AP Physics C E/M: Should I Claim Credit?

In summary, Nabeshin thinks it is a good idea to retake the electromagnetics class if it is a pre or co requisite for the electrodynamics class you plan to take.
  • #1
athenos
5
0
Last year, my senior year of high school, I took an AP Physics C class which was devoted solely to mechanics. Starting over spring break I self-studied e/m with an assignment schedule from my teacher. I ran out of time when the ap test came around and ended up only skimming the sections over magnetism. I was really surprised when scores came back and I received a 4. Now I'm debating whether or not I should claim credit for the e/m class.

I will be an electrical engineering major at UT-austin starting this fall. The e/m physics class is a prereq for "electromagnetic engineering." The description of which is:


PHP:
Catalog Description:  325. Electromagnetic Engineering. Introduction to electrostatics and magnetostatics; properties of conductive, dielectric, and magnetic materials; solutions of Maxwell's equations; uniform plane wave applications; frequency- and time-domain analyses of transmission lines. Prerequisite: Physics 303L and 103N and Mathematics 427K with a grade of at least C in each. 

Draft of Course topics:

1.  Electrostatics(>4 weeks):  

Coulomb’s law, Gauss’s law (integral and differential forms, divergence), electric scalar potential (line integral, gradient), Laplace and Poisson’s equations (Laplacian), conduction and polarization, boundary conditions on conductors and between dielectrics, method of images, resistance and capacitance   

 

2.  Magnetostatics (>2 weeks):  

Biot-Savart law, Ampere’s law (integral and differential forms, curl), magnetic vector potential, Lorentz force, magnetization, boundary conditions between magnetic materials, magnetic energy and inductance

 

3.  Electrodynamics (>5 weeks):  

(a)  Maxwell’s equations, Faraday’s induction, displacement current 

(b)  Plane wave propagation in free space and in materials, Poynting vector, reflection and transmission of plane waves at media boundary, standing wave ratio

(c)  Transmission lines, solution to transmission line equations, source/load problems, Smith chart, transients on transmission lines

 

4.  Vectors analysis (1 week, can be integrated into the electromagnetics coverage):

Vector algebra, vector calculus (divergence, gradient, curl, Laplacian), coordinate systems (Cartesian, cylindrical and spherical)

So will it be easy enough for me to grasp these concepts without retaking an e/m class? Should I claim credit for it and take the class anyways, not having to worry about my grade?
It will be atleast a semester if not 2 or 3 before I take the electromagnetic engineering class.

Any insight would be much appreciated.
 
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  • #2
I don't recommend re-taking the class. Although you might (will) forget what you "skimmed" over after some time.
 
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  • #3
It depends. I got a 4 in EM as well, and I think that means we both kind of failed the exam (cutoff for a 5 is like below 60%). But as long as you can do math and have an affinity for the subject, it shouldn't be unreasonable.
 
  • #4
My advice: Don't re-take unless the class offered at your university teaches is with a prerequisite of vector calculus (or at least corequisite).
 
  • #5
The class says you must have credit for or be enrolled in the multivariable calculus class. Could you elaborate more on the reasoning behind your advice nabeshin? Thanks.
 
  • #6
If the class has multivariable as a pre or co requisite, you will likely be studying Maxwell's equations in the differential forms, which is different from how they are presented in a physics C class. Since Physics C only assumes basic calc I and calc II knowledge, you simply can't study a lot of things in the same depth as you can with multivariable. Also, the class likely serves as a good brush up on vector calculus (which it looks like will be used a lot in your next class).
 
  • #7
That makes sense. Thanks a lot for the help. Looks like I will definitely retake the class, now I just need to figure out if I'm confident enough to take it for a grade or claim credit and just retake it.
 

FAQ: AP Physics C E/M: Should I Claim Credit?

1. Should I claim credit for AP Physics C E/M?

It ultimately depends on your individual circumstances and goals. If you are planning on majoring in a STEM field and feel confident in your understanding of the material, then claiming credit could save you time and money in college. However, if you are uncertain about your knowledge or are considering a non-STEM major, it may be beneficial to retake the course in college for a stronger foundation.

2. Will claiming credit affect my GPA?

No, claiming credit for AP Physics C E/M will not affect your GPA. Most colleges will not count AP credits towards your GPA, but will instead give you course credit or advanced placement.

3. How do I know if my college accepts AP Physics C E/M credit?

Most colleges have a list of AP credits they accept on their website or in their course catalog. You can also reach out to the admissions office or your academic advisor for more information.

4. Can I claim credit for AP Physics C E/M if I didn't take the course in high school?

It depends on your college's policies. Some colleges may allow you to take a placement test to determine if you have the necessary knowledge to claim credit, while others may require you to have taken the course in high school.

5. Will claiming credit for AP Physics C E/M exempt me from taking other physics courses in college?

It depends on your college's policies and your major. Some colleges may allow you to skip introductory physics courses, while others may require you to take a more advanced physics course. It is important to check with your academic advisor to determine which courses you will need to take.

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