Full list of Physics Courses
Course Number | Course Title | Description |
PHYS 0030 | Basic Physics A | Introduces mechanics of motion. Designed ... |
PHYS 0040 | Basic Physics B | This course introduces the fundamental e ... |
PHYS 0050 | Foundations of Mechanics | PHYS0050 provides a calculus-based intro ... |
PHYS 0070 | Analytical Mechanics | Physics 0070 covers the topics of Newton ... |
Creative Commons License. Calculus-Based Physics is an introductory physics textbook designed for use in the two-semester introductory physics course typically taken by science and engineering students. Calculus-Based Physics is a free physics textbook.
Calculus-Based Physics is now available in hardcopy in the form of two black and white paperbacks at www.LuLu.com at the cost of production plus shipping. Note that Calculus-Based Physics is designed for easy photocopying. So, if you prefer to make your own hard copy, just print the pdf file and make as many copies as you need.
If you struggled through calculus, then take algebra-based, but if you did fine, there's absolutely no reason not to take calc-based. If you're actually going to use physics ever again, you must take calc because it is the only one that actually teaches you anything.
Note that usually Calculus-based physics is meant for physics majors, and non-calc based physics is meant for non-physics majors (this is how it is in Canadian universities). Hedgehog! Currently, calc-based physics is required for Harvard HST program.
This course covers Newton's laws of motion, work, energy, linear momentum, rotational motion, gravity, equilibrium and elasticity, periodic motion, fluid mechanics, temperature, heat, and the laws of thermodynamics. Laboratories emphasize application of physics concepts and quantitative problem solving skills.
Many schools teach these as the same class, or just teach one topic. Both of these courses are calculus-based. This means that there are now four AP Physics exams: AP Physics 1.
Physics for non-majors is taught without calculus. Yet, learning a formula for a concept is considered essential. Physics for majors is often taught with an excruciating level of mathematics to the detriment of concepts. It is necessary to calculate an outcome.
It is harder than algebra-based but it is not that hard at all. If you did well in your calculus courses, it probably won't be much different for you.
Calculus is the branch of mathematics that deals with continuous change. Calculus is also called infinitesimal calculus or “the calculus of infinitesimals”. The meaning of classical calculus is the study of continuous change of functions.
Is physics 2 harder than physics 1? Physics 2 is certainly harder than physics 1 because it is more abstract, has more irregular calculations, and has more challenging topics. Physics 1 is easier because it has topics that are easier to visualize and we are more familiar with.
AP Physics 1+2 cover algebra-based physics. The two courses cover topics in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, and nuclear physics. AP Physics C covers calculus-based physics. The two separate components cover mechanics and electricity & magnetism.
AP Physics 1 covers topics such as Newtonian mechanics, mechanical waves and the basics of electric circuits. AP Physics 2 continues with topics like electricity and magnetism, fluids and thermodynamics. They are equivalent to first-semester and second-semester college courses, respectively, in algebra-based physics.
5:399:01Why are there both algebra and calculus physics courses? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe algebra based courses are good that's usually the first class you take in physics to get an ideaMoreThe algebra based courses are good that's usually the first class you take in physics to get an idea of what all these quantities mean and it can handle a wide variety of situations mainly.
calc based physics is not needed for the MCAT, so whichever one you will do better in and understand better will best help you out.
Full Member. Calc-based physics 2 was the hardest course I took in undergrad.
If you are just taking physics to satisfy the pre-req, I would recommend taking the algebra-based course. Calculus-based is harder and I feel like algebra-based physics will prepare more for the MCAT. In algebra-based physics you learn a lot of shortcuts which will come in handy.
The topics covered include: the electric force, field and potentials, circuits and circuit elements, magnetic fields and magnetic phenomena, induction, electromagnetic waves, optics, interference and diffraction, wave-particle duality and the photoelectric effect, and radioactivity.
Physics 0070 covers the topics of Newtonian Mechanics emphasizing fundamental principles underlying mechanical phenomena and developing mathematical approaches for applying them. As such, it introduces students to the general approach employed to describe physical phenomena even beyond mechanics.
Physics of Matter. An introduction to the principles of quantum mechanics and their use in the description of the electronic, thermal, and optical properties of materials. Primarily intended as an advanced science course in the engineering curriculum. Open to others by permission.
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics. The course aims to help physics students learn basic of thermodynamics and develop microscopic understanding of it based on elementary statistical mechanics. That is, the concepts of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics are introduced from a unified view.
Designed for concentrators in sciences other than physics-including premedical students. PHYS0030 applies algebra, geometry, trigonometry and analytic geometry. Students with a strong background in calculus should consider taking PHYS0050 or 0070 instead. Consists of lectures and laboratory.
If you're just taking it because the man makes you, you can get by with algebra and 1/3rd the time spent.
Currently, calc-based physics is required for Harvard HST program. It is probably also required/suggested for some MSTP programs (I don't know this, though). To keep all options open, including any that change requirements in the next few years, I'd suggest calc-based.
Algebra-based will prepare you just fine. However, calc-based is not that much more work. Why would it be? Same workload, but they can get away with providing different conditions in the problems. The problems are only harder if integration and differentiation are beyond your skillset; there's no math you wouldn't have already learned in first-semester calculus in basic physics courses. Calc-based physics more relevant, and is far better for conceptual understanding, provided you've taken a couple terms of calculus already.#N#Of course, if you're a standard-fare pre-med, all you want to do is memorize **** as it is, so concepts don't mean anything.#N#If you struggled through calculus, then take algebra-based, but if you did fine, there's absolutely no reason not to take calc-based.