Taking Physics II over the Summer

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the decision to take Physics II during a condensed summer semester, lasting five weeks, to maintain a timely graduation schedule. The participant expresses concern about the potential impact on their understanding of key concepts, particularly in Introductory Electricity and Magnetism (E&M), which are crucial for graduate school and the Physics Graduate Record Examination (PGRE). The consensus emphasizes the importance of proactive self-study before and after the course to ensure a solid foundation in the material.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts from Physics I
  • Familiarity with Electricity and Magnetism principles
  • Knowledge of study techniques for accelerated learning
  • Awareness of graduate school requirements in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Develop a self-study plan for Introductory E&M concepts
  • Research effective study techniques for accelerated courses
  • Explore resources for preparing for the PGRE
  • Connect with peers or mentors who have taken summer physics courses
USEFUL FOR

Undergraduate physics students, academic advisors, and anyone considering accelerated learning options in physics courses.

lubuntu
Messages
464
Reaction score
2
I have a bit of a dilemma coming up over the this summer. Due to the small size of my physics department most courses beyond Physics I and II are only offered once every year. I am in Physics I now and plan to take Physics II during a short semester over the summer(5 weeks) to get on the right track to be able to take upper level courses and graduate on a reasonable schedule.

I plan on studying ahead so that I will already be familiar with the concepts before I even take the course but how detrimental to my overall physics education will the short semester be? I hope to go forward into grad school so I want to make sure have a good basis in Intro E&M, which our physics II is, and I also know question from this class will often come up on the PGRE. I am setting myself up for trouble for taking the abbreviated semester? Unfortunately, at this point delaying my degree by a year would really hurt, any advice?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
do lots of studying on your own... I mean both before and after the class starts and finishes, respectively. You need that solid foundation.
 

Similar threads

Admissions Plasma Physics PhD from an EE undergrad
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Physics knowledge advice for a Civil Engineering undergrad
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Other Would it be advisable to take an extra year before graduating?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Schools Can I recover from this poor performance in my 5th semester?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Courses Which math course should I take (as a physics major)?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Admissions Advice on how best to spend my time for graduate school applications
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Programs Questions About Referrals for Physics REUs (for Undergrads)
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Courses Math Course Advice -- Harvard freshman planning to double major in physics and mathematics
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
7K
Programs Physics degree to med school? please help
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admissions Comments on my physics PhD applicant profile
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K