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Calculus-based physics or algebra-based physics?
Started by jb94mg
6
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
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.
Algebra-based physics definitely prepares you for the MCAT if you excel in it. Not sure about calc-based physics.
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.
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.
What state do you live in? That's really interesting! (Not being sarcastic.)
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.
This is very true.
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.
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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.
