Courses Should I Retake Physics 1 Before Taking Physics 2 After Learning Calculus?

  • Thread starter Thread starter C5F8576
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Physics education
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on whether a student who completed algebra-based Physics 1 and has taken Calculus 2 and Linear Algebra can proceed directly to calculus-based Physics 2. The consensus is that the student should enroll in calculus-based Physics 1 first, as it provides a necessary foundation for upper-level physics courses. This is particularly important for a physics major aiming for a strong GPA and understanding of concepts, as calculus is integral to solving physics problems. Concerns are raised about potential school policies regarding course prerequisites and credit for overlapping courses, suggesting that auditing calculus-based Physics 1 might be a viable alternative if direct enrollment is not permitted.
C5F8576
Hi,

I took algebra-based Physics 1 (classical mechanics). I have taken up to Calc 2 and Linear Algebra, and I was wondering if it's ok to move on to calc-based Physics 2 (electromagnetism) or if I should take calc-based Physics 1.

I intend to major in physics and received an A- in Physics 1. My GPA is important to me as is having a strong foundation for upper level courses. Please advise.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
C5F8576 said:
I took algebra-based Physics 1 (classical mechanics). I have taken up to Calc 2 and Linear Algebra, and I was wondering if it's ok to move on to calc-based Physics 2 (electromagnetism) or if I should take calc-based Physics 1.
The correct alternative is enter the course for Calculus-based Physics 1.
 
Calc based physics 1. The calculus approach is how physicists actually solve the problems so you need it for a proper foundation.
 
  • Like
  • Informative
Likes symbolipoint and topsquark
C5F8576 said:
Hi,

I took algebra-based Physics 1 (classical mechanics). I have taken up to Calc 2 and Linear Algebra, and I was wondering if it's ok to move on to calc-based Physics 2 (electromagnetism) or if I should take calc-based Physics 1.

I intend to major in physics and received an A- in Physics 1. My GPA is important to me as is having a strong foundation for upper level courses. Please advise.
Definitely calculus-based Physics 1. It is de rigeur as a strong foundation for upper level physics courses; and, since you've already been exposed to basic physics principles in algebra-based Physics 1 and have already completed Calculus 2, you should be well positioned to do better with respect to grades as well; hence, satisfying both of your goals.

But please clarify your situation. Are you a transfer student who took algebra-based Physics I at a different school (such as community college)? But if not, and you take both algebra-based Physics I and calculus-based Physics I at the same school, can you get credit for both? Did you decide on becoming a physics major only after taking algebra-based Physics I (otherwise, why didn't you take the calculus-based Physics I at the start)?
 
I don't think you really have a choice here. Passing calculus-based Physics I is normally a pre-requisite for calculus-based Physics II. I doubt the school will let you enroll in Physics II.
 
  • Like
Likes Vanadium 50 and gwnorth
I agree - you probably don't have a choice.
You also may run into the problem that your school will not let you take both courses for credit. In that case, I would recommend auditing Calc-based Physics 1 before taking Physics 2, (If that option is available)
 
Bit Britain-specific but I was wondering, what's the best path to take for A-Levels out of the following (I know Y10 seems a bit early to be thinking about A-levels, but my choice will impact what I do this year/ in y11) I (almost) definitely want to do physics at University - so keep that in mind... The subjects that I'm almost definitely going to take are Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and I'm taking a fast track programme which means that I'll be taking AS computer science at the end...
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...
I'm going to make this one quick since I have little time. Background: Throughout my life I have always done good in Math. I almost always received 90%+, and received easily upwards of 95% when I took normal-level HS Math courses. When I took Grade 9 "De-Streamed" Math (All students must take "De-Streamed" in Canada), I initially had 98% until I got very sick and my mark had dropped to 95%. The Physics teachers and Math teachers talked about me as if I were some sort of genius. Then, an...

Similar threads

Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
5K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
22
Views
6K
Back
Top