Calculus Based Physics after Algebra based Physics

[1337leet1337]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hello Everyone,

I'm currently in a post-bac and I am taking as many upper BCPM classes as possible to raise cGPA/sGPA. In doing so, I have been able to build a solid foundation in mathematics and excel (classes through multivariable calculus currently) and I will be taking linear algebra/dif eq in the summer. However, working full time is somewhat constricting on my ability to take certain classes I want. Because of all of the math I have taken and enjoyed, I think I might like taking some upper level physics classes - which would also open up more courses for me to take around my work schedule. The catch however is that they of course require calc-based physics as a pre-req. I guess my primary concern is taking physics I and II again, even though it is with calculus this time? I know a post-bac is to prove you can handle upper level BCPM classes, not just show you can master material over and over. This would be really helpful for different courses I could take, but not sure how it might appear to adcoms.

Thoughts?

Also, I guess I could try and contact a curriculum adviser to try to wave calc based physics if I've taken the required math and algebra based physics already?

Thanks!

 

[ciucia53]

If you can, I would reach out to the advisor to see if you can get the pre-req waived. There's really no point in you taking intro physics again and you clearly have proficiency in upper level math, given that you're going to be taking linear algebra. If you can't get the pre reqs waived, have you thought about taking upper level bio classes?

 

[1337leet1337]

If you can, I would reach out to the advisor to see if you can get the pre-req waived. There's really no point in you taking intro physics again and you clearly have proficiency in upper level math, given that you're going to be taking linear algebra. If you can't get the pre reqs waived, have you thought about taking upper level bio classes?

Ok, I thought I'd just reach out just to see if anyone has had any experience with this despite it being kind of a bizarre situation. But yeah for sure, I'm all about the upper level bio classes. I'm planning on taking immuno, bacteriology, and others this coming fall. But I'd like to take more classes as possible, and I'm kind of limited to mornings and evenings. So this would open an additional outlet for upper level BCPM classes.

 

[CyrilFiggis]

Besides the PM, are you taking any BC classes? Upper level physics is cool and all, but having advanced bio, biochem, genetics, etc are just as helpful.

 

[Lawpy]

Hello Everyone,

I'm currently in a post-bac and I am taking as many upper BCPM classes as possible to raise cGPA/sGPA. In doing so, I have been able to build a solid foundation in mathematics and excel (classes through multivariable calculus currently) and I will be taking linear algebra/dif eq in the summer. However, working full time is somewhat constricting on my ability to take certain classes I want. Because of all of the math I have taken and enjoyed, I think I might like taking some upper level physics classes - which would also open up more courses for me to take around my work schedule. The catch however is that they of course require calc-based physics as a pre-req. I guess my primary concern is taking physics I and II again, even though it is with calculus this time? I know a post-bac is to prove you can handle upper level BCPM classes, not just show you can master material over and over. This would be really helpful for different courses I could take, but not sure how it might appear to adcoms.

Thoughts?

Also, I guess I could try and contact a curriculum adviser to try to wave calc based physics if I've taken the required math and algebra based physics already?

Thanks!

Generally, the purpose of a postbac is to show readiness for medical school, whether it is for changing careers or for repairing GPA. This means taking upper level biology courses like biochemistry, cell biology, pharmacology, immunology etc. is better and more prioritized. Taking upper level physics is cool but generally that's usually done during the undergraduate years as a physics major.

You can take upper level physics if you want but I don't see why adcoms/schools would care since they are likely more interested in your performance in upper level biology courses to show you can handle medical school. I think you can get a waiver for the introductory calculus-based physics sequence but you need to talk to your adviser regarding that

 

[1337leet1337]

Besides the PM, are you taking any BC classes? Upper level physics is cool and all, but having advanced bio, biochem, genetics, etc are just as helpful.

I have taken biochem and genetics before. I would really like to take a-chem and p-chem as well, but again not feasible this upcoming fall with work. So I would like to make the most out of my semester regardless. I am taking immuno, bacteriology, and pharm this upcoming fall in addition to some more advanced math/potentially physics. Of course I'd love to take more upper level bio, but this has been unfortunately reduced to fitting a work schedule. Thanks!

 

[1337leet1337]

Generally, the purpose of a postbac is to show readiness for medical school, whether it is for changing careers or for repairing GPA. This means taking upper level biology courses like biochemistry, cell biology, pharmacology, immunology etc. is better and more prioritized. Taking upper level physics is cool but generally that's usually done during the undergraduate years as a physics major.

You can take upper level physics if you want but I don't see why adcoms/schools would care since they are likely more interested in your performance in upper level biology courses to show you can handle medical school. I think you can get a waiver for the introductory calculus-based physics sequence but you need to talk to your adviser regarding that

I definitely agree with sentiment of taking upper level bio for the relevance to medicine, but my course selection has unfortunately been reduced to minimize work/school conflicting with one another. I do think that upper level math and physics aren't typically easy, so at least I can demonstrate sustained success in rigorous science? Again, I completely agree with you and will take as many advanced bio classes I can take, but it may be outside of my control. Also, I would like to keep my gap years on a reasonable timeline instead of holding out for just an ideal class selection. I hope that makes sense, and thanks for the advice!

 

[mock94]

I took calc-based physics after algebra-based to take statics and dynamics... because I thought they were cool. They were cool. Go for it, it'll actually be a solid interview talking point.