What Classes Should a First Year Physics/Math Student Consider?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around course selection for a first-year physics and mathematics student at Northern Michigan University. Participants share advice on navigating course requirements and preparing for graduate school, with a focus on foundational classes in physics and mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about course selection and the desire to focus on physics and mathematics, seeking suggestions for classes.
  • Another participant advises consulting with an undergraduate advisor, noting that first-year courses are typically predetermined, including calculus and introductory physics.
  • A different participant suggests reaching out to the physics department to discuss enrollment options, indicating that overrides for full classes may be possible.
  • One participant shares that they have already consulted their academic adviser and are seeking further advice from the Head of the Physics department.
  • A later reply emphasizes the importance of registering for required courses early to avoid missing out.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of foundational courses in physics and mathematics for first-year students, but there is no consensus on specific course recommendations or strategies for overcoming enrollment challenges.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential variations in course availability and requirements across different institutions, as well as the individual circumstances of each student regarding their academic path.

Who May Find This Useful

First-year university students in physics or mathematics programs, academic advisors, and individuals interested in graduate school preparation in STEM fields.

Jasom
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As the title says, I'm a first year university student, currently attending Northern Michigan University. I'm really quite unsure about what classes I should take in my second semester and was wondering if anyone had some suggestions. I'm unsure what kind of physics/mathematics I want to get into, but I know I belong somewhere in the field of those two subjects. I'm aiming for a Ph.D in whatever field I choose.

During my first semester, I was sort of stuck with classes that I didn't really want because my Freshman Orientation was the last one of the summer and most of the classes I wanted to take were filled. I'm not taking any math or science courses right now, and it really bums me out. Those are the things I understand, things I can get a firm grasp on.

Any suggestions about courses, or even just general college advice, would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to meeting the people of PF and hopefully becoming a regular here.
 
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Talk to your undergraduate advisor. As a math or physics major, your first year is pretty much set in stone (calculus and calculus based physics then load up on GE nonsense).
 
Have you talked to anybody in the physics department about this? Practically everywhere, the physics major starts with introductory physics I and calculus I the first semester of freshman year. I'd be amazed to see a physics department let a prospective physics major get shut out of calculus and the introductory physics sequence for freshman year. There's usually a way to override enrollment limits, but it has to be done by the course instructor or someone in the department.
 
I talked to my Academic Adviser today and checked out my liberal studies evaluation, as well as the required courses for my B.S. Physics, with a double minor in Mathematics and Computer Science. I called and scheduled a meeting with the Head of the Physics department for tomorrow, so I hope I'll be able to get some more advice from him as well.

Are there any grad school prep tips I should know about and maybe certain things I should do to help me get into grad school?
 
"Are there any grad school prep tips I should know about and maybe certain things I should do to help me get into grad school? "

Register in your required courses before they are full.
 

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