Course Cancellation
SCI 230 will not be offered in Spring 2024. Applications are now closed. If you have any questions about the course, please reach out to sci230@uwaterloo.ca.
Instructors
Dr. Okey Igboeli
Director, Science and Business Program, Faculty of Science
Co-Instructor from Technion
Dr. Dina Raphael
THUB Program Coordinator, Minor in Entrepreneurial Leadership
Lecturer, Department of Humanities and Arts & THUB - Israel Institute of Technology
Course evaluation
- Personal reflection A (individual) - 10%
- Personal reflection B (individual) - 10%
- Class participation (individual) - 10%
- Case studies (individual) - 15%
- Written report (group) - 30%
- Oral presentation (group) - 25%
Students will need 50% to pass the course.
Travel to Israel! Experience Canadian & Israeli Innovation and Culture
Learn about scientific innovation, entrepreneurship and culture in a global context through an experiential learning environment and cultural exchange. The course normally takes place mid-August to early September.
Description
Commercialization of scientific innovations is one of the major driving forces behind global technology and economic advancement. Entrepreneurship remains one of the leading ways through which scientific innovations are brought to market and societal benefits are realized. Globally, several regions (including Canada and Israel) stand as leaders in turning research into entrepreneurial commercial ventures. Each have their own cultural elements that create a business. Waterloo and Technion are among the leading entrepreneurial and innovative institutions in the world.
The exchange program enables select students from Canadian and Israeli Universities to study for approximately 3 weeks, during which the focus will be on cultural exchange and experiential learning. The course will be delivered in partnership with the Technion Israel Institute of Technology. The focus of the course is on technological scientific innovation and entrepreneurship from a global perspective. This course creates a unique opportunity for collision of innovative and entrepreneurial ideas among students from both institutions.
University of Waterloo students will attend a lecture on Israeli history and the current political and social climate. Over the 3 weeks, both University of Waterloo and Technion students will learn about unique technological innovations and global entrepreneurship, including presentations from Canadian and Israeli based companies and sites.
In Israel, students will visit the following locations: THE HESEG, Dead Sea, Yad Vashem, major tourists attractions and cultural sites in Jerusalem (including Old City of Jerusalem), Haifa, Akko, Nazareth, Safed, Tiberias, and Galilee.
Learning objectives
At the end of this course, you will be able to
- Conceptualize innovative ideas
- Transform innovative ideas to commercially viable products
- Develop entrepreneurial plans for new technologies
- Discuss variety of approaches to entrepreneurship based on several global settings
Eligibility
- Students must have completed 1B term in a Faculty of Science program (University of Waterloo)
- There are 24 spots available each year (18 Waterloo and 6 Technion students). Applications will be considered based on a first come, first served basis in combination with application quality. Applications will be accepted until all spots are filled, or we have reached the cutoff for when new interest can be accommodated.
- This course is intended for students with limited direct experience with Israel in order to promote cultural exchange.
- Students must be in satisfactory academic standing and receive departmental consent.
Application process
The course will take place from August 12 to August 31, 2024. The course starts in Waterloo (~5 days) and finishes in Israel (~13 days). If you have any concerns regarding your availability for this exchange program due to the Spring 2023 examination period, please reach out to us at sci230@uwaterloo.ca.
Students will have to complete the following before enrollment is confirmed:
- Register by completing the SCI 230 Application Form.
- Students will have the choice to add the course to either Spring or Fall. Students pay full price per course for each 0.5 unit up to 2.0 and then half price for the final 0.5 unit which brings them to 2.5. Courses added above 2.5 units are free.
- Please click here for more details
- Review Waterloo Internationals information for students (including completing the Pre-Orientation departure).
- Participate in the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) Health and Dental Plan, or provide proof of alternate equivalent health insurance coverage for the duration of the program.
- Ensure the appropriate travel requirements are met (i.e. securing a visa). University of Waterloo has no influence on Israeli immigration policy and cannot guarantee that all students that are interested in the exchange program will be allowed to enter Israel.
Auxiliary Fee
$1,000
The price includes:
- Roundtrip flight tickets
- All accommodation outside Waterloo, ON
- All travel expenses outside Waterloo, ON
- Entrance fees for tours and activities included in the course itinerary (Israel and Canada)
- Some meals (may be up to 50%)
Students are recommended to bring approximately $500CAD or more for additional personal expenses such as meals, gifts, etc., during the trip. This is in addition to the auxiliary fee.
Additional Information
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Accommodation outside of Waterloo, ON is in hotels and other campus student/guest lodging. The intent is that accommodation will be shared space (i.e. two students per room).
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Packing - Students will be granted one checked and one hand luggage. Students should bring comfortable clothes and footwear; note that it is very hot during this time of the year in Israel.
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A laptop is required for the course. A list of required reading resources will be provided to registered students.