A significant fraction (over half) of both Physics and Engineering Physics majors go on to pursue advanced degrees (Masters or PhD) in engineering or physics. Engineering Physics majors tend to work on forefront ideas in technology and science, in either industry or academia.
The only reason college physics was more difficult was that the problems demanded more complex derivations than would be expected at a high school lev I just took my Mechanics final at University of Rochester, and I could have passed it with ease at the end of senior year having just completed AP Physics I and AP Calc.
Like most science classes, you’ll find a mix of classroom and lab work, as well as group and independent assignments. There will be a number of learning objectives for students in a college physics course.
The AP program still offers AP Physics C, which is broken into two courses and exams: Physics C: Mechanics and Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. Many schools teach these as the same class, or just teach one topic.
This course uses algebra- and trigonometry-based mathematical models to introduce the fundamental concepts that describe the physical world. Topics include units and measurement, vectors, linear kinematics and dynamics, energy, power, momentum, fluid mechanics, and heat.
College Physics I is an introduction to mechanics. It includes motion in one and two dimensions, Newton's laws of motion and their applications, work and energy, linear momentum and collisions, rotational motion, and principles of conservation.
Yes, General Physics is algebra based, while University Physics is calculus based. The state university says this (paraphrased): Students who have taken General physics 1 will not receive credit for University physics 1.
In high school, physics is generally a mandatory course. In college, students will choose to enroll in physics. Additionally, students in a college physics class will likely all have succeeded in high school physics.
Mechanics is the branch of Physics dealing with the study of motion when subjected to forces or displacements, and the subsequent effects of the bodies on their environment.
Organic Chemistry: It shouldn't surprise you that organic chemistry takes the No. 1 spot as the hardest college course. This course is often referred to as the “pre-med killer” because it actually has caused many pre-med majors to switch their major.
Many people who have studied physics report it helps them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Data from the American Institute of Physics show that physics majors get among the highest MCAT scores and the highest LSAT scores of all undergraduate majors.
Physics 1 is a moderately hard course. Physics 1 is difficult because it is calculus-based, has several perplexing and challenging concepts, and requires a lot of practice to get used to. However, AP physics 1 and other algebra-based versions are slightly easier.
Just make sure you're comfortable with algebra (and calculus) and ask questions when you don't understand. Calc based physics is much more fun than algebra based physics, and it is (in my opinion) much easier since you don't need to memorize a lot of formulas without knowing where they come from.
The hardest degree subjects are Chemistry, Medicine, Architecture, Physics, Biomedical Science, Law, Neuroscience, Fine Arts, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Economics, Education, Computer Science and Philosophy.
A-Level Physics is considered as one of the hardest courses due to the amount and complexity of material as well as the difficulty of exam questions. Even though, the subject is quite interesting and compelling for many of the students.
Answers and Replies. No, Physics is definitely harder than calculus. Calculus is actually a pretty easy subject in my opinion.
Mechanics covers kinematics, Newton's laws of motion, work, energy, power, linear momentum, circular motion and rotation, oscillations and gravitation. As you can see, these are many of the same concepts explored in Physics 1.
The AP program still offers AP Physics C, which is broken into two courses and exams: Physics C: Mechanics and Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. Many schools teach these as the same class, or just teach one topic. Both of these courses are calculus-based.
Physics 2 is the best AP Physics class to take after a regular or honors physics class (Physics 1 would pretty much just repeat what you already learned). AP Physics C is also an option if you're taking/have already taken calculus and have either Physics 1 or Physics 2 under your belt.
AP Physics 1. AP Physics 1 is an introductory, algebra-based, college-level physics course. It explores fundamental physics concepts like motion, force, Newtonian mechanics, gravity, energy, and momentum . AP Physics 1 was designed to be a first-year physics course which you can take without prior physics experience.
However, the AP program recently replaced AP Physics B, a one-year course, with two one-year courses: AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2. These are both algebra-based physics courses, which means they don't require a math background beyond Algebra II.
If your school doesn't offer Physics C, take AP Physics 2 or honors physics if you can. Taking AP Physics 1 and Physics 2 is plenty if you aren't going to study natural sciences or engineering since you want to make room for other AP classes in your schedule.
Both of these courses are calculus-based. This means that there are now four AP Physics exams: AP Physics 1. AP Physics 2. AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. AP Physics C: Mechanics. The fact that there are now four AP Physics exams can be confusing.
There are two kinds of introductory college physics courses - those that use calculus and those that only use algebra and some trigonometry.
The only reason college physics was more difficult was that the problems demanded more complex derivations than would be expected at a high school level of understanding, so basically, the challenge was in the physics logic rather than in the physics skills themselves.
AP Physics I and AP Physics II are both algebra based courses that will align closely with General Physics I and II at the college level, while AP Physics C (in a few different foci) will lend themselves to calculus based Physics at the college level.
What's important to AP courses is standing out in college admissions and having a more competitive and fulfilling experience taking more challenging classes in high school.
However, be aware that nationwide, Physics teachers at the high school level are notoriously mathematics and chemistry majors that have enough knowledge to pass PRAXIS certification tests for Physics. With that being said, typically, you
No matter what, though, taking AP physics in high school is worth while. It gives a great overview of some useful topics.
However, as a former teacher I always make this recommendation: if you are entering a bio or medicine field, always take AP Physics I and II in high school as it will get you out of two schedule filling General Physics courses with Lab at the university level.
Remember OP mentioned two different physics courses offered at his college. College Physics, and General Physics. I doubt their school has College physics, general physics, and university physics.
They actually made the physics w/ algebra remember 5 different versions of the exact same formula - just with variable substitutions made... As though no one in the course understood how to swap variables
FYI: General Physics is Algebra-based and the other is Calculus-based. General physics is meant for pre-medical field people. Physics w/ Calculus is meant for engineers and B.S. degrees in science.
College Physics is not University Physics. I believe college physics is general physics, but i'm not sure it could also be intro. Most likely it is general though. The reason that I know they are different is because I am retaking physics this semester as a review.
I always thought it was funny the separation between the two courses... you can't have physics without calculus.
I'm guessing that General Physics is an intro course and will not count. But don't ask us; ask the school (s) you want to go to. I know CU lists the transferability of courses from other Colorado schools on their website. Maybe see if you local program has something similar.
At the CC I went to, the lecture and labs for Algebra vs Calc based were the same. The tests were almost the same as well, we just had to do more word problems.
This can be done by alternating short lectures with corresponding exercises, followed by another discussion on the correct way to complete the exercise. Independent and group work during and outside class is another strategy commonly used, along with lab time.
While these objectives vary from school to school, a basic physics curriculum will include several broad-based goals that are taught through distinct units. Common education goals include an understanding of both classical and quantum physics as well as current research projects and theories.
Laboratory. A lab component is standard in a college physics course.The amount of time devoted to lab work will vary, but you can expect to spend a few hours each week in the laboratory. This hands-on experience is valuable tool for learning and putting into practice what is discussed in the classroom. Each unit will likely have a correlating lab ...
You might be surprised to learn that physics has a great deal to do with math, even though it’s classified as a science course. In fact, mathematical reasoning is used extensively in a physics course. Calculus in particular is used, but other relevant types of math include algebra, linear algebra and number theory. Some of these math classes may be required as a prerequisite before enrolling in a physics course, but this will depend on the school.
Just the word “physics” is enough to make some people shudder with fear, but if you’ve just enrolled in your first college physics course, knowing what to expect can help ease any concern. Physics can be a very challenging class, so understand what will be expected of you so you can be more prepared. Like most science classes, you’ll find ...
Calculus in particular is used, but other relevant types of math include algebra, linear algebra and number theory. Some of these math classes may be required as a prerequisite before enrolling in a physics course, but this will depend on the school. Dirac, P.A.M., “The Relation Between Mathematics and Physics,”.
The concepts are basically all the same. With calc the real difference is mainly how some of the concepts and problems are thought of and approached. Derivatives and integrals are used for solving problems, and a few more things can be explored with calc that is not reasonable to approach without it.
Essentially this is the difference. The calculus based class will focus on the solutions that require integrals and derivatives to solve equations and the other will use geometry and algebra to solve the problems.
If you are thinking of being an engineer, do the calculus based physics as it is required at most public universities.
One is designed for medical students, and one is designed for physics majors. Physics without calculus is basically high school physics. Because of basic med school academic requirements, many colleges offer a non-calculus physics class or two catered to pre-med students who may not otherwise have the mathematical prerequisites for ...
Physics without calculus is basically high school physics. Because of basic med school academic requirements, many colleges offer a non-calculus physics class or two catered to pre-med students who may not otherwise have the mathematical prerequisites for the normal intro to physics class.
That being said, the physics is beast all on its own. A lot of the key concepts in (basic) physics can be stated and ultimately proven with not much more than the concept of basic integration and differentiation. But mastering the concepts and tackling the problems can be a problem even if you’ve mastered the math.
There’s really no such thing as non-calculus-based physics. Algebra based physics still uses the results of calculus, but just pulls the answers out of a hat rather than explicitly showing where they come from.
Medical Physics is an applied branch of physics concerned with the application of the concepts and methods to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. It allies with medical electronics, bioengineering, health physics. Students will familiarize themselves with major texts and literature of medical physics and are exposed to imaging and treatment techniques and quality control procedures. Students will acquire physical and scientific background to pose questions and solve problems in medical physics. Topics include Imaging -imaging metrics, ionizing radiation, radiation safety, radioactivity, computed tomography, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and Radiation Therapy -delivery systems, treatment planning, brachytherapy, image guidance.
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 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.
The necessary framework for Quantum mechanics is developed carefully and used to link and explain both the older and newer experimental phenomena of modern physics. This is the first of a two-semester sequence. In P-1410, the main focus is on 1-D quantum physics, leaving 3-D to P-1420. The course has been taught in recent years following the approach of Sakurai, but at a junior-level, e.g., adopting the text by Townsend. The mathematics that we will use includes basic calculus. Linear transformations on complex vector space serve as essential tools for describing quantum physics.
This class is an introduction to electrodynamics, the theory of electricity and magnetism. The course covers electrostatics (the electric field, electric potential, conductors and boundary value problems), special relativity (the fields of moving charges), magnetostatics (electric currents vector potential), electromagnetic induction and an introduction to Maxwell’s equations (including wave solutions) as well as electric and magnetic fields in matter. The course also provides a basic introduction to AC and DC circuits.
The physical concepts include mechanical energy, thermodynamics, the Carnot cycle, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics. The technological applications include wind, hydro, and geothermal energy, engines and fuels, electrical energy transmission and storage, solar energy and photovoltaics, nuclear reactors, and biomass.
PHYS0050 provides a calculus-based introduction to classical Newtonian mechanics intended for science concentrators. Topics include: linear and rotational motion, Newton’s laws, conservation of energy and momentum, gravitation, fluids, oscillations, and simple harmonic motion. It emphasizes the conceptual understanding of the principles of physics and the development of the calculation skills needed to apply these principles to the physical universe.