Calculus-based physics or algebra-based physics?

[jb94mg]

N/A

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[625233]

You can take whatever you like, yaaaaaa. Algebra to the left, calc to the right, you can do integrations all night, but just take whatever you likeee yaaaaaaa

 

[Gauss44]

MCAT is non-calculus based physics, so that's what I would take given that my goal is medical school.

 

[IntriguedStudent]

If you have a decent understanding of math, calculus based physics is actually easier for many people. However, if the below is true, then that might be a good argument to take algebra based.

MCAT is non-calculus based physics, so that's what I would take given that my goal is medical school.

 

[The_Sunny_Doc]

Algebra-based physics definitely prepares you for the MCAT if you excel in it. Not sure about calc-based physics.

 

[Holmwood]

Calc based didn't cover enough topics for the MCAT for my school (specifically optics/lasers). We were too busy deriving rudimentary formulas, lol.

Go with algebra because it's easier and may give you better preparation.

 

[jb94mg]

Calc based didn't cover enough topics for the MCAT for my school (specifically optics/lasers). We were too busy deriving rudimentary formulas, lol.

Go with algebra because it's easier and may give you better preparation.

I guess the algebra version might be more difficult in the sense that you're among competitive pre-meds, but at least the material is going to be really similar to what'll be on the MCAT. Alternatively, the calculus version could be more difficult if the class has engineering-type students who're really good at math, and who don't struggle with the math at all.

 

[LegendaryTucker]

Check the schools. My state school accepts only Calc based physics

 

[maccu5000]

Check the schools. My state school accepts only Calc based physics

This is by far the exception and not the rule.

I advise you to take algebra-based physics. You'll be more than fine for classical mechanics. For all electromagnetics, grab a calc-based physics textbook cheaply when you get confused. That material didn't make any sense to me until I read calc textbooks. Also, MIT opencourseware physics is the single greatest online lecture series I've used.

 

[The_Sunny_Doc]

Check the schools. My state school accepts only Calc based physics

What state do you live in? That's really interesting! (Not being sarcastic.)

 

[Holmwood]

I guess the algebra version might be more difficult in the sense that you're among competitive pre-meds, but at least the material is going to be really similar to what'll be on the MCAT. Alternatively, the calculus version could be more difficult if the class has engineering-type students who're really good at math, and who don't struggle with the math at all.

I didn't know your class curved, lol.

Pre-meds = / = smarter peeps. Well, that's from my experience. So don't worry about it. Just do your best.

 

[maccu5000]

Pre-meds = / = smarter peeps. Well, that's from my experience. So don't worry about it. Just do your best.

This is very true.

 

[LegendaryTucker]

What state do you live in? That's really interesting! (Not being sarcastic.)

Somewhere in the midwest 😀
They changed the rule this year. They sent the note to every school in state letting them know that the pre-med students needed to take the calc based physics.

 

[beachside]

I guess the algebra version might be more difficult in the sense that you're among competitive pre-meds, but at least the material is going to be really similar to what'll be on the MCAT. Alternatively, the calculus version could be more difficult if the class has engineering-type students who're really good at math, and who don't struggle with the math at all.

Ha! The engineering types will absolutely destroy you "competitive pre-meds" in calculus-based physics. Pre-meds tend to be really good at rote memorization, and not necessarily at mathematics.