Should I Take an Introductory Physics Course Before Calculus I?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether a student with a limited math background should take an introductory physics course before enrolling in Calculus I. The scope includes considerations of prerequisites, the relationship between physics and calculus, and personal learning experiences.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about their lack of physics knowledge and wonders if an introductory physics course would be beneficial before taking Calculus I.
  • Another participant suggests that while calculus is helpful, it should not be a barrier if not required for the physics course.
  • It is noted by a participant that a non-calculus-based physics class should be manageable without prior calculus knowledge.
  • A participant shares their experience of taking a trig-based physics course alongside Calculus I, indicating that it helped them understand physics terminology and concepts.
  • Another participant mentions that taking physics after completing Calculus II made the subject easier for them, but observes that others taking both subjects concurrently faced challenges in understanding the material.
  • One suggestion is made to take a non-calculus physics course first to build foundational knowledge before progressing to calculus-based physics after completing Calculus I.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity and timing of taking physics in relation to calculus. Some advocate for taking a non-calculus physics course first, while others believe that concurrent enrollment in both subjects can be manageable but may present challenges.

Contextual Notes

Participants' experiences vary widely, and there is no consensus on the best approach. The discussion reflects individual learning styles and the perceived relationship between physics and calculus.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering their course load in relation to physics and calculus, particularly those with limited math backgrounds or concerns about prerequisites.

marly
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I never really had much math back ground and I was lucky I passed high school math. I was in the hospital a lot, I think my teacher felt sorry for me and gave me a passing grade, so I could get my HS diploma.

I decided to go to college and I took my placement tests and they placed me in remedial math. I’ve gone through all of the remedial math courses, college Algebra I & II, trig, (low A’s/High B’s, I spent hours studying) and I will be taking Calculus & Analytic Geometry next fall.

My question is this: would it make sense to take an intro Physics course at my college before I take the Calculus I class? I have absolutely no physics knowledge, unless you count d=rt from my Algebra courses. :)

Obviously I meet the Prereq for Calculus I at my college, but I was thinking maybe some sort of intro to physics might be helpful.

I’m a slow learner, but once I understand something I understand it. I was thinking some type of background in a different math area other than your normal math might be helpful.

Thanks
 
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calculus will always help, but if it isn't a pre requisite for that course then it shouldn't be an issue.
 
As long as the physics class IS NOT calc-based you will be fine. There shouldn't be any science pre-reqs for algebra/trig based physics.
 
I took a trig-based physics course concurrent with Calculus I and it helped me get familiar with the terms, units, approaches of physics. I would absolutely not take Physics I with Calculus until you can differentiate very easily, and solve simple integrals. You also need to know how to integrate and differentiate functions with log/e et al.

I am taking Calculus II with Physics I w/ Calculus right now and there has already been several occasions where I have learned something in Calc, and found it on a physics test a week later!
 
I took my physics courses after calculus II. And from the experience I had, I thought physics was fairly easy, might have been because of the calculus courses I took before taking it. But from what I observed of people taking physics I and calculus together, they seem to do fairly well but also have a hard time understanding the material.

If I were you, I'd at-least take a non-calculus physics course to get my feet wet and after Calculus I, take a calculus based physics course.
 

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