Pre-Health Core Studies, Post-Baccalaureate Preparatory Program

Penn’s Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate Programs are designed for driven students who want to distinguish themselves as competitive medical, dental, or veterinary school candidates. The Core Studies program is specifically for students with a limited science background. The minimum total course units for program completion is 12. Core Studies students typically take general chemistry, introductory biology, organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry.  The general chemistry, introductory biology, organic chemistry, and physics sequences consist of two semesters and includes corresponding lab courses, but an individual's learning plan may vary based upon their past academic history. All Core Studies students may take additional courses beyond the minimum requirement with most students taking a total of 13 to 16 course units to achieve their goals. A breadth and depth of upper level science courses are available to all Core Studies students to deepen their knowledge and preparation for medical, dental, or veterinary training.

The basic science courses are time-intensive and students are strongly discouraged from maintaining employment in any capacity while enrolled in the Core Studies program. The core courses are also math-intensive and a minimum of a college level pre-calculus course is required for admission. Students may attend the Core Studies program on a full-time or part-time basis, but all program requirements are expected to be completed within two years of matriculation.

Curriculum

BIOL 1101Introduction to Biology A1.5
BIOL 1102Introduction to Biology B1.5
BIOL 2801Essentials of Biochemistry1
CHEM 1011Introduction to General Chemistry I1
CHEM 2451Experimental Organic Chemistry A.5
CHEM 2452Experimental Organic Chemistry B.5
CHEM 1021Introduction to General Chemistry II1
CHEM 2410Principles of Organic Chemistry I1
CHEM 2420Principles of Organic Chemistry II1
CHEM 1101General Chemistry Laboratory I.5
CHEM 1102General Chemistry Laboratory II.5
PHYS 0101General Physics: Mechanics, Heat and Sound1.5
PHYS 0102General Physics: Electromagnetism, Optics, and Modern Physics1.5
Total Course Units13

 Pre-vet and pre-dental students often require additional courses in cell biology, microbiology, physiology, and genetics as prerequisites. Pre-Health students may also apply up to 1 course unit of online Human Anatomy (ANAT) toward their program requirements.


The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.