Preparation for Thermodynamics & Modrn Physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around preparation for the "PHY 215: Thermodynamics & Modern Physics" course at Michigan State University. Participants explore the prerequisites, content focus, and study strategies for the course, which includes topics in thermodynamics, atomic physics, and modern physics. There is also a concern about course registration and class availability.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Alex expresses uncertainty about what to study in preparation for the course, given limited prior knowledge of thermodynamics and no experience in chemistry.
  • Some participants suggest that prior knowledge of thermodynamics may not be necessary for the course, indicating that a brief review could be beneficial.
  • One participant notes that statistics are unlikely to be relevant for the course content.
  • There is mention of a future course (PHY 410) that will cover statistical mechanics in more depth.
  • Alex raises concerns about registering for classes after orientation and whether spots will fill up, with some participants sharing experiences about class enrollment practices.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that prior knowledge of thermodynamics is not a strict requirement for the course, but there are varying opinions on the necessity of studying it beforehand. The discussion about class registration practices reflects differing experiences, but no consensus is reached on specific enrollment policies at Michigan State University.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the course website for prerequisites but do not provide specific details about them. There is uncertainty regarding the exact content and structure of the course, particularly in relation to statistics and the depth of thermodynamics covered.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for university-level physics courses, particularly those transitioning from community college, may find this discussion relevant. Additionally, individuals interested in course registration processes and class availability at universities could benefit from the shared experiences.

AlexChandler
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Preparation for "Thermodynamics & Modrn Physics"

Hello,
I will be transferring to Michigan State University next semester (from Washtenaw Community College) and will be taking a course called "PHY 215: Thermodynamics & Modern Physics", which is actually in the Chemistry Building.
I have learned a bit about Thermodynamics in my first calculus based physics course, but we didn't spend much time on it. I have no experience in chemistry, but I will be taking General Chemistry next semester as well.
The course description is: Thermodynamics, atomic physics, quantized systems, nuclear physics, solids, elementary particles.
I am wondering what I should spend my time on studying for preparation. I have about 20 days off after this semester ends. I have never taken a course in statistics before. Is it likely that the course use much statistics?
Thank you!
Alex
 
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What are the prerequisites for this course?
 


http://www.pa.msu.edu/courses/phy215/

gives the prerequisites. The dates seem to correspond to this semester. I don't think that you will be expected to know much, if anything, about thermodynamics. However, studying a little more thermodynamics before the course could prove useful.
 


Greetings again AlexChandler,

When I took the course, the first 3 weeks were thermodynamics related (Oh, and I see its still the same based on the course website). The remaining was more "modern physics" which basically gave a week long overview of a variety of topics. It likely doesn't assume any prior knowledge of thermodynamics. Statistics won't be of much use in this course.

You'll take your 'real' thermodynamics course in PHY 410 (statistical mechanics).

Good luck!
 


Aha Thank you!
Im very excited for my first university courses. I think I will take either Linear Algebra, PDE's or Applied Advanced Calculus as well. However I cannot register until my orientation on January 7, and classes begin on the 10th! So I hope the classes do not fill up before then. PHY 215 still has 20 spots open. Do you think this will be a problem? I was told that the physics and math classes usually don't fill up.
 


AlexChandler said:
Aha Thank you!
Im very excited for my first university courses. I think I will take either Linear Algebra, PDE's or Applied Advanced Calculus as well. However I cannot register until my orientation on January 7, and classes begin on the 10th! So I hope the classes do not fill up before then. PHY 215 still has 20 spots open. Do you think this will be a problem? I was told that the physics and math classes usually don't fill up.

I don't know about the specific school you will attend, but in the schools I've attended, math and physics profs are usually very willing to enroll students over the 'full' quota. The only exceptions are labs, which have a hard limit due to the number of lab stations.
 

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