Introductory Physics or Principles of Physics?

MedicineMike · Aug 16, 2009

I did a search and couldnt really find any answers. I am registering for physics this fall and do not know which one to take. Introductory physics (algebra/pre-calc based) or Principles of Physics ("elementary calculus based"). Is there a difference between having physics I&II as introductory courses vs. principle courses when applying to med school? Further more, I have not taken calculus, only pre-calc.

Thanks in advance.

BlueElmo · Aug 16, 2009

MedicineMike said:
I did a search and couldnt really find any answers. I am registering for physics this fall and do not know which one to take. Introductory physics (algebra/pre-calc based) or Principles of Physics ("elementary calculus based"). Is there a difference between having physics I&II as introductory courses vs. principle courses when applying to med school? Further more, I have not taken calculus, only pre-calc.

Thanks in advance.

Then just stick with the Intro Physics one.

chicubsfan · Aug 16, 2009

I've heard it's better to take physics for majors, which is probably the calculus based class. However, you obviously have not fulfilled the pre-req. IMO, calculus based physics is NOT needed for the MCAT - I think the algebra based class would be fine. In any case, the best thing to do will be to email your adviser and see what most pre-meds at your school do. Then plan accordingly. Good luck!

shaggybill · Aug 16, 2009

You don't need calc-based physics. You'll be fine with Intro Physics.

schrizto · Aug 16, 2009

Go with intro physics.

EyEnStein 07 · Aug 17, 2009

go with algebra based...calc based is a pain if you dont have the necessary skills for it.

DNM · Aug 17, 2009

shaggybill said:
You don't need calc-based physics. You'll be fine with Intro Physics.

^ this

zayka · Aug 17, 2009

MedicineMike said:
I did a search and couldnt really find any answers. I am registering for physics this fall and do not know which one to take. Introductory physics (algebra/pre-calc based) or Principles of Physics ("elementary calculus based"). Is there a difference between having physics I&II as introductory courses vs. principle courses when applying to med school? Further more, I have not taken calculus, only pre-calc.

Thanks in advance.

It's up to you.

Here are some things that I would consider when deciding:
-Med schools will probably prefer you take Principles of Physics, but when it comes down to it, do you really think they'll care that much about one course?
-Calculus in physics is not very intensive at all - just some very basic derivatives and integrals (no multivariate and no multiple integrals).
-Introductory Physics should be sufficient for the MCAT

-Also, some schools require calculus (I don't remember which off the top of my head), so you may want to look into this.

ILikeDrugs · Aug 17, 2009

People have said that algebra/trig-based physics is enough for the MCAT, but uni pre-req websites have stated something along the lines of, "If there is a more rigorous version of the courses you are considering taking, take the more rigorous courses." However, that statement is always in reference to organic chemistry.

edit: I found a website which offers a free calculus-based textbook for free. It has the first section (first semester) and second section (2nd semester) available for download in pdf format. You should check it out to see if you have the math skills necessary to do the problems.

http://www.anselm.edu/internet/physics/cbphysics/

BlueAether · Aug 17, 2009

I say take the one that you know you will do well in. If you know you can get an A in calc based, do that. If you're not a fan of calc, and don't want to devote huge amounts of time and effort to it, go for the Algebra based. It's what I'll do, I hate physics.

physicsnerd42 · Aug 18, 2009

I'm obviously a bit biased (physics major in undergrad, now in the middle of a biomed engineering PhD), but I say take calc-based physics. Newton invented calculus for a reason: to help describe physics. Calculus-based intro physics makes more sense than algebra-based because you need calculus to understand basic physics. Algebra-based physics repackages the calculus you need into more convoluted algebra terminology. Also, the calculus in calc-based into physics isn't particularly advanced (you'll pick it up). I would suggest you take into calc at the same time as intro physics and you'll be fine.

To answer another question, though: med schools probably won't care that much either way.

Quadratic · Aug 18, 2009

physicsnerd42 said:
I'm obviously a bit biased (physics major in undergrad, now in the middle of a biomed engineering PhD), but I say take calc-based physics. Newton invented calculus for a reason: to help describe physics. Calculus-based intro physics makes more sense than algebra-based because you need calculus to understand basic physics. Algebra-based physics repackages the calculus you need into more convoluted algebra terminology. Also, the calculus in calc-based into physics isn't particularly advanced (you'll pick it up). I would suggest you take into calc at the same time as intro physics and you'll be fine.

To answer another question, though: med schools probably won't care that much either way.

Oh no you did-n't!

physicsnerd42 · Aug 18, 2009

Quadratic said:
Oh no you did-n't!

Haha, touchee!

Okay, how about Leibniz and Newton?

Quadratic · Aug 18, 2009

🙂

Our predecessors smile favorably on you.

Introductory Physics or Principles of Physics?

MedicineMike

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BlueElmo

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chicubsfan

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shaggybill

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schrizto

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EyEnStein 07

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DNM

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zayka

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ILikeDrugs

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