Pre-Med Physics: Calc vs Non-Calc

[Cyberchicken]

I'm a pre-med student currently registering for classes for the next semester and physics is next up for me on the requirements. I want some insight as to whether it's a good idea to take the non-calc, pre-med physics with a teacher they say is "eh", or to take the calc based, physics major course with a teacher who is supposedly great.

I will have finished calc II by the end of this semester and I like math, so the calc part is not a problem. I just want to know if it's worth it to learn the extra material which is unnecessary for the MCAT in order to have a better teacher.

 

[Jack21222]

Take the calc-based if you're good with the math. I think it's easier to understand the material when the teacher can use the words "derivative" and "integral" instead of waving their hands and pulling formulae out of their rectal cavities.

 

[G01]

It's worth it. If you know calculus, then go for the better teacher.

One's first physics teacher can make a huge impression on what they learn and how they view the subject, at least in my opinion.

 

[physics girl phd]

I'll concur with the above two recommendations. If you have the grasp of calculus and think you can perform as well (or better because of the better professor) in the calc-based course, take the calc-based course. It will hopefully make your understanding better (which may in turn make problems easier on the MCAT... since that test apparently doesn't give you a formula sheet). In addition, it might make you stand out a bit among other med-school applicants.

Do, however, make sure that your "pre-med major" accepts the course. I make the above recommendation based on my sister's experience, before such majors existed. She majored in chemistry and biology, took the calculus-based physics sequence, and successfully applied for and completed an MD/PhD (which is a great financial route if you have the interest and ability).

 

[Jack21222]

Do, however, make sure that your "pre-med major" accepts the course.

Great suggestion. When I took general physics 1 at the community college, the calc-based version was a non-lab class, and the non-calc one was a lab, so one particular certificate program required the non-calc class with the lab.