I am Planning to take College Physics , but I Have Never Taken Physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concerns of a participant planning to take a college-level physics course without prior high school physics experience. The scope includes personal experiences, advice on preparation, and considerations regarding the necessary mathematical background.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that enjoyment of the subject can lead to success, indicating that catching up on material may be necessary but manageable.
  • Another participant reassures that the course will be taught from the ground up, implying that prior knowledge is not a prerequisite.
  • A different participant shares their personal experience of succeeding in the course without prior physics knowledge, suggesting that effort and smart study habits are key.
  • One participant expresses concern that a lack of calculus experience may be a greater issue than the absence of physics background.
  • Another participant mentions that knowing the basic formula F = ma is essential, implying that some foundational knowledge is beneficial.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that it is possible to succeed in the physics course without prior high school physics, although there are differing opinions on the importance of having a calculus background and the necessity of prior knowledge.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference personal experiences and varying levels of intelligence, which may introduce subjective biases. The discussion does not resolve the question of how much prior knowledge is necessary for success in the course.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering taking college physics without prior experience, educators advising students on course readiness, and individuals interested in the relationship between prior knowledge and success in STEM courses.

adelin
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In my next semester I will take Calculus and Calculus Base Physics, which only covers Statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies; force and motion; energy and momentum; rotational motion, elasticity and simple harmonic motion.

Would I do well in the physics class without physics in high school?
 
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If you really enjoy physics you can defintely do it =)
You may have to read around and catch up a bit, but if the subject is interesting to you then that isn't a problem. The only thing which can possibly stop you from not doing well is whether you end up finding out that you don't really enjoy it, so do read a bit of physics before hand and figure out whether it is for you or not
 
They teach it to you as if you have never learned it before, from scratch. You should be fine
 
I've never seen physics before this course and I got a B+ in it, but I am of below average intelligence so you should do well in it
 
adelin said:
In my next semester I will take Calculus and Calculus Base Physics, which only covers Statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies; force and motion; energy and momentum; rotational motion, elasticity and simple harmonic motion.

Would I do well in the physics class without physics in high school?

My high school was too small to offer courses like physics, calculus, etc. Therefore, I'd never taken it before college either and did well. If you put in the time, study smartly, and ask for help when necessary, then you should be fine.
 
I would be more concerned about not having previously taken calculus rather than physics.
 
Don't worry, the only thing you'll need to know by heart will be: [tex]F = ma[/tex]
 

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