The Integrated Science Curriculum (ISC) at Virginia Tech offers students a different way to begin their journey through the sciences. Rather than taking biology, chemistry, physics, and calculus in separate tracks, ISC weaves them together into a two-year experience. The result is a deeper understanding of how scientific ideas connect and function. As Dr. Anand Banerjee, head of the ISC program, explains, one of the most meaningful aspects of the program is the fact that faculty can engage “with students in class and doing exercises together - you see how [students] think, where they get stuck, and [get to enjoy their] little bits of achievement.” This sense of connection is echoed by students as well. As ISC student Sasha Lee notes, “my favorite part of the ISC program is the dedication and effort of the professors to support the students’ success.”

ISC students study their disciplines by exploring concrete, real-world questions. A student interested in solar energy, for example, doesn’t just take a stand-alone physics or chemistry course. In ISC, they learn the mathematics, chemical principles, and physical laws together, understanding how each discipline informs the other. This interdisciplinary teaching approach is not static - as Dr. Banerjee explains, “the way [ISC classes] are taught evolves over time… instructors are able to incorporate and include the research they do or read about and tie it to their lecture.”

ISC is designed for students who are curious about the world and how it works. It attracts those who want to understand the intersections between the sciences and who are motivated by big, problem-based questions. As Dr. Banerjee emphasizes, the students who benefit most are those who fully engage with the material: “In their first year..., some students are very prepared, and some struggle with the material. The ones that make the most progress are [not the ones most initially prepared, but] the ones who are engaged... those type of students do very well.” This emphasis on engagement is reinforced by the program’s teaching philosophy. As Sasha Lee explains, professors “emphasize core understanding of the material rather than pure memorization, allowing students to use formula sheets on exams.”

Because the curriculum is integrated, the learning experience is a unique one. ISC uses a collaborative, active-learning structure in which teamwork and interaction are central. Courses meet daily, and students spend a large percentage of their time working in groups, solving problems, conducting experiments, and engaging in discussion. The program’s structure requires a willingness to work closely with fellow students and peers. As Lee reflects, ISC “foster[s] an environment of teamwork, which [has] helped me become a better collaborator and communicator.” A strong foundation in math is also important. Incoming students need to have facility with precalculus, and to be ready to apply calculus concepts, particularly in physics-based contexts. All students must complete the ALEKS math assessment and earn a 61 or better prior to enrollment.

 The interdisciplinary nature of ISC provides preparation for both graduate study and industry. Modern scientific work rarely happens with separated sections based on discipline - researchers and professionals collaborate across disciplines to address problems. By learning from the outset how biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics interact with one another, ISC students develop habits of thinking that mirror the way contemporary science is conducted. As Dr. Anand Banerjee underscores, “a lot of it is problem solving… if someone throws a problem at you, knowledge [fades] over time... problem solving skills are what ultimately matter most”.

 ISC also places a strong emphasis on undergraduate research preparation. Students are introduced early to the research process in a measured and intentional way. Through laboratory reports, data analysis, poster presentations, and guided instruction on how to communicate scientific findings effectively, they gain the skills needed to participate confidently in research settings. As Lee notes, ISC not only teaches “basic wet lab procedures” but also “how to write a good lab report,” providing “a fundamental understanding of lab work” that supports both undergraduate and postgraduate careers. Many students move seamlessly into undergraduate research roles, with not only the technical knowledge necessary but with the ability to present their work clearly and professionally.

Alumni frequently note how the program shaped their academic and professional paths. Graduates have gone on to medical school, graduate programs, and research-intensive careers, often citing the integrated structure as a key advantage. Reflecting on her experience in later courses, Lee emphasizes that “the hands-on approach that the ISC professors, tutors, and TAs take [is] difficult to find in other classrooms,” adding that “you feel like your professors actually care, because they do… they are willing to go beyond the bare minimum.”

The incoming Fall 2026 class will be Cohort 16 of the program, building on a tradition that began with the first cohort in Fall 2011. The application portal for the next cohort is open now, with a rolling admissions process throughout the summer. Due to this, students are encouraged to apply early. Students admitted to ISC will be part of a wonderful academic community within the Academy of Integrated Science, one that challenges them to think widely, work collaboratively, and engage deeply with the scientific questions that shape our world.