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
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 1101 | Introduction to Biology A | 1.5 |
| BIOL 1102 | Introduction to Biology B | 1.5 |
| BIOL 2801 | Essentials of Biochemistry | 1 |
| CHEM 1011 | Introduction to General Chemistry I | 1 |
| CHEM 2451 | Experimental Organic Chemistry A | .5 |
| CHEM 2452 | Experimental Organic Chemistry B | .5 |
| CHEM 1021 | Introduction to General Chemistry II | 1 |
| CHEM 2410 | Principles of Organic Chemistry I | 1 |
| CHEM 2420 | Principles of Organic Chemistry II | 1 |
| CHEM 1101 | General Chemistry Laboratory I | .5 |
| CHEM 1102 | General Chemistry Laboratory II | .5 |
| PHYS 0101 | General Physics: Mechanics, Heat and Sound | 1.5 |
| PHYS 0102 | General Physics: Electromagnetism, Optics, and Modern Physics | 1.5 |
| Total Course Units | 13 | |
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.