) SCHOLARS Program
in
Molecular Life Sciences? 
Modern biological science is based on the structure, function and location of the molecules within the cell or the organism. Complex technologies are required to measure, visualize and localize these molecules. This is chemistry and physics. The human genome project is just a very large covalent structure determination. Studies of brain function utilize imaging based on nuclear physics. Even the detection of contaminated food products, for example, DNA fingerprinting of E. coli in hamburger, uses nucleic acid physical chemistry. Invention of new drugs depends on knowing the structure of key enzymes and receptors as well as understanding their functions. Solving biomolecular structures and exploring function is physics and chemistry. Unfortunately most physicians and molecular biologists depend upon experts in these individual technologies. The scientific leaders in the next generation will be those who understand the fundamental principles of the basic technologies as well as the integration of the biological phenomena. For this group of future leaders, a solid foundation in chemistry, mathematics and physics is an essential core.
These issues are addressed in a similar context by Bruce Alberts, current editor of Science and past president of the National Academy of Sciences (1998-2005) in the February 6, 1998 issue of Cell -- the leading journal for reporting new discoveries in molecular and cell biology.He notes: "...the next generation of molecular bilogists [will need] a deep understanding of thermodynamic and kinetic factors,...an ability to use new developments in chemistry and physics...We need a major rethinking of what preparation in mathematics,...physics, and...chemistry is most appropriate for either research biologists or the medical doctors who will be working ten or twenty years from now." This is echoed by the current president of Princeton University, Shirley Tilghman, in suggesting that the next generation of biologists needs more training in mathematics, physics, and chemistry [Nature 297:3 (1999)]. The VAGELOS SCHOLARS Program in Molecular Life Sciences, named for Roy and Diana Vagelos' substantial contribution to the School of Arts and Sciences at Penn, founded in 1997 anticipated this need.We note that the program automatically meets all of the premedical
undergraduate course suggestions or requirements of U.S. medical
schools.
1. What is the VAGELOS () SCHOLARS Program
in
Molecular Life Sciences?
The VAGELOS SCHOLARS Program in Molecular Life Sciences is for
students
intending to become research scientists within the context of
biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, biotechnology, computational
biology, gene therapy,
genetic engineering, genomics, molecular biology, molecular genetics,
molecular medicine, nuerobiology, nanotechnology, structural biology,
or systems biology. The unique feature is an opportunity to work in a Penn research
laboratory in the summer after both the sophomore and junior years with
stipend. Forty course units leading
to a B.A. with two science majors is required. Alternatively, it can be
a major in Biochemistry or Chemistry, with a simultaneous "submatriculation" master's
degree. The Program is based in Chemistry Department of the School of
Arts and Sciences. Freshmen are invited to join
the program in April before their first September at Penn.
The School of Arts and Sciences joint program with the Wharton
school, the Roy and
Diana Vagelos Program
in Life Sciences and Management is different.
2. Is it possible to do everything in only four years?
Over 70 students have completed the program in 4 years or less. Furthermore, the typical student who embarks on the Vagelos Program will most likely have multiple Advanced Placement credits, allowing not only placement in intermediate level courses, but more flexibility. Among the first 6 years of graduates, 7 of 60 either finished one or more semesters early or took a semester abroad. This does require planning.
This program has been called "accelerated," "intensive" or "rigorous." These are not accurate descriptors. The required science and mathematics courses are also taken as part of the chemistry, mathematics or physics programs by students outside of the Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences Program. The courses are rigorous in the logical sense--not harsh. The Program students often approach their academic work with intensity--but it is a result of internally generated passion. We do require 5 credit units per semester which is, in the College, more work.
3. Will I be able to take courses in a broad range of subjects?
Students in the VAGELOS SCHOLARS Program will complete all of the sector, cross-cultural, language and writing requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences. Those who are interested in more breadth will do a dual major, while those interested in more depth will submatriculate (a Penn expression) and complete an M.S. in the four years they are at Penn.
The commitment to do the VAGELOS SCHOLARS Program can be reversed at any time. Alternate programs chosen by Biochemistry majors include second majors in Asian Studies, English, History, Music, or dual degrees with Wharton or Engineering.
4. Should I take Advanced Placement courses? What effect do they have?
Students in this Program, irrespective of the number of Advanced Placement units, are expected to complete forty course units at the University of Pennsylvania. Advanced Placement credits will allow you to start in intermediate level courses. Advanced Placement language credits will allow you an opportunity to explore further in either science or non-science courses. As we note below, we expect a typical VAGELOS SCHOLARS Program student to have taken all the advanced science and mathematics courses offered by their high school.
5. What will be my major? Can I select any major?
VAGELOS SCHOLARS Program students will major in Chemistry or Biochemistry and a second science major chosen from Biology, Biological Basis of Behavior, Biophysics, Environmental Sciences, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology. Those who choose to earn a master's degree will major in Chemistry or Biochemistry, with a master's degree in Chemistry or Biotechnology.
6. Can I choose Bioengineering as a second major?
The VAGELOS SCHOLARS Program is a double science major completely in the College of the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS). Bioengineering is a major in the Shcool of Engineering and Applied Science
7. How much choice is there for the summer research participation requirement?
Penn is unique in that the Schools of Arts and Sciences, Engineering and Applied Sciences, Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine are on one contiguous campus. In addition, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (Penn Pediatrics), Monell Chemical Senses Center, the University City Science Center, a Veterans Administration hospital, and The Wistar Institute for Anatomy and Biology are on adjacent city blocks. Together there are in excess of 600 faculty-led laboratories to choose from.
Ph.D. Programs (30) |
M.D. Programs (29) |
M.D.+Ph.D. (13) Yale |
Hiatus, before graduate school: (4)
|
Roy Vagelos himself earned his B.A. in our department in 1950 after which he had a very successful career in science and business.
Historically, of the five science Nobel Prize laureates who earned degrees at the University of Pennsylvania, four earned degrees from the Chemistry Department. Two received B.A. degrees in Chemistry, followed by M.D.s at Penn: M. S. Brown (B.A., 1962; M.D., 1966) and S. B. Prusiner (B.A., 1964, M.D., 1968). Christian Afinsen earned a master's degree in Chemistry (1939), and Zewail, a Ph.D. in Chemistry (1974).
In this context, David Baltimore (Nobel Prize in Medicine,1975; also past President of both the Rockefeller University and the California Institute of Technology) while an undergraduate at Swarthmore College (a highly regarded four year liberal arts college near Philadelphia), did his honors thesis research in the laboratories of two Penn Chemistry faculty in 1960.
Our vision is that VAGELOS SCHOLARS will seek novel research paths. Molecular life sciences are broader than today's views of the biosphere: Agriculture, Medicine, Earth Sciences and Psychology. Today's examples of molecular life sciences include: use of molecular machines from organisms of volcanic hot springs and oceanic thermal vents to sequence DNA to be assembled by mathematical algorithms -- a short cut to the genome project, merely a large molecular structure determination. Use of functional magnetic resonance imaging to study the relation of language acquisition and anatomic location in the human brain -- a process that uses the physics of the atomic nucleus to monitor changes in chemical environment of molecules in the brain which are localized and mapped by mathematical algorithms. This will become the basis of psychology and linguistics in the future.
9. I want to attend medical school after college. Will this program help?
A science major is not required for a successful application to medical school. The extra science requirements for the VAGELOS SCHOLARS Program represent very serious interest in the molecular approach to medical science, and the intention to participate on the frontiers of the field.
The majority of medical schools recommend the equivalent of 14 Penn credit units of mathematics and science; at Penn these are usually the first two semesters of calculus (2 c.u.), freshman and organic chemistry (6 c.u. including labs), two semesters of biology (3 c.u. including lab), as well as two semesters of physics (3 c.u. including lab). Two semesters of English or Comparative Literature are also usually required.
The VAGELOS SCHOLARS Program with the College writing and sector requirements covers all of these recommended courses. You are also referred to the book, Medical School Admissions Requirements, published by the Association of American Medical Colleges, which issues a new edition every April.
10. Will I be too busy to be involved in sports or other activities?
Students in the VAGELOS SCHOLARS Program are encouraged to participate in student activities, although some compromises will have to be made. Again, using College Biochemistry majors as a historical precedent, we have had successful students who were on inter-collegiate teams in fencing, women's lacrosse, cross-country and track. Recently a Biochemistry major was the conductor of the Penn marching band. The experience of 85 graduates in the first 7 years includes three who graduated a semester early and one a year early, all with 40 credit units taken at Penn. In addition, 5 students were able to spend at least one semester abroad (Argentina, Botswana, Italy, Kenya and Spain).
11. How do I apply for the VAGELOS SCHOLARS Scholars Program?
There are two ways to apply. a) All students who state on the application form that they intend to major in Biochemistry or Chemistry will automatically be reviewed. Outstanding students will receive an invitation to join the Program about April 1. b) Any student who receives a letter of admission to the College in December or April and enrolls in May may request a review of their eligibility any time up to September.
12. Can I apply Early Decision?
Students who apply early decision will be reviewed at the same time as regular decision students. Should they qualify, they will be informed at the same time as regular decision students, approximately one week after regular admission letters are sent in April.
13. What are the criteria for consideration?
We are looking for outstanding students with strong verbal and mathematical skills. Ideally, the student should have taken all the advanced placement courses in science and mathematics offered by his/her high school and, if possible, submit scores for SAT-II subject tests in mathematics, chemistry, and physics. Focused effort on one or two activities outside the classroom would be more favorably viewed than superficial participation in many.
14. How many students will be accepted into the Program?
We are admitting approximately thirty from each freshman class into the Vagelos Seminar course, Chemistry 22. With normal attrition, there will be about ten from each class with summer stipends after their respective sophomore and junior years.
15. How does the VAGELOS SCHOLARS Program affect financial aid?
All Scholars, like all Penn full-time undergraduates, will receive financial aid based on need during the academic year. There will be no loan component for Scholars eligible for financial aid invited in April. Students admitted into the Program between May and September will have no loan component beginning their sophomore year if their freshman academic record is satisfactory for the Scholars program and they are eligible for financial aid.
Identical summer stipends will be given to all Scholars, usually after sophomore and junior years.
16. Can I transfer into the VAGELOS SCHOLARS Program?
The Program does not accept transfer students.