Introductory Biology Waiver Option
A student may apply for a wavier for one semester of introductory biology if they meet the following conditions:
- grades of B or better in at least two semesters of chemistry taken at Penn, and
- a grade of at least "B" in Chem 2510 [CHEM 251] - Principles of Biological Chemistry and
- has taken (or is currently enrolled in) Chem 2410 [CHEM 241] - Organic Chemistry I
A Biology Major who has a waiver for one semester of introductory biology will be required to follow all requirements for Track 1 with the waiver counting in place of BIOL 1121. In addition to the four 2000-level courses from the different 2000-level course categories, students with a waiver must take an additional course at the 2000-level or above for a total of five "additional courses". In addition to BIOL 1124 [BIOL 124] (a requirement of Track 1), a Biology Major who has a waiver will be required to include a laboratory or field course of at least 0.5 cu. BIOL 1123 [BIOL 123] usually fulfills this requirement but other options (see a list of approved lab or field courses in the section for Lab Requirement) are possible with permission of the Undergraduate Chair.
The same policies apply for those with a wavier who intend to complete a concentration, except that the required additional biology course will not necessarily result in a total of five additional courses. See your concentration advisor for specific advice.
The same policies apply for those with a waiver who intend to complete a Biology Minor, except that the total number of additional courses will be three instead of two.