ISC Prospective Student FAQs
What is ISC?
The Integrated Science Curriculum or ISC is a two-year course sequence that takes a new approach on integrated science by integrating biology, chemistry, and physics with linear algebra and calculus.
Is ISC a major?
No! ISC is an alternative way to take your basic science and math courses. You will choose a major at Virginia Tech and also be a part of the ISC program.
I’m interested in attending medical school, will ISC prepare me well for that?
Yes! Based on feedback from ISC graduates who have gone on to medical school and/or who have taken the MCAT and feedback from Health Professions Advising, ISC prepares students well. Since it is a very applied learning style. Students learn to take concepts and principles they learn and apply them throughout the two years in ISC, which is similar to the structure of the MCAT.
I’m not in a major in the College of Science, can I still apply to be in the ISC program?
Yes! Because ISC is housed in the Academy of Integrated Science, which is in the College of Science, the majority of students are in COS majors, but we have had students majoring in University Studies, Chemical Engineering, Animal Poultry Science, and HNFE before. As long as your major requires some of the science credits we cover in ISC and you are interested in seeing how the sciences work together, ISC is a good fit for you!
When is the application for ISC due?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis so apply early! The upcoming academic year application opens in the early part of the spring semester prior, usually in February-March time frame.
What are the course equivalencies earned through ISC?
ISC integrates Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, and Linear Algebra. The specific courses at Virginia Tech are Principles of Biology (BIOL 1105), Principles of Biology Labs (BIOL 1115-1116), General Chemistry (CHEM 1035-1036), General Chemistry Lab (CHEM 1045-1046), Foundations of Physics (PHYS 2305-2306), Elementary Calculus (MATH 1025-1026), and Elementary Linear Algebra (MATH 1114).
I have AP/IB/Dual Enrollment Credit. How do those effect ISC coursework?
These credits are great preparation for the ISC, as students are able to learn a foundation in the different science and math disciplines. Remember, ISC is very unique and cutting edge in that you are constantly learning topics, applying them, and integrating them throughout the program, which is very different from a traditional class.
6 credits for a lecture seems like a lot! How will I be able to manage that with my other courses?
The work required for a 6-credit course is equivalent to two standard 3-credit courses. It’s important to note that the full 30-credit hours of coursework in ISC is a one for one substitution for the course equivalencies listed above, so if you need those courses individually, now you’re just taking them in one lecture!
If I decide to join the ISC program, who will my advisor be?
Students who are admitted into ISC will have an in-major advisor as their primary advisor and an ISC advisor for supplemental advising.
How many credits will I be in each semester?
Typically 14-17 credit hours depending on a student’s major requirements.
When are ISC classes held?
ISC lecture is held mid-day Monday-Friday for 75 minutes with a recitation period on Friday led by the Teaching Assistant. Comparatively, a three credit lecture is held Tuesday and Thursday or Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Is there a chance to build a collaborative community in ISC?
Yes, ISC affords a chance for close connections in the program. The active learning activities and group projects enhance relationships in the program. Several ISC students study together and build a collaborative community for lab work and future projects.
If the course is integrated and team-taught, how many instructors are there? Are they experts in their field or are they teaching on subjects they aren’t well-versed in?
There are usually 2-3 instructors per course that integrate their expertise in the field of science. For instance, a physicist will teach the physics lectures, a biologist will teach the biology lectures, etc. The instructors who are not lecturing on any given day are Labs are coordinated and instructed with a Teaching Assistant that works closely with the instructor to teach and grade assignments.
Can I be in the Corps of Cadets and still be in ISC?
Absolutely! We have a few members of the Corps in ISC.
I have applied to ISC. When will I find out if I was accepted into ISC?
Typically, students are notified within a couple of weeks about their admission into the ISC program.