Which physics for physical chemistry?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the utility of algebra-based versus calculus-based physics for a biology major with a minor in chemistry and math. The original poster, Christian, is concerned about whether algebra-based physics will disadvantage him, especially since he plans to take physical chemistry (PCHEM) later. Responses suggest that students with a strong math background often find algebra-based physics less illuminating and that calculus-based physics provides a clearer understanding of concepts. However, it is acknowledged that if the biology major requires algebra-based physics, it may be more practical to take that course to meet requirements without delaying progress. There is also a focus on the importance of understanding personal learning challenges and the need for effective resources and support, as well as the prerequisites for PCHEM courses at different universities. Ultimately, the consensus leans toward taking the course that aligns with major requirements while ensuring adequate support for success.
Geo_Zegarra2018
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Hey guys,

I was wondering if algebra based physics will be useful or I will be in a disadvantage? I’m doing a minor in chemsitry and math. So I’m not sure when I will take PCHEM. Probably after partial differential equations I will take it. I’m hoping to take it in fall 2019 or spring 2020.im a tranafer student who recently changed major to biology.

Thanks,
Christian

NOTE: I’m asking becaaue I will be taking general physics 1 and 2 in the summer 2018
 
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I would recommend calculus-based physics. You will have more than enough math background for that and the physical concepts will be easier for you to grasp. People like you with a strong math background are sometimes baffled by the subterfuges that are used in algebra-based physics courses to get around the calculus; they don't see what's going on until it's explained to them using calculus. I saw this happen when I taught an algebra-based course. Once I used calculus to explain the same ideas, the students immediately "saw the light". So you might as well do it right from the beginning. In my opinion, algebra-based intro physics courses are easier only for those who have no calculus background.
 
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The problem is that my professor at the university didn’t really use calculus for the physics class. I took the calculus based physics and I didn’t learn nothing. I got a bad grade (F) that’s because I didn’t have the resources and help. My mom already hired a tutor for me to go over from Scratch starting chapter 1 and hopefully end by chapter 3. I could take the calculus based physics again, but will it benefit me from taking the same professor twice?
 
I think you have bigger issues than just what class to take. You don't like Halliday and Resnick, you don't like your professor, Mommy hired a tutor and you still failed, somehow unlike the students who passed, you didn't have "the necessary resources and help" (I note in passing you have made zero posts in the homework help section), and yet you want to transfer into Penn State (an extrfemely difficult transfer), and you've been on about this for two years.

I think you need to understand why what you are doing isn't working.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
I think you have bigger issues than just what class to take. You don't like Halliday and Resnick, you don't like your professor, Mommy hired a tutor and you still failed, somehow unlike the students who passed, you didn't have "the necessary resources and help" (I note in passing you have made zero posts in the homework help section), and yet you want to transfer into Penn State (an extrfemely difficult transfer), and you've been on about this for two years.

I think you need to understand why what you are doing isn't working.

I actually transferred to University At Albany. This was my first time I took Physics and sat through the class. I did take Physics at my community college but withdrew because my calculus wasn't very good. Now 2017, I finished calculus 2 this semester and going to calculus 3. There are students out there who don't have their parents support. I'm very glad and appreciate that I have parents that care for me. I just don't want to pass physics and get a good grade. I want to understand and see how physics plays a role in Biology.

I'm now in majoring biology with a minor in chemistry and math.
 
My biology major requires the algebra-based physics.
 
Geo_Zegarra2018 said:
My biology major requires the algebra-based physics.
Then take what your major requires. You don't really need calculus to investigate the role that Physics plays in Biology.
 
kuruman said:
Then take what your major requires. You don't really need calculus to investigate the role that Physics plays in Biology.

I'm interested in taking PCHEM because having a minor in chemistry who is interested in going to grad school for Atmospheric chemistry or chemistry. Some schools require PCHEM
 
What do you get when you follow the chain of prerequisites for your university's PCHEM course?

Does your university require chemistry majors to take algebra/trig-based physics or calculus-based physics?
 
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jtbell said:
What do you get when you follow the chain of prerequisites for your university's PCHEM course?

Does your university require chemistry majors to take algebra/trig-based physics or calculus-based physics?

When I was a chemistry major I had to take the calculus-based physics. However, I think if I talk to the professor who teaches PHCEM. If I can take the Algebra-based physics. That way I don't get behind because if i wait to retake the calculus-based physics it won't be until fall 2018.
 
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