Science Foundations, Certificate
The physical and life sciences enable us to better understand the workings of the universe and living things. The courses in this certificate program, which are designed to enhance your understanding of science, provide you with the foundations needed for further studies in this area. The objective of this certificate is to enable you to increase your skills as both a consumer and communicator of scientific information while at the same time honing the foundational skills required for careers in the sciences.
Science Foundations Certificate Requirements
- The Certificate in Science Foundations is a 4-course, 4 c.u. credit program of study taught by University of Pennsylvania faculty.
- To earn a certificate, students complete one math course and three science courses, as outlined below.
Flexible Course Schedule
Penn LPS Online courses in the Certificate in Science Foundations are offered on an accelerated (8-week) schedule. Courses in the online certificate program are largely asynchronous with some synchronous sessions to be scheduled by the instructors. All Penn LPS Online courses are taught at the undergraduate level by Penn instructors.
You have the option to enroll in individual science foundation courses without committing to the entire online certificate, enjoying the flexibility and expertise offered by Penn LPS Online to suit your schedule and interests.
Read more about the Certificate in Science Foundations.
The Certificate in Science Foundations prepares you to:
- Examine the basic concepts of the physical and life sciences
- Evaluate scientific materials, especially those containing quantitative information or speculations, using the scientific method
- Gain an appreciation of the ways in which the physical and life sciences intersect and interact
- Learn how to communicate scientific concepts effectively, whether it is to one’s peers or to members of other communities
Critically analyze data quantitatively using the appropriate mathematical, statistical, or graphical tools
Curriculum
Students must complete four courses from the list below to earn a Certificate in Science Foundations.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Science Foundations Certificate | ||
| Select one of the following MTHS courses: | 1 | |
| Mathematical Foundations for Data Analytics | ||
| Mathematics All Around You | ||
| Select three of the following Science courses: | 3 | |
| Foundations of Life Sciences | ||
| Foundations of Physical & Chemical Sciences | ||
| Communicating Science | ||
| Total Course Units | 4 | |
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.