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Curriculum

The core program listed below consists of four components: (a) a two-semester freshman seminar (half credit each semester); (b) the Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Physics major; (c) additional courses in Biology, Mathematics and Physics; and (d) participation in at least two summers of research. All freshmen will take chemistry, mathematics, and physics in both semesters.

We expect that most entering Freshman interested in and qualified for this program will have advanced placement credit in Calculus I (Math 104). Chemistry 53, 54 laboratory will be waived in most cases. If a student wants or needs to take Calculus I, and/or Chemistry 53, 54, accommodation is possible. Students anticipating one semester of Advanced Placement in chemistry should take Chem 101 or Chemistry 115 and waive Chem 102. Those expecting Advanced Placement credit for an entire year of freshman chemistry (2-3 c.u.) may start organic chemistry. Students with additional Advanced Placment background in mathematics or physics are encouraged to take Mathematics 240/241 and Physics 170/171 respectively. All students are expected to complete a minimum of 40 credit units at Penn. This means 5 credit units each Fall and Spring semester for four academic years.

The student will also complete all of the College General Education requirements. (See Biochemistry major program.)
We note that the program automatically meets all of the premedical undergraduate course suggestions or requirements of U.S. medical schools.

Core Curriculum and Schedule for the Vagelos Scholars Program in the Molecular Life Sciences
5 credit units/semester

Freshman, Fall Semester*

General Chemistry I (Chemistry 101 or 115, without Chemistry 53) (1 c.u.)
Calculus for the Natural Sciences I or II (Mathematics 104, 114 or 116) (1 c.u.)
Principles of Physics I: Mechanics and Wave Motion (Physics 150 or 170) (1.5 c.u.)
Vagelos Scholars Seminar (Chemistry 22)(0.5 c.u.)
A Writing, Language, or Sector Requirement (1 c.u.)

Freshman, Spring Semester*

General Chemistry II (Chemistry 102 or 116, without Chemistry 54) (1 c.u.)
Calculus for the Natural Sciences II or III (Mathematics 114, 240 or 260) (1 c.u.)
Principles of Physics II: Electromagnetism and Radiation (Physics 151 or 171) (1.5 c.u.)
Vagelos Scholars Seminar (Chemistry 22) (0.5 c.u.)
A Writing, Language, or Sector Requirement (1 c.u.)

*Note: Many freshmen enter with Advanced Placement background. We expect all freshmen to take chemistry, mathematics and physics in both semesters. For example, if you will have AP credit for Physics 150 and 151, you should take Physics 170 and 171. If you have credit for Math 114, you should take Math 240 and 241 or Math 116 and 260. Students starting with Chemistry 101 or 115 and finding them repetitions of previous courses may take Chem 241 in the second semester.

Sophomore, Fall Semester

Principles of Organic Chemistry (Chemistry 241) (1 c.u.)
Calculus III (Mathematics 240) or Principles of Biological Chemistry (Chemistry 251) (1 c.u.)
Biophysics; Cellular Biology and Biochemistry; or Molecular Biology and Genetics (Physics 280 or Biology 202 or 221) (1 or 2 c.u.)**
Writing, Language, or Sector Requirements (1 or 2 c.u.)
--Arrange for a host laboratory for summer research--

**Many students take Chemistry 221/222 in their sophomore year and postpone Biology 202 and/or 221. This is encouraged. Chemistry 251 must be completed during the Sophmore year.

--Choose second science major or apply for submatriculation--

Sophomore, Spring Semester

Principles of Organic Chemistry (Chemistry 242 or Chemistry 243) (1 c.u.)
Principles of Biological Chemistry (Chemistry 251) or Molecular Biology and Genetics (Biology 221) (1 or 2 c.u.)
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and Relativity (Physics 240)(1 c.u.)
Writing, Language, or Sector Requirements (1 or 2 c.u.)

Sophomore, Summer Session

Summer research with stipend at rate comparable to Ph.D. stipend (1 c.u. no grade). Fourteen of the 16 week summer break.

Junior, Fall Semester

Experimental Organic Chemistry I (Chemistry 245) (1 c.u.), if not completed earlier.
Physical Chemistry I (Chemistry 221) (1 c.u.)
Biological Chemistry I (Chem 451) and Second Major courses (2 or 1 c.u.)
Writing, Language, or Sector Requirements (1 or 2 c.u.)

Junior, Spring Semester

Physical Chemistry II (Chemistry 222) (1 c.u.)
Biological Chemistry II (Chem 452), Second Major or other Science Courses (1 to 3 c.u.)
Writing, Language, Sector, or Cross-Cultural Requirements (1 to 2 c.u.)

Junior, Summer Session

Summer research with stipend at rate comparabl to Ph.D. stipend (1 c.u. no grade). Fourteen of the 16 week summer break.

Senior, Fall Semester

Research (1 c.u.)
Second Science Major courses (2 or 3 c.u.)
A Writing, Language, Sector or Cross-Cultural Requirement , if needed (1 c.u.)
Free elective, if needed (1 c.u.)

Senior, Spring Semester

Research (1 c.u.)
Second Science Major or other Science courses (2 or 3 c.u.)
A Writing, Language, Sector or Cross-Cultural Requirement, if needed (1 c.u.)
Free elective, if needed (1 c.u.)

The Program requires that 40 academic year course units are to be earned at Penn, in addition to any Advanced Placement credit and summer course credit earned.