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Old 04-14-2012, 11:39 AM   #1
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Lightbulb Which physics is more important for the mcats?


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Hi all,
This is my first post here ...after months of lurking that is...

My college offers two different physics course.. can you tell me which one (based on experience etc). that you think is best in preparation for the mcats ?

Technical physics or general physics?

Here is a quick summary of the difference in my course catalog:
Technical Physics I

This is a noncalculus-based introduction to the principles of physics and their applications. Emphasis is placed on understanding through problem solving. This course is not transferable to most four-year engineering degrees. Topics include vectors, Newton’s law of motion, work, energy, and machines.
Second part of this course includes circular motion, hydrodynamics, thermodynamics, optics, and electrostatics.


General Physics
This course is one-year calculus-based introduction to the principles of physics and their applications. Emphasis is placed on understanding through problem solving. This course is transferable to four-year engineering degrees. Topics include vectors, Newton’s law of motion, work, energy, rotational motion, and simple harmonic motion.
The second part of this course include the laws of gravity and satellite motion, optics,and electromagnetism.

Which one seems like it covers the mcats physics topics better?

Thanks
-Baklava

Last edited by Baklava; 04-14-2012 at 12:00 PM.
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Old 04-14-2012, 12:14 PM   #2
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Non calculus based physics for sure--there is no calculus on the MCAT lol
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Old 04-14-2012, 02:30 PM   #3
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Some say calc based gives them a stronger understanding and the ability to derive equations they forgot. I took algebra/trig based and am nailing the TBR section tests and feel my understanding is sufficient, I guess we just have to memorize a few more formulas-which is fine for me.

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Old 04-14-2012, 03:51 PM   #4
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Meh, I think algebra based physics is almost an oxymoron, but the physics on the MCAT is highly simplified, so it doesn't matter for the purposes of wanting to go to med school.
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Old 04-15-2012, 09:48 AM   #5
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You'll probably have stronger foundations if you take the calculus-based course, but if you are already crunched on time & workload, you definitely don't need to take it. I'm pretty sure anything you'll need to know on the mcat will be covered in the non-calculus course.
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Old 04-16-2012, 07:22 PM   #6
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Thanks for the replies everyone.

Last edited by Baklava; 04-16-2012 at 07:35 PM.
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