STUDYING STEM IN FLORENCE
Perhaps more than any other field of study, STEM students need the global competencies gained during study abroad: the ability to work in diverse groups, to collaborate across cultures, and to problem-solve across disciplines.
An international experience is vital for STEM students, who will be creating technologies that may impact the entire world. However, STEM students often have to take more courses in their major, and therefore don’t have as much opportunity to take a series of language or liberal arts courses, and that often limits their study abroad options. Furthermore, unless the courses are taught in an English-speaking country, the language proficiency requirements further limit the geographical options.
ISI Florence is committed to confronting these challenges by providing a variety of STEM courses taught entirely in English in one of the most culturally- and artistically-rich destinations for study abroad: Florence, Italy.
The International Studies Institute makes full use of Florence as a living laboratory. With its academic programs rooted in the liberal arts tradition—a fitting tribute to the birthplace of the Renaissance—ISI Florence boasts a distinguished faculty and world-class student services team. At ISI Florence, students flourish in a safe, stimulating environment, savoring an exceptional educational experience in a truly exceptional city.
STEM students may choose one or more courses to fit their curricular needs and preferences or join one of our STEM programs run by our partner institutions. See the various program options below for details.
Physics & Mathematics
Study physics in Florence! With its several thousand years of civilization woven into its legendary urban texture, Florence embodies all that the Renaissance sought to bring back to life. Bordered by its famous countryside of pine- and cypress-dotted hills, lush vineyards, and olive groves, the Florence of today is an innovative European cultural center as well as a university city.
The University of Maryland sponsors a customized STEM curriculum aligned with UMD degree requirements. In addition to the ability to learn the Italian language using Florence as your classroom, you can complement your studies with a selection from a wide variety of courses in art history, architecture, fine and studio arts, Italian cultural studies, history, literature, philosophy, political science, and more. You will also be provided with unique community engagement opportunities that will allow you to make the most of your semester abroad.
Courses options include:
Option 1:
PHYS 313, PHYS 371, and PHYS 276
For students who will have completed PHYS 273 and MATH 243 prior to Fall 2025.
Option 2:
PHYS 243, PHYS 371, and PHYS 276 if not completed previously
For students who will have completed PHYS 272 and MATH 241, but not PHYS 273 and MATH 243, prior to Fall 2025.
Option 3:
PHYS 441 or PHYS 499O
For students who will have completed PHYS 371 and PHYS 313 prior to Fall 2025. Other prerequisites may apply.
Course titles:
PHYS 243: Introduction to Linear Algebra and Differential Equations (4 credits)
PHYS 276: Experimental Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism Lab (2 credits)
PHYS 313: Electricity and Magnetism I (4 credits)
PHYS 371: Modern Physics (3 credits)
PHYS 441: Topics in Nuclear and Particle Physics (3 credits)
PHYS 499O: Introduction to Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics (3 credits)
Italian Language (4 credits)
Free Elective (3 credits)
For elective courses, the Institute offers courses in a wide range of subjects, including studio arts and art history, history and political science, Italian language and literature, international business, and interdisciplinary studies in the humanities. Courses are designed to integrate the local resources, making Florence your classroom. A variety of co-curricular activities such as field trips, museum visits, academic tours, and artistic performances complement the rich cultural offerings of Florence.
Biology & Chemistry
ISI Florence and Penn State University have teamed up to provide a unique study abroad experience for STEM students in Biology and/or Chemistry. Students may elect to participate in the entire program or choose one or more courses available.
For Penn State students the availability of these courses will allow most life science students to study abroad without falling behind in their coursework.
BIOL 240W – Function and Development of Organisms (4 credits)
Prerequisite: one semester of general biology and one semester of general chemistry
CHEM 212 – Organic Chemistry II (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Organic Chemistry I or equivalent
COURSE DESCRIPTION: To understand the structure of organic molecules and then proceed to investigate the chemistry of carbonyl compounds, basic and acidic Polar reactions as well as those Pericyclic compounds. We will do this by understanding and applying the concepts of organic chemistry.
Computer Science & Mathematics
The fall semester of your sophomore year as a Computer Science major is often the best time to go abroad through one of ISI Florence’s key partnering universities. Computer Science programs abroad are unique, so by offering such a program in Florence, we are fulfilling our goal of promoting STEM and Fall enrollments, encouraging increased social and academic diversity, and meeting the needs of our students and partners.
Italy is at the forefront of innovation in digitalization, showing strength in its use of cloud technologies, and has a demand for computer scientists. Larger organizations offer the opportunity for sharing their experience with students during site visits or as guest lecturers. With the digital sphere being an Italian strength, there is a great opportunity for students to learn and for this program to grow in course offerings and community outreach.
COMP 211 – Digital Design Fundamentals
Number systems, conversion methods, binary and complement arithmetic, Boolean algebra, circuit minimization, ROMs, PLAs, flip-flops, and synchronous sequential circuits.
MATH 377 – Discrete Mathematical Structures
Logic, sets, functions, elementary number theory and combinatorics, recursive algorithms, and mathematical reasoning, including induction. Emphasizes connections to computer science Discrete mathematics and foundations for modern computer science. Topics include sets, relations, logic, algorithms, graphs, finite state machines, and regular expressions.
Application areas include sets (finite and infinite), elementary combinatorial problems, and finite state automata. Development of tools and mechanisms for reasoning about discrete problems.
MATH 310 – Calculus for Engineers III (MA)
Vector-valued functions of several variables, partial derivatives, and multiple integrations.
PROGRAM DATES & FEES
Semester Programs
Semester Program Fee:
$16,975.00
Dates (15 weeks):
Fall Semester – Late August through December
Spring Semester – Early January through April
Click here for the Academic Calendar
What’s Included:
Academic Program Tuition (12-18 credits), Pre-departure assistance, 2-day orientation program with field trips, shared apartment housing and utilities including Wi-Fi Internet connection, beginning- and end-of-semester apartment sanitizing/cleaning, Semester Permit of Stay Fees (Permesso di Soggiorno), student services help desk, 24/7 emergency phone, use of Institute facilities, farewell Festa, ISI transcript.
Does not include: Meals, Airfare, Textbooks, Insurance, Optional Trips, and Cultural Activities.
Summer Program
Summer Program Fee:
$5,975.00 – one course
$6,975.00 – two courses
Dates (six weeks):
Mid-May through June
Click here for the Academic Calendar
What’s Included:
Academic Program Tuition, Pre-departure assistance, 2-day orientation program with field trips, shared apartment housing and utilities including Wi-Fi Internet connection, beginning- and end-of-semester apartment sanitizing/cleaning, Student services help desk, 24/7 emergency phone, use of Institute facilities, ISI transcript.
Does not include: Meals, Airfare, Textbooks, Insurance, Optional Trips, and Cultural Activities.