisms of pregnancy, delivery and puerperium, the different
obstetric distocia and their nursing care, the nursing care of the gynecological
pathology during the woman’s reproductive age and post menopause, and the
fundamentals of prevention in gynecological health.
UCV-96 (3)
Nutrition and Dietetics
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 programs in nursing clinics and be able to elaborate balanced diets for a
person of any age group, regardless of their status.
PSYCHOLOGY
UCV-71 (3) fall only
Group Psychology
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.
UCV-72 (3) fall only
Mediation and Familiar Orientation
The aim of the course is to understand how families work: dynamics, cycle and
communication. Themes include: different familiar theoretical perspectives and how
interventions are approached from each one of them in familiar orientation; basic
concepts, elements and principles of mediation; phases of intervention in mediation;
basic techniques of mediation and familiar orientation; legal issues concerning
mediation.
UCV-73 (3) fall only
Sleeping Disorders
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.
UCV-74 (3) fall only
The Psychology of Motivation and Emotion
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.
SPORTS SCIENCES
UCV-92 (3) spring only
Nutritional Requirements of Physical Activity and Sports Training
An overview of the role of nutrition and supplements in sport; the basic components
of food and their impact on the physiology of the athlete; the different types and
functions of nutrients; the different food groups and proportions in which they
must be present to have a healthy and balanced diet; techniques for assessing the
nutritional status of the subject; the relationship between diet and exercise and how
to apply knowledge of nutrition to promote the education of healthy habits.
UCV-93 (3) fall only
Sports Injuries
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.
UCV-94 (3) spring only
Strength and Conditioning
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.
UCV-95 (3) fall only
Technologies Applied to Sport Sciences
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.
Download PDF with full program details on all AIFS Spain programs!
Download PDF with full program details on all AIFS Spain, Valencia programs!