
JAN 401 (3-CU)
History of Science: London & Paris
Travel dates: Saturday, Jan. 3 - Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026
Instructor: Valerie Burke, vab1@stmarys-ca.edu
Course fee: TBD
Prerequisites: Complete ANY college science course, attend at least 1 information session, & receive instructor permission
We will explore the history of Western science from Copernicus through the 20th century, and visit sites in London and Paris that were central to scientific discoveries and developments in astronomy, chemistry, physics, geology, biology, and more. We will examine some cultural and religious factors that facilitated or hindered scientific development. And we will consider the impact of various scientific discoveries within the framework of knowledge at the time of discovery. Our early travel days will include “classroom” time, to discuss assigned readings. Readings give an account of the history of science for a lay audience, while the discussion will emphasize the relevant scientific concepts. As we gain some understanding about important contributions to science, we will increase our site visits to engage with artifacts of these discoveries. We will visit the home of Charles Darwin; explore the labs of Marie Curie and Louis Pasteur; see equipment used by Lavoisier, Faraday, and Boyle; visit the final resting places of Newton, Rutherford, Herschel, and Hawking; and stand on the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.
- Saturday, Jan. 3: Depart from SFO
- Sunday, Jan. 4: Arrive in London
Week 1
- Monday, Jan. 5: London
Visit the British Library
Class topics: Astronomy & navigation - Tuesday, Jan. 6: London
Visit the Tower of London
Class topics: Math & physical sciences - Wednesday, Jan. 7: London
Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral
Class topics: Biology, medicine, & microbiology - Thursday, Jan. 8: London
Visit Westminster Abbey
Class topics: Chemistry, light, & energy - Friday, Jan. 9: Oxford
Visit Oxford University
Class topics: Bio, natural history, & evolution - Saturday, Jan. 10: Downe
Visit Down House
Class topics: Power & thermodynamics
Week 2
- Monday, Jan. 12: Cambridge
Visit Cambridge University
Class topics: Light & electro-magnetism - Tuesday, Jan. 13: London
Visit the Royal Institution Science Museum
Class topics: Atom structure & radioactivity - Wednesday, Jan. 14: London
Visit the Natural History Museum
Class topics: Genetics & DNA - Friday, Jan. 16: London
Visit the Royal Society British Museum
Exam - Saturday, Jan. 17: Greenwich
Visit the Royal Observatory - Sunday, Jan. 18: Depart from London, Arrive in Paris
Week 3
- Monday, Jan. 19: Paris
Visit the Eiffel Tower - Tuesday, Jan. 20: Paris
Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral - Wednesday, Jan. 21: Paris
Visit the Musée Curie, Panthéon - Friday, Jan. 23: Paris
Visit the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle - Saturday, Jan. 24: Paris
Visit the Musée des Arts et Métiers - Sunday, Jan. 25: Depart from Paris, Arrive at SFO
Course Fee: TBD
Learn about the Jan Term Travel Scholarship for additional funding.
This fee includes:
Airfare, Local Transportation, Lodging, Meals, Excursions (e.g., museums, tours, etc.), Gratuity, Travel Insurance ($35/student - international classes only), Miscellaneous
Estimated cost outside of course fee:
$200-900 for passport; transportation to/from SFO; meals in airports; fancy meals in excess of per diem; activities on free days; souvenirs; water-resistant clothing if needed.
General Travel Requirements
- Attend at least 1 Health & Safety Orientation (October)
- Submit a valid passport (November)
- Apply or renew no later than September for on-time delivery
- Submit completed & signed health forms + proof of vaccination(s) (November)
Note: Failure to complete one or more of the above requirements will result in an immediate drop from the course. Once registered, all course fees are non-refundable.
Questions? Contact us
Jan Term Email: janterm@stmarys-ca.edu
Jan Term Director: Claire Williams
Email: cmw9@stmarys-ca.edu
Jan Term Office: South Arcade/Korth Tower Breezeway