Academic Training

Contents of the courses

Download the Foundation Year programme information here (docuement in Catalan)

Spanish course
 
Spanish courses Start date End date
Course 1 / A1 30/09/2024 25/10/2024
Course 2 / A2.1 28/10/2024 22/11/2024
Course 3 / A2.2 25/11/2024 20/12/2024
Course 4 / B1.1 07/01/2025 31/01/2025
Course 5 / B1.2 03/02/2025 28/02/2025
Course 6 / B2.1 03/03/2025 28/03/2025
Course 7 / B2.2 31/04/2025 02/05/2025
Course 8 / B2.2 - Review 05/05/2025 30/05/2025

The study plan for the Spanish courses is based on the levels described in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR) drawn up by the Council of Europe. The classes are communicative and participative. 

Passing a course is determined by continuous assessment and a final course exam.

SIELE exams

At the end of the Spanish course, Foundation Year students can take the SIELE exam, the International Spanish Language Evaluation Service, which certifies the level of mastery of Spanish by electronic means. It is aimed at students and professionals from the five continents.

University subject

The academic skills course, taught by our university academic staff, provides the students with the tools required for undergraduate studies and academic research. Students will become familiar with practice and academic language and will also acquire an understanding of the basic functioning of academic disciplines by exploring their ethical limits. Different approaches to research will be covered, from analytical to critical approaches.

Seminars

Throughout the programme, 10 seminars in Spanish will be held on topics of general interest related to different academic disciplines. These seminars are taught by the University academic staff. Seminars may vary according to teacher availability.

This session offers an introduction to the History of Catalonia beginning with the settlement of Greek colonizers on the coast of Girona over 2,500 years ago. The first section of the session will cover people living in what today is Catalonia, such as Greeks, Iberians, Romans, Visigoths, or Muslims. The second section of the session will cover the development of the Catalan identity as an independent territory at first, to then be integrated into the Spanish lands. In the last minutes of the session the main issues affecting Catalonia today will be covered.

The human brain is an amazing structure — a universe of infinite possibilities and mystery. Your brain is involved in everything you do, including how you think, how you feel, how you act, how you decide and how well you get along with other people, etc. This seminar will aim to explain the basics of how the brain works to help you have a better life with increased productivity, creativity, memory, learning skills and general well-being.

With our Masterclass on Intercultural Communication, enter a vibrant world of cultural interaction and communication skills. Students in the foundation year will gain priceless knowledge and abilities to successfully navigate various cultural landscapes through this immersion experience. Learn the importance of cultural quirks, foster empathy, and gain a thorough understanding of multicultural dynamics. You will learn useful techniques to promote cross-cultural understanding, settle problems, and forge harmonious relationships via engaging activities and real-world case studies. Join us as we enable you to embrace the richness of global variety and become a culturally proficient communicator.

Behavioural neuroscience has a multidisciplinary character since it requires the knowledge of many sciences, mainly psychology, biology and chemistry. Neuroscience covers a variety of topics related to health, society, and education. One of its branches focuses on the study of the biological substrates of behaviour and the underlying mental processes. To understand behaviour, and the mind, it is necessary to know how the components of the nervous system are organized and how their interactions result in normal function. This seminar will provide an overview with the necessary knowledge to understand how the brain works in health and disease.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already transforming many aspects of our lives and has become one of the most prominent sectors for employment.  

This session will start with a brief overview of the history of AI to date and its applications in areas such as machine learning, natural language processing and cognitive modelling.   Focusing on AI and its impact on business, you will learn about current and future trends, ethical concerns and other key challenges facing companies, society and individuals today and in the future.

The Crypto Economy and Decentralized Finance (DeFi) will gradually become a part of our lives. This course is designed to understand the basic principles and mechanics of cryptocurrencies, digital assets, and blockchain technologies. The course covers the following aspects: how decentralized financial systems, such as exchanges or smart contracts, work; how DeFi platforms are used to invest in and trade digital assets, cryptocurrencies, or cryptographic projects; and how blockchain technology underpins innovation and new business models. You will also learn about the potential risks of this new world.

The course incorporates concepts such as justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that participants not only understand the technicalities but also the broader social implications of the crypto economy and decentralized finance. Therefore, the focus will be on the potential of these technologies and a financial framework to foster a more inclusive and just world.

Today, companies, especially multinationals, face challenges and opportunities.  One of the biggest challenges in the area of finance is the exchange rate risk.

Through this seminar, the student will learn the basic concepts related to global finance and exchange rate risk, as well as the main hedging instruments due to exchange rate fluctuations.

The objective of this seminar is to understand the main concepts through theory, exercises and a case study.

This session provides an all-encompassing view of the concept of Smart Cities and in particular focuses on the development of Barcelona as one of the most important examples of this global urban movement. Smart cities emerged some years ago in response to questions posed by global processes such as: migrations from the countryside to the city, population growth, the increase in CO2 due to the expansion of vehicles and industry, consumption rates, the impact of tourism and the economic inequalities existing in the city.

The session provides an introduction to Spanish Contemporary Art from the beginning of the 20th century to the present as it examines key philosophical ideas and theoretical concepts behind the work and evolution of Spanish art in relation to similar movements in Europe and the United States. 

Join our Masterclass on Critical Thinking to begin a revolutionary journey of intellectual discovery. This session is intended to give students embarking on an academic career the fundamental abilities they need to critically analyze, assess, and query material. Develop your ability to think critically, make wise judgments, and confidently handle dilemmas. You will improve your problem-solving skills and sharpen your sense of logical thinking through interactive conversations and hands-on exercises. Get ready to realize your full potential as a critical thinker and get a competitive advantage in both the academic and non-academic worlds.