The University of California, Berkeley, prides itself on innovative thinking, top-quality research, and dedicated public service. Many students are actively involved in community projects and volunteer opportunities, throwing themselves into the best of Berkeley, alongside the exceptional academic experience. Beyond the vibrant campus life, where 1,200 student clubs and organizations engage and inspire, you can explore the city’s stunning landscape by going on hikes in the wooded Berkeley Hills or enjoying waterfront views at the Berkeley Marina — and, of course, discovering the best of San Francisco and the Bay Area.
Biology Lab Workshops with University of California, Berkeley
About the Program
Not Open For Applications
This past program is no longer offered by SAF. Continue browsing our website for other exciting study abroad opportunities.
Program Advisor
At a Glance
Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad
About the University
University of California, Berkeley
There’s something special about UC Berkeley. One of the most prestigious state universities in the country, it is home of the Free Speech Movement, a hotbed of student activism, and with a deeply motivated academic population committed to excellence, it celebrates diversity and community in the urban, eclectic greater San Francisco Bay Area.
Opportunity, here, feels endless. Immerse yourself in a shared student experience both on campus and on the trails of wooded Berkeley Hills, the colorful San Francisco streets, and in the great Californian outdoors.
Learn more at University of California, Berkeley's official website.
Courses
In cooperation with our partner the University of California, Berkeley, this SAF program builds valuable hands-on training in cutting-edge molecular biology techniques, with lectures exploring the past, present, and future of biology technologies, experimental design and implementation, and analysis and management of data. This is an exceptional start to your post-grad career in biology.
The lecture series introduces you to DNA extraction and isolation techniques before diving deeper into DNA amplification and macromolecular analysis techniques (PCR and gel electrophoresis)-DNA sequencing history and applications, and 1st to 3rd generation sequencers. And with a four-part bioinformatics lecture to prepare you, you step into field and lab sessions at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to begin to process and document samples. You get to run mini-PCR as well as additional samples on the thermocycler and receive an introduction to PCR reactions (master mix, reagents, and DNA samples for amplification.)
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Application Requirements
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
Language Test Score Requirements
Each study tour has slightly different language requirements, based on the complexity of the CET-4 (China): 530
- CET-6 (China): 500
- Duolingo English Test (DET): 105
- IELTS: 6.5
- iTEP: 4.5
- TOEFL: 80 iBT
- TOEIC: 685
Program Dates
When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.
The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.
Housing Information
As academic study tours are typically a short, intense period of exploration and discovery, with a narrow lens on a specific theme, they usually last a few weeks—shorter than the normal study abroad experience—and sometimes travel to multiple destinations.
For this reason, SAF arranges the best short-term student accommodation, which usually means the cohort stays in hotels or hostels during term time and, for summer programs, in university campus or off campus, private residence halls. Each program has different accommodation requirements, so SAF plans for each diligently. Program advisors can share more detailed information and field additional questions.
About Berkeley
Why Berkeley
The wooded Berkeley Hills, the Golden Gate Bridge, the great Californian outdoors, colorful San Francisco - Berkeley is an unforgettable destination. Neighbor to Silicon Valley, Berkeley is an inspirational place to study, and downtime might mean hopping on the free transit to see San Francisco’s famous sights, heading for a hike or bike in the Berkeley Hills, or enjoying waterfront views at the Berkeley Marina.
The Student Experience
Do You Have What It Takes To Study Abroad at UC Berkeley? SAF Students and Staff Say You Need These 5 Things
Getting into UC Berkeley is about more than just test scores and GPAs. To uncover what it takes, we turned to SAF program specialists and students with...
Orientation
Advising and Support
The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it.
Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.
Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad
Commonly Asked Questions about Study Tour Programs
Student Blogs
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Get out there: extracurriculars at University of California, Davis
The 800+ extracurriculars and student activities at UC Davis help you make new friends, learn new skills, and improve your English when you study abroad
Volunteering at University of California, Davis
The volunteering opportunities at UC Davis give you many chances to build skills, grow empathy, and reshape your world when you study abroad
Why Travel With SAF?
Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.