Programs Is algebra-based Physics useless for majors?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Carnivroar
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Physics
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the limitations of a school's Physics department, which only offers algebra-based introductory physics courses, supplemented by an unofficial calculus session for interested students. Concerns are raised about potentially missing out on essential content by not taking a full calculus-based course. However, it is noted that many physics majors who took algebra-based classes are succeeding, suggesting that the core concepts remain consistent regardless of the mathematical approach used. The consensus indicates that while some courses may be more beneficial than others, the fundamental principles of physics are universally applicable, and the lack of a formal calculus course may not significantly hinder understanding or success in the field.
Carnivroar
Messages
128
Reaction score
1
Because my school's Physics department is so limited, they only offer algebra-based introductory physics lectures/labs.

All there is for us majors is an extra unofficial 1-hour calculus session per week for those of us who wanted to take a full calculus-based course.

Am I going to be missing out on anything? My professor said I won't, but I feel so disinterested now.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There's often not a big difference between the material taught in the two courses. Several of the physics majors in my current department took algebra-based intro classes, and they're doing fine.
 
Physics is physics at the end of the day.

wether your using trig or calc or w/e math they want to use, the same basic concept is there.

no class can hurt you, just some are better then others.
 
After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
Hello, I’m an undergraduate student pursuing degrees in both computer science and physics. I was wondering if anyone here has graduated with these degrees and applied to a physics graduate program. I’m curious about how graduate programs evaluated your applications. In addition, if I’m interested in doing research in quantum fields related to materials or computational physics, what kinds of undergraduate research experiences would be most valuable?

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
16
Views
2K
Back
Top