Changing Physics Courses...

[Transient]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Here is the situation, I took my physics with calculus course last semester and now am signing up for physics II, but either the classes are full or overlap with microbiology and organic chemistry II.

Is it okay to sign up for physics II without calculus course? OR, should I just wait and take the calculus version during the fall. My major does not require either physics.

 

[FutureDrB]

Here is the situation, I took my physics with calculus course last semester and now am signing up for physics II, but either the classes are full or overlap with microbiology and organic chemistry II.

Is it okay to sign up for physics II without calculus course? OR, should I just wait and take the calculus version during the fall. My major does not require either physics.

Well, both M.D. and D.O. schools simply require 8 hours of general physics, which can be either calculus-based or algebra-based. So the decision is really up to you. I'm just wondering if you would be allowed to enroll in algebra-based physics II if you hadn't had a-physics I. Although I'm sure you could easily get a waiver since you took c-physics I.

 

[Dzerzhinsky]

Calc-based is usually regarded as a more difficult course. I can see there being some concern over switching into algebra-based. Furthermore, having taken calc-based myself for the first half and enjoyed it, I would not have wanted to go into algebra-based for the second half. Your mileage may vary.

I'd stick with calc-based in the fall, if you liked calc-based and did well in it. You could also e-mail the professors and see if they'll waive you in; I've had good luck with this in the past.

 

[Transient]

I'll shoot for the waiver and if I can get in, great; if not, I'll go with the algebra based physics course. I'd be more concerned if I were interested in pursuing ophthalmology--haha.

Thanks!

 

[gettheleadout]

I'll shoot for the waiver and if I can get in, great; if not, I'll go with the algebra based physics course. I'd be more concerned if I were interested in pursuing ophthalmology--haha.

Thanks!

Assuming you do well in both of the physics courses regardless, it's unlikely switching from calc-based to algebra-based physics between semesters will have any impact on your application; it's just not a very big deal. In any case, if you end up having to take algebra-based physics II and are asked about it in an interview, simply explaining that the course schedules conflicted and taking algebra-based allowed you to remain on track time-wise sounds like a perfectly fine explanation to me. In addition, you'll have your physics grades and MCAT score to speak to your master either way.