Preparing for Physics 2 w/ Calc & Diff Eq at Community College

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around concerns regarding the adequacy of a community college Physics 2 course that includes calculus and differential equations, particularly for engineering students. Participants explore the sufficiency of supplemental resources, such as MIT OpenCourseWare, and express apprehensions about the qualifications of the instructor.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the quality of education at a community college, particularly regarding the necessity of differential equations for engineering.
  • Another participant suggests that a typical 3 credit hour course should cover essential differential equations material, including first-order linear equations, numerical solutions, and possibly Laplace transforms and series solutions.
  • Some participants argue that self-education can enhance understanding and confidence, especially if classroom instruction is perceived as insufficient.
  • There is a mention of the instructor's qualifications, with one participant questioning whether having only a Master's degree is a concern.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share concerns about the adequacy of the course and the instructor's qualifications, but there is no consensus on whether these concerns are justified or how best to address them. Multiple views on the effectiveness of self-education versus formal instruction are presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific topics that may or may not be covered in the course, indicating uncertainty about the curriculum's comprehensiveness. There is also a lack of clarity regarding the specific community college's reputation and the instructor's teaching effectiveness.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering community college courses in physics and engineering, particularly those who are concerned about the quality of instruction and the sufficiency of course materials.

omagdon7
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I will be taking Physics 2 w/ calc and Diff Eq over the summer at a community college. I am concerned that my education is going to be lacking as an engineer I need Diff Eq. I was going to supplement class with the MIT opencourseware lectures do you think this would be sufficient? Also the Diff Eq teacher only has a Master's is this a concern? Thanks in advance.
 
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omagdon7 said:
I will be taking Physics 2 w/ calc and Diff Eq over the summer at a community college. I am concerned that my education is going to be lacking as an engineer I need Diff Eq. I was going to supplement class with the MIT opencourseware lectures do you think this would be sufficient? Also the Diff Eq teacher only has a Master's is this a concern? Thanks in advance.

Most likely this won't be an issue. If the course is 3 credit hours, then you'll cover all the typical material - first-order linear (homogeneous and nonhomogeneous), numerical solutions (Euler's method and RK4), higher-order methods (Variation of Parameters and Undetermined Coefficients), along with either, Laplace transforms and series solutions. It's very rare that a class will be able to cover, both, Laplace transforms and series solutions, unless you are taking a 4 hour course. As long as you cover the material I've laid out here, you should be fine.

Edit: Throw in familiarity with the uniqueness and existence properites of solutions, along with estimation of solutions (upper bounds, etc). Don't forget about reduction of order, either - i.e reducing a second-order equation to a first order, regardless of linearity.
 
Last edited:
omagdon7 said:
I will be taking Physics 2 w/ calc and Diff Eq over the summer at a community college. I am concerned that my education is going to be lacking as an engineer I need Diff Eq. I was going to supplement class with the MIT opencourseware lectures do you think this would be sufficient? Also the Diff Eq teacher only has a Master's is this a concern? Thanks in advance.


I attend a community college also and I've had the same concerns in the past,but their are some really great teachers at community colleges! if you don't feel that you're getting all you need in the classroom then self educate! when you learn something on your own you really know it. i feel it also improves your confidence. BTW what school are you attending?
 
I'm a student at the University of Florida.
 
do you have an instant message service bcause i'd like to talke to you. could you send me a private message.
 

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