STEM Options
STEM at Sant’Anna:
Study Abroad & Stay on Track for Graduation!
STEM programs at Sant’Anna offer an exceptional opportunity for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to engage with world-class faculty, hands-on learning experiences, and the Mediterranean’s rich natural environment.
Students can fulfill core requirements for majors in Natural Sciences, Engineering, and Health Sciences, all while experiencing Italy’s vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and interdisciplinary learning environment.
Why Study STEM at Sant’Anna?
- ABET accredited courses, US credits and transcripts upon completion
- Earn major and elective credits without falling behind.
- Gain hands-on experience in Italy’s natural and scientific environments.
- Learn from expert faculty in small, interactive classes.
- Experience interdisciplinary connections between science, culture, and sustainability.
- Build a global perspective on the future of STEM.
Area 2
Natural Sciences
Sorrento’s unique geography and access to the Mediterranean makes it an ideal backdrop for immersive, field-based study, where students and researchers can directly engage with the landscapes, marine ecosystems, and environmental processes that define the region’s natural character.
Courses
45 hours, 3 credits
Prof. Davide De Gennaro
The course presents concepts of tourism relating to food and geography, using Italy as its example. The course is relevant to students of all backgrounds but was designed specifically for students studying hospitality, business, and culinary arts. Students will study international organizations operating in tourism (i.e. WTO) and the different types of tourism with particular attention paid to sustainable tourism.
Students will be asked to investigate the tourism geography of Italy, becoming familiar with the most important tourist sites in Italy and Campania through several excursions. The third module of the course will be dedicated to a very important kind of tourism in Italy and the Campania region: Food and Wine Tourism.
BIOL 125 Ecology of Man (4 credits)
Explore ecological principles and human impacts on ecosystems through fieldwork and data-driven research.
CHEM 103 General Chemistry I (4 credits)
A foundational chemistry course covering atomic theory, bonding, reactions, and stoichiometry with integrated lab work
CS 380 Web Programming (3 credits)
This course introduces students to web programming, covering how the internet works, client–server interaction, and the use of scripting and data management languages for developing dynamic web applications.
JU 330 Introduction to Geology (3 credits)
Study rock types, plate tectonics, and geological hazards like volcanoes and earthquakes, with examples from southern Italy.
JU 330 Introduction to Volcanology (3 credits)
Learn about volcanic processes, magmatic systems, and risk management through the lens of Italy’s dynamic volcanic landscape
MSC 199 Field Marine Biology (1 credit- intensive course with extra fee)
A short intensive course combining fieldwork and lab analysis in the Marine Protected Area of Punta Campanella
MSC 101/MSC 113 Introduction to Marine Biology with Lab (4 or 3 credits)
Investigate marine organisms and ecosystems in the Mediterranean Sea through hands-on lab and field experiences
MSC 430 Marine Conservation (3 credits)
Examine threats to marine ecosystems and study global and regional conservation strategies and policy solutions
PHYS 152 General Physics II: Electricity & Magnetism
Examine electric and magnetic forces, circuits, and Maxwell’s equations—the foundation of modern electronics and electromagnetism
Area 1
Engineering & Applied Sciences
Our engineering and mathematics courses provide a rigorous foundation in key technical areas, ensuring that students build strong analytical and problem-solving skills from the very beginning. Through a carefully designed curriculum, we connect theoretical principles to real-world applications, helping learners understand how abstract concepts translate into practical solutions.
Courses
ENGR 151 Mechanics I (4 credits)
An introduction to engineering mechanics focusing on statics, including forces, moments, equilibrium, structures, and friction—fundamental to fields like civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering
MATH 141 Calculus II (4 credits)
An introduction to engineering mechanics focusing on statics, including forces, moments, equilibrium, structures, and friction—fundamental to fields like civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering
MATH 331 Differential Equations (4 credits)
Explore methods for solving and applying ordinary differential equations to model real-world systems in engineering and science.
MATH 205 Statistics (3 credits)
Learn probability, statistical inference, regression, and data analysis tools for engineering and scientific decision-making
ME 311 Thermodynamics (3 credits)
Study the laws of thermodynamics and energy systems, applying principles to engines, power cycles, and efficiency analysis.
PHYS 152 General Physics II: Electricity & Magnetism (4 credits)
Examine electric and magnetic forces, circuits, and Maxwell’s equations—the foundation of modern electronics and electromagnetism.
Area 3
Health Sciences
For students with academic interests in health, nutrition, and physiology, these courses provide a comprehensive examination of the functional mechanisms of the human body and its adaptive responses to a range of internal and external stimuli, emphasizing the integration of scientific principles with the study of human performance and well-being
Courses
45 hours, 3 credits
Prof. Davide De Gennaro
The course presents concepts of tourism relating to food and geography, using Italy as its example. The course is relevant to students of all backgrounds but was designed specifically for students studying hospitality, business, and culinary arts. Students will study international organizations operating in tourism (i.e. WTO) and the different types of tourism with particular attention paid to sustainable tourism.
Students will be asked to investigate the tourism geography of Italy, becoming familiar with the most important tourist sites in Italy and Campania through several excursions. The third module of the course will be dedicated to a very important kind of tourism in Italy and the Campania region: Food and Wine Tourism.
BIOL 199 – Introduction to Scientific Research (3 credits)
Learn how to conduct, evaluate, and communicate scientific research through writing, data analysis, and presentations
EXSC 221 – Human Nutrition (3 credits)
Study evidence-based nutrition principles and their role in health promotion and chronic disease prevention
45 hours, 3 credits
Prof. Davide De Gennaro
The course presents concepts of tourism relating to food and geography, using Italy as its example. The course is relevant to students of all backgrounds but was designed specifically for students studying hospitality, business, and culinary arts. Students will study international organizations operating in tourism (i.e. WTO) and the different types of tourism with particular attention paid to sustainable tourism.
Students will be asked to investigate the tourism geography of Italy, becoming familiar with the most important tourist sites in Italy and Campania through several excursions. The third module of the course will be dedicated to a very important kind of tourism in Italy and the Campania region: Food and Wine Tourism.
EXSC 427 – Nutrition for Physical Activity (3 credits)
Focus on sports nutrition, metabolism, and performance optimization for athletes and active individuals.
