Summer course selection question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of taking general physics II (a calculus-based introduction to electromagnetism) and calculus III (multivariable calculus) concurrently during a summer session. Participants share their experiences and opinions regarding the workload and manageability of these courses when taken together, particularly in a condensed timeframe.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the difficulty of taking both courses concurrently, asking if it is a bad idea.
  • Several participants share positive experiences, stating that they found it manageable to take both classes together in previous semesters.
  • One participant notes that the summer schedule may be more fast-paced but does not foresee it being a problem based on their own experience with similar courses.
  • Another participant suggests that commitment to the workload is crucial for managing both classes effectively.
  • A participant raises a cautionary point about the potential challenges if the student struggled in physics I, while acknowledging that the student seems to excel in calculus.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that it is possible to take both courses concurrently, but there are differing opinions on the level of difficulty and the necessary commitment. Some express confidence based on their own experiences, while others suggest caution based on individual performance in related subjects.

Contextual Notes

Participants' views depend on personal experiences and may vary based on individual study habits and prior knowledge in physics and calculus.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering summer course loads in physics and mathematics, particularly those in engineering disciplines.

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Is it a bad idea to take general physics II (calc based intro to E&M) and calculus III (multivariable) concurrently over the same summer session?

I am a relatively good student. Last semester I had a 3.8 GPA (A in calculus I) and this semester I have an A- in calculus II.The session dates are as follows:
Physics + Physics Lab: 05/23/2011 - 08/19/2011
Calculus: 06/13/2011 - 08/05/2011

ie: they are a little longer than the typical summer session, about 3 months.

edit:

oh, by the way, I am a mechanical/nuclear engineering student, not a physics major.
 
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I don't see a problem with it, I did the same thing a couple of semeters ago, both classes are enjoyable; calc III is especially a lot of fun, and more useful if you cover basic vector analysis (div, grad, curl, etc). Go for it.
 
I had a similar set-up a few semesters ago, and it was very easy to manage. Go for it.
 
It's easy to manage if you're willing to commit the time to it.
 
I'm doing Calc3, Physics 2, and ODE together right now and its not a problem. Although a summer schedule will be a bit more fast paced I don't think it'll be a problem.

How'd you do in physics 1, if you had a lot of trouble there then I might be wary. You seem to have no problem in calc though (I'm the same way, made As in Calc I/II and III is not a problem).
 

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