Should I take E&M and Mechanics at the same time

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility and advisability of taking both Electricity and Magnetism (E&M) and Mechanics courses concurrently during a summer session. Participants explore the implications of course content, prerequisites, and the intensity of summer classes.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that taking both E&M and Mechanics at the same time may not be advisable due to the depth and breadth of material covered in each course.
  • One participant argues that with sufficient mathematical background, it is possible to manage both courses concurrently.
  • Concerns are raised about the quality of instruction in summer courses, with claims that essential topics may be skipped to accommodate the accelerated schedule.
  • Another viewpoint emphasizes that Mechanics provides foundational concepts that are critical for understanding E&M, suggesting that the two courses are interdependent.
  • Some participants note that the university's course structure may not allow for both classes to be taken simultaneously, as they are typically offered in sequence.
  • There is a discussion about the analytical skills required for Physics versus Mathematics, with some participants asserting that the analytical thinking in Physics differs significantly from that in Mathematics.
  • One participant expresses a need for natural science credits and considers Physics as a suitable option, despite not being required to take it.
  • Questions are raised about the specific prerequisites for E&M at the participant's university, with some indicating that Mechanics is not a formal prerequisite but is still advised.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the advisability of taking both courses at the same time, with some advocating against it and others suggesting it could be manageable. There is no consensus on the best approach, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal course load.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include varying university policies on course prerequisites, the potential for differing instructional quality in summer courses, and the subjective nature of analytical thinking in Physics versus Mathematics.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering taking E&M and Mechanics concurrently, particularly in a summer session, as well as those interested in the relationship between these two physics courses.

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Do you guys think it's a good idea to take both E&M and Mechanics at the same time in the summer?
 
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I wouldn't suggest taking either one of them alone in the summer.
 
Why not? As long as you know the math (differential and integral calculus on space for electromagnetism), with effort you can do both.
 
Because it's simply not covered properly in the timeframe of a summer class. Someone I know took a summer E&M class, and the instructor was bypassing all kinds of stuff just so that some of those individuals could put in the 'effort' and complete the class. It's not about whether you can earn the grade. Remember, if you're taking calc-based physics, then you're probably going to be using calc-based physics in the rest of your education, and probably in your job too.
 
Angry Citizen said:
Because it's simply not covered properly in the timeframe of a summer class. Someone I know took a summer E&M class, and the instructor was bypassing all kinds of stuff just so that some of those individuals could put in the 'effort' and complete the class. It's not about whether you can earn the grade. Remember, if you're taking calc-based physics, then you're probably going to be using calc-based physics in the rest of your education, and probably in your job too.
Well, not really...

I don't need to take physics, but I need 10 credits of natural science for gen ed requirements, so I thought physics would be a good choice.

edit: I'm a math & comp sci major.
 
I see. Is it calc-based or algebra-based?
 
Do not take those two at the same time/ same term. The beginning mechanics course teaches you fundamental things about motion and attraction (involving Gravity); you also learn maybe for the first time, to think analytically. The E-M course requires you can already think analytically, and you deal with both attraction and repulsion.
 
It's calc-based.

@symbolipont: I've taken plenty of math courses... so I think I know how to think analytically.

Is there any mechanics stuff you use E&M? Because mechanics is not a prereq for E&M at my university...
 
Mechanics is used constantly in E&M. Physics is not math. The analytical thinking you do in math is not the analytical thinking you do in physics.
 
  • #10
Angry Citizen said:
Mechanics is used constantly in E&M. Physics is not math. The analytical thinking you do in math is not the analytical thinking you do in physics.

Ok I see your point... but do you think it's possible to take it concurrently and do good if I work hard?
 
  • #11
Probably not. Can you tell me what power is ... really? Or work? Or can you draw force diagrams and analyze the force vectors? All of these will appear within weeks of your E&M class.
 
  • #12
Will your university even allow you to take both courses at the same time? They're normally taught as a sequence, with the first semester (mechanics) being pre-requisite for the second semester (E&M). In fact, I'd be kind of surprised if they're actually offered at the same time in the summer, unless you're at a very large university. They're most likely offered during consecutive half-semesters, with each course taking six or seven weeks. I've taught that sort of course: an hour and a half of lecture, five days a week, and two labs per week. I called it "Firehose Physics."

E&M does extensively use concepts from the first semester. As AC noted, you'll be using vectors right off the bat in E&M, and when you get to electric potential (voltage) and circuits, you need to be familiar with energy and power.
 
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  • #13
jtbell said:
Will your university even allow you to take both courses at the same time? They're normally taught as a sequence, with the first semester (mechanics) being pre-requisite for the second semester (E&M). In fact, I'd be kind of surprised if they're actually offered at the same time in the summer, unless you're at a very large university. They're most likely offered during consecutive half-semesters, with each course taking six or seven weeks. I've taught that sort of course: an hour and a half of lecture, five days a week, and two labs per week. I called it "Firehose Physics."

E&M does extensively use concepts from the first semester. As AC noted, you'll be using vectors right off the bat in E&M, and when you get to electric potential (voltage) and circuits, you need to be familiar with energy and power.

Mechanics is an advisory prereq at my university but not required.

Anyway, based on what you guys said, I guess I'll just take mechanics.

Thanks everyone.
 

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