Can College physics/with calc 1,2 be taken without just CP first

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether a student can take college physics courses that include calculus without first completing a non-calculus physics course. Participants explore the implications of taking calculus-based physics directly, especially in relation to preparing for quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that taking the calculus-based physics sequence is preferable for understanding and engagement, arguing that physics without calculus can be less interesting.
  • Others caution against rushing into advanced topics like quantum mechanics without a solid foundation, emphasizing the importance of building a strong base in physics knowledge.
  • One participant shares their experience of transitioning from a non-calculus physics course to a calculus-based course, noting that they found the latter easier due to their prior conceptual understanding.
  • Questions arise about the necessary level of calculus knowledge required before taking calculus-based physics, with some suggesting that being enrolled in calculus 2 while taking physics should be sufficient.
  • There is a mention of the absence of formal prerequisites for the courses at the university, leading to uncertainty about the best path forward.
  • Another participant reflects on their experience starting with a lower-level physics class, indicating that it was beneficial despite being prepared for more advanced calculus-based courses.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether it is advisable to take calculus-based physics without first completing a non-calculus sequence. While some advocate for the calculus-based approach, others highlight the potential risks of not having a solid foundational understanding.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of clear prerequisites for the physics courses, which contributes to the uncertainty regarding the best approach to take. There are also varying personal experiences shared, which may not apply universally.

andrewkg
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Hello my name is andrew. I'm a high school sophmore. At the university in my town (I'm dual enrolled) they offer college physics 1,2 and college physics/with calc 1,2 I really want to take QM so I need to take the fastest route possible. Do I need both with or without calc, can I take just the calc containing class, or just the class without calc? Thank you!
 
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Generally (and by generally I mean in every case I've ever heard of) one only takes a single introductory sequence. If your goal is quantum mechanics, take the calculus based one.

It's not a rush though, imo, you shouldn't try and get there the fastest way possible. You already building a base all of your future knowledge will be placed on. Don't make a shaky foundation.
 
Physics without calculus is really boring. I would highly recommend taking the calc-based sequence right away. It's going to make much more sense and it's going to be more challenging to you. Of course, you'll need to know calculus if you want to take the calc-based sequence...
 
Ok thanks. One more question though. How far in calc do I need to go before. I will have taken cal 1 and I will be in calc 2 while taking it is that alright.
 
andrewkg said:
Ok thanks. One more question though. How far in calc do I need to go before. I will have taken cal 1 and I will be in calc 2 while taking it is that alright.

That's usually alright. First calc-physics courses don't require much calc at all. Even Kleppner requires mostly knowledge from Calc I with some knowledge of DE's.
 
Here's some advice from someone that took AP physics B in high school and is currently taking college calculus based physics.

AP physics in my school was taught excellent. My teacher explained everything really well and actually challenged us. We didn't use calculus in that class and I was only taking pre-calculus with it. Now that I'm in calculus based physics, everything is easy, seriously. Every equation we do I can derive myself without the help of my professor. I understand how stuff works and why. The best thing is I can call out what he's about to explain next, makes my buddies get that :O face lol.

But yeah, I would go right with calculus based physics, makes much more sense and I think it's easier..
 
andrewkg said:
How far in calc do I need to go before. I will have taken cal 1 and I will be in calc 2 while taking it is that alright.

What does your university list as the prerequisites for the course?
 
It doesn't. There just a online sport off sing up ataturk where you view the courses then select them. It lists no prerequisites. Although, next fall I can email the teacher.
 
Sorry my phone auto corrected a few words there. I just meant an online registration system. That lists prerequisites for only a select fee courses and P/calc doesn't have one.
 
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Look at the course listings on their web site. That should tell you what the prerequisites are.
 
  • #11
I started with the lowest level physics class at my CC, because I had never taken a physics class before and needed a prereq for the intro calc-based sequence. I'm glad I had the conceptual, almost math-free intro, even though I was up to the calc of the harder sequence.

So it's okay to start at a lower level, but just take one non-calc course at the most, and be ROCK SOLID on all calc and linear algebra for the future.
 

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