Go straight to calc based or finish non calc

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether a student should enroll in a calculus-based physics course (University Physics I) or complete a second non-calculus-based course (General Physics II). The focus is on the implications of jumping directly into a calculus-based physics course while still completing calculus I.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the potential drawbacks of enrolling directly in a calculus-based physics course without having completed calculus I, questioning if they might miss important foundational concepts.
  • Another participant inquires about the content of calculus I, specifically whether it includes integral calculus, suggesting that understanding the calculus content is relevant to the physics course.
  • A later reply reassures that as long as the required prerequisites are met, the student should be fine to enroll in the calculus-based course, while also noting the importance of being aware of any corequisites.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether it is advisable to jump into the calculus-based physics course. There are differing views on the importance of completing non-calculus-based physics first versus the readiness to tackle calculus-based physics with the appropriate prerequisites.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the specific content covered in calculus I and how it relates to the requirements of the physics courses. The discussion does not resolve whether the foundational knowledge from non-calculus-based physics is necessary for success in the calculus-based course.

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It's about time to register for the spring semester in my cc, and I'm not sure whether i should enroll in calc based physics course or finish a second non calc based one. In this semester I am enrolled in a non-calc based general physics course, because I am still working on finishing calc I. I provided the descriptions below. From what you know, is it a bad idea to jump straight into a calc based physics? It's not about my academic background or capabilities, but about missing out on anything.


As of right now, I'm planning to enroll in phy 112. Any comments?

General Physics I (PHY111) 4 Credits

Includes motion, energy, and properties of matter. Note: PHY111 is recommended for preprofessional and suggested for certain other majors. Students may receive credit for only one of the following: PHY111 or PHY111AA. Prerequisites: MAT182, or MAT187, or one year high school Trigonometry with a grade of "C" or better, or permission of Department or Division.

General Physics II (PHY112) 4 Credits

Includes electricity, electromagnetism, and modern physics. Prerequisites: PHY105 or PHY111.

University Physics I (PHY115) 5 Credits

General physics course using calculus to develop the principles of mechanics and thermodynamics. Recommended for majors in the sciences and mathematics. Required for Engineering majors. Prerequisites: MAT220 or MAT221 or department consent. Corequisites: MAT230 or MAT231. One year High School physics or PHY111 and PHY112 is strongly recommended.

University Physics II (PHY116) 5 Credits

Principles of electricity, magnetism, waves, and optics. Required for Engineering majors. Prerequisites: PHY115 and (MAT230 or MAT231). Corequisites: MAT241.
 
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Do you cover integral calculus in calc I? Ofter times calc I is primarily differentiation.
 
sandy.bridge said:
Do you cover integral calculus in calc I? Ofter times calc I is primarily differentiation.

integral calculus of functions of one variable in calc I.
 
As long as you have the required pre courses you should be fine. Additionally, note any corequisites that are required for that course.
 

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