Is a Physics with Calculus Class Right for Me as a First-Semester Freshman?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether a first-semester freshman should take a physics course that incorporates calculus alongside a Calculus I class. Participants explore the implications of taking both courses simultaneously, considering their backgrounds in mathematics and physics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that it may be beneficial to take Calculus I before enrolling in calculus-based physics to avoid difficulties with concepts that require integration.
  • Others argue that calculus is not heavily featured in all calculus-based physics courses, indicating that it might be possible to take both courses concurrently.
  • A participant mentions that their experience included solving differential equations in their physics course, implying that some physics classes may require a solid understanding of calculus.
  • Another participant advises that if the physics course is focused on mechanics rather than electromagnetism, it might be manageable to take both classes together.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential challenges of taking physics without a strong calculus foundation, citing a friend's experience of struggling with integration in physics problems.
  • Several participants recommend consulting with professors to understand the specific prerequisites and expectations for the courses in question.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of prior calculus knowledge for success in calculus-based physics. There is no consensus on whether it is advisable to take both courses simultaneously, as experiences and course structures vary significantly.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the level of calculus required in physics courses can differ by institution and instructor, leading to uncertainty about the appropriate course sequence for incoming freshmen.

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Is it advisable to take a physics with calculus class along with Calc I (first semester, freshmen year) if I've never taken a calculus class before? Or should I take Calc I first semester and hold off on physics with calculus?

I should note that, I'm fairly good at math and very interested in physics. Pre-Calc stuff is really easy for me but I'm not sure if that means anything for a university level Calc I class.

Any advise is welcomed, thanks.
 
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Hm this can go both ways, but I think it might be best to be introduced to calculus first, then calc based physics. It'll really suck when you start to work with "work" and you haven't even learned how to integrate yet.
 
there's no calc in calc based physics. take em both
 
ice109 said:
there's no calc in calc based physics. take em both

Yea, maybe not in yours, but there was in mine. In fact, I had to solve a differential equation on my test. If that isn't calculus, I'm not sure what is.
 
I assume you're doing Mechanics based physics first, not E and M else I'd strongly advise to wait till you have higher math knowledge. You probably can do it first semester, infact you might be able to draw connections to what you're doing in physics.

I passed out of mechanics and calc 1 with AP, so I can't really comment on that, but I had no problem doing the AP versions together. That said AP is a lot easier than college.
 
dashkin111 said:
I assume you're doing Mechanics based physics first, not E and M else I'd strongly advise to wait till you have higher math knowledge. You probably can do it first semester, infact you might be able to draw connections to what you're doing in physics.

I passed out of mechanics and calc 1 with AP, so I can't really comment on that, but I had no problem doing the AP versions together. That said AP is a lot easier than college.


E-mail the professor and tell him/her exactly what you told us. He/she will have had plenty of experience with plenty of students of varying backgrounds in math. Find out what the prerequisite is (or Co-requisite).

Casey
 
PowerIso said:
Yea, maybe not in yours, but there was in mine. In fact, I had to solve a differential equation on my test. If that isn't calculus, I'm not sure what is.

where do you go to school?
 
Saladsamurai said:
E-mail the professor and tell him/her exactly what you told us. He/she will have had plenty of experience with plenty of students of varying backgrounds in math. Find out what the prerequisite is (or Co-requisite).

Casey


Why did you quote me? :confused:

But yes, prereq's/coreqs are there for a reason
 
My calc based physics didn't have any physics either, but taking Calc 1 at least concurrently was required.
 
  • #10
My physics had calc in it, and they had it set up you take physics: mechanics w/ calc 1, had no issues.
 
  • #11
dashkin111 said:
Why did you quote me? :confused:

But yes, prereq's/coreqs are there for a reason

Because I hate you.

Casey
 
  • #12
ice109 said:
where do you go to school?

My Freshman year, I went to Rice.

Anyway, I think it's important to talk to your professors about how much calculus is experienced in the introduction course. It appears that some require you to know it fairly well, while others allow you to slide by the crack. If your physics class is anything like mine, it'll be tough, because my intro physics class can had a lot of Calculus, but it appears some departments may reduce the calculus encountered.
 
Last edited:
  • #13
Calc I was a requisite for my Physics I class in my school. You can take Physics along with Calc I but, maybe in some things you will get stucked. I am telling you this because I have a friend that took Physics I along with Calc I and he fail the Physics class because he didn´t know how to integrate some formulas (kinematics, work, Potential energy, etc). Talk with your professor so he can give you an advice.
 
  • #14
Calc I was a requisite for my Physics I class in my school. You can take Physics along with Calc I but, maybe in some things you will get stucked. I am telling you this because I have a friend that took Physics I along with Calc I and he fail the Physics class because he didn´t know how to integrate some formulas (kinematics, work, Potential energy, etc). Talk with your professor so he can give you an advice.
 

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