 All undergraduates are required to complete a core curriculum called the General Institute Requirements ( <unk> ) . The Science Requirement , generally completed during freshman year as prerequisites for classes in science and engineering majors , comprises two semesters of physics , two semesters of calculus , one semester of chemistry , and one semester of biology . There is a Laboratory Requirement , usually satisfied by an appropriate class in a course major . The Humanities , Arts , and Social Sciences ( HASS ) Requirement consists of eight semesters of classes in the humanities , arts , and social sciences , including at least one semester from each division as well as the courses required for a designated concentration in a HASS division . Under the Communication Requirement , two of the HASS classes , plus two of the classes taken in the designated major must be " communication @-@ intensive " , including " substantial instruction and practice in oral presentation " . Finally , all students are required to complete a swimming test ; non @-@ varsity athletes must also take four quarters of physical education classes . 
