Selecting the Right Physics Course
Introductory Classes Can Be Conceptual, Algebra-, or Calculus-Based
Aug 21, 2008
To select the right college or university physics course, students need to know the purpose of each type of class and the preparation required. Selecting the right introductory physics class will help insure that the class will meet the student's career goals.
Conceptual Physics
Conceptual physics courses are often called "physics for poets" classes. They are designed for students who will not become scientists or engineers and will not take higher level physics. Rather they meet the needs of students trying to satisfy a general science requirement for graduation. These courses also meet the needs of students who are simply curious about physics and want a general survey using minimal mathematics.
As liberal arts physics courses, conceptual physics classes concentrate on a conceptual understanding of fundamental physics principles. Mathematics is seldom used in these courses, and is usually confined to simple mathematics. Complex algebraic manipulations are avoided. These courses are usually one semester survey courses.
Many professors in these courses will also make more effort to connect the fundamental physics principles to societal issues. For example, questions concerning risks of nuclear power, energy conservation, various applications of physics, and so forth might be discussed.
Algebra Based Physics
Algebra based physics courses use algebra and trigonometry, but do not use calculus. To succeed in these courses students need to be proficient in manipulating and interpreting algebraic equations. They also need to understand the basic trigonometric functions such as sine, cosine, and tangent.
Students not familiar with these concepts are not likely to understand either the textbook, the class lectures, or the homework problems. Students whose career goals or majors require algebra based physics should make sure that they have a good grasp of these mathematical concepts before taking their physics course.
Exact requirements vary, but most college science or technology major programs require a two semester course sequence at the algebra based, or higher level. Programs that require the algebra based physics sequence are usually science or science related majors that do not require physics beyond the introductory level. They include such majors as: biology, chemistry, geology, premed, and engineering technology. However, students in these programs who want to take advanced physics courses should select the calculus based courses.
Calculus Based Physics
Calculus based physics courses require a greater proficiency in algebra and trigonometry than the algebra based physics courses. In addition they require some knowledge of calculus. At some colleges or universities, students must complete a semester of calculus before taking the calculus based physics course. At others, students may enroll concurrently in the first semester of calculus and the calculus based physics. Check the requirements before enrolling. Students without the required mathematical background will have a much more difficult time succeeding, so get the needed math first.
Major programs that require a sequence of calculus based physics courses include: physics, engineering and some chemistry or biology programs. Students planning to take advanced physics courses should take the calculus based introductory sequence as it is nearly always a prerequisite for advanced physics courses.
Students enrolled in programs requiring algebra based physics who want to go beyond the minimum requirements for their majors may take the calculus based rather than the algebra based physics courses. Graduate and medical school admissions committees are often impressed with students who go beyond the minimum requirements.
If your educational or career goals require a college or university physics course, make sure to select the correct introductory course.
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