Courses Similarities in College Physics 1301 and University Physics 2425

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the transition from a trig-based physics course to a calculus-based physics course, specifically University Physics 1 (2425). Key points include the expectation that while the two courses cover similar topics—such as kinematics, vectors, conservation laws, and rotational kinematics—the calculus-based course will delve deeper into these subjects, incorporating calculus concepts like limits and derivatives. This deeper understanding may make the calculus course more challenging, but having a background in trig-based physics could provide a solid foundation, making it somewhat easier. It's noted that the calculus will primarily serve to enhance understanding rather than complicate the material significantly. Participants suggest reviewing the course textbook in advance to better prepare for the upcoming challenges. Overall, the calculus-based course is essential for a physics degree and is expected to build on the knowledge gained from the trig-based course.
L1ght
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I'm completing College (Trig-based) Physics 1301 this week and enrolled in University (Calculus-based) Physics this January. I'm also taking Calculus 1 in parallel.

My question is: How similar / different are the two classes, besides 2425 being Calculus based ?
Will 2425 (University Physics 1) be covering mostly the same material such as kinematics, vectors, conservation laws, collisions, torque & equilibrium, rotational kinematics, etc...just a little tougher by adding another dimension and requiring Cal ?
Will I be ahead of the game a little or will they be covering all new material and will it be a lot tougher ?
I'm carrying an A (95) in Pre-cal.

I'm a 55 year old going back to school for a degree in Physics, transferring from Community college to University this Spring.
Thanks for any insight.
 
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Course numbers are not universal.

The course description will answer your question, but if you are planning on a physics degree, you want the calculus-based one.
 
L1ght said:
I'm a 55 year old going back to school for a degree in Physics
What do you intend to do with this degree?

I agree with V50 that the calculus-based course is the one that will "count". All the other courses in a physics bachelor's degree assume that you've had a calculus-based intro course, and of course a sequence of calculus courses. Having taken a trig-based physics course may well make the calculus-based course a bit easier, because the general subject matter overlaps a lot, although at different levels of sophistication. I did trig-based physics in high school, then calculus-based physics in my freshman year of college.
 
L1ght said:
I'm completing College (Trig-based) Physics 1301 this week and enrolled in University (Calculus-based) Physics this January. I'm also taking Calculus 1 in parallel.

My question is: How similar / different are the two classes, besides 2425 being Calculus based ?
Will 2425 (University Physics 1) be covering mostly the same material such as kinematics, vectors, conservation laws, collisions, torque & equilibrium, rotational kinematics, etc...just a little tougher by adding another dimension and requiring Cal ?
Will I be ahead of the game a little or will they be covering all new material and will it be a lot tougher ?
I'm carrying an A (95) in Pre-cal.

I'm a 55 year old going back to school for a degree in Physics, transferring from Community college to University this Spring.
Thanks for any insight.
its pretty much the same. except for a few new things. ie., mostly the derivations, if they are done, will require things like understanding the definition of a limit, definition of derivative, some simple derivatives/integrals. The calculus is used intuitively more than anything, a bit superficial. The only exception, is if this is an honors based course. The main math used will still be trigonometry.

You can always see what book the university is using by looking the course on the online bookstore. Buy it early, and have a look at it.
 
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