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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.