Most of the core first-year science courses (Chem 111A-112A, Chem 151-152, Phys 117A-118A) are offered during the summer at WU as is calculus (Math 131, 132, and 233). A student who dropped out or had a difficult time in freshman chemistry or calculus should consider retaking that course during the summer. Students with an interest in biophysics/biochemistry also should consider taking Phys 117A-118A in the summer after the freshman year. Upper level courses that are usually (but not always) given in the summer include Ecology (Bio 419), Laboratory on DNA Manipulation (Bio 437), and General Biochemistry (Bio 451). Bio 437 is given in an all-day lab format during the three-week May session. This course can be a very useful prelude to summer research. Consult the Summer School catalogue (which usually is available in March) or check with the relevant faculty to determine whether an upper-level course of interest is going to be available in a particular summer.