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

AI Thread Summary
Taking both Electromagnetism (E&M) and Mechanics concurrently in a summer session is generally discouraged due to the intensive nature of the courses and the limited time frame. The discussion highlights that a solid understanding of calculus is essential for both subjects, particularly for E&M, which builds on concepts from Mechanics. Many participants stress that Mechanics provides foundational knowledge necessary for E&M, including analytical thinking and vector analysis, which are crucial for understanding forces and energy in physics. Concerns are raised about the adequacy of summer courses, as instructors may skip essential material to accommodate the accelerated pace. Additionally, some universities may not allow these courses to be taken simultaneously, as they are often structured sequentially. Ultimately, the consensus leans towards taking Mechanics first to ensure a solid grounding before tackling E&M.
forgetyou678
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Do you guys think it's a good idea to take both E&M and Mechanics at the same time in the summer?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
Last edited:
  • #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.
 

Similar threads

Replies
21
Views
2K
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Back
Top