general physics or intro to physics

[chan]

Hey everyone, Im picking out my classes for the Fall. I have a choice between General Physics which is calc based or Intro physics which is Algebra based. Which one would be better to take?

THe intro course says its for sciences majors who need a year of physics who are not majoring in physics.

thanks

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[DrBowtie]

MCAT is Algebra. Obvious choice unless you want a deeper understanding.

 

[mastamark]

MCAT is Algebra. Obvious choice unless you want a deeper understanding.

This advice seems to hold true for most pre-meds. No point in taking the calculus based physics, you won't see it. That is unless you plan on going into research or something.

 

[MHC]

You don't need the Calc based Physics for med school.

 

[VUMD2be]

🙄 The advice I've heard (from someone who sits on the board of admissions at a top twenty MD school) is that it is better to take the calc-based physics, as long as that class is regularly taken by pre-med students. In other words, if you "cop out" (his words) and take the easier physics class, you will not be seen on equal ground as those that take the calculus class. This however, depends on the "norm" at your school and the disparity b/t the two classes. E.g., the calc-based physics at my school (taken by engineers and pre-meds but NOT physics majors) is unbelievably more difficult and intensive than the "intro to physics" class specifically for non-science majors... it may be different at your school, but definately consider that some med school admission committees might look at it disfavorably (ie taking the 'easy way out')...

that being said, I took calc-based, and it was one of the toughest classes of my life, so... 🙄

 

[OSUdoc08]

🙄 The advice I've heard (from someone who sits on the board of admissions at a top twenty MD school) is that it is better to take the calc-based physics, as long as that class is regularly taken by pre-med students. In other words, if you "cop out" (his words) and take the easier physics class, you will not be seen on equal ground as those that take the calculus class. This however, depends on the "norm" at your school and the disparity b/t the two classes. E.g., the calc-based physics at my school (taken by engineers and pre-meds but NOT physics majors) is unbelievably more difficult and intensive than the "intro to physics" class specifically for non-science majors... it may be different at your school, but definately consider that some med school admission committees might look at it disfavorably (ie taking the 'easy way out')...

that being said, I took calc-based, and it was one of the worst times of my life, so... 🙄

there is no math in medical school

calc based physics is a waste of time

 

[VUMD2be]

there is no math in medical school

calc based physics is a waste of time

like I said, it depends on the school. sometimes, the "calc-based" course is really just a more advanced and comprehensive class in general. For example, my calc-based physics course included almost a month on medical physics and imaging. very pertinent stuff and NOT a waste of time for people wanting to go into the medical field... the much easier algebra based course (aka "physics for poets") did NOT cover any of this.

besides, you will be competing with people who took the damn calc-based course, so your "A+" in the easier class will not be viewed the same.

look at each curriculum, talk to your ADVISOR or the course profs, and decide for yourself.

 

[izibo]

Harvards Med-Scientist program REQUIRES calc based physics. Just looking at that, it is pretty obvious that some schools absolutely DO care.

 

[ShyRem]

If you're good at math, then take the calc-based physics. Less memorization, more understanding (and thus, for us math-lovers, EASY!!!). I knitted through calc-based physics. Was very simple.

 

[OSUdoc08]

like I said, it depends on the school. sometimes, the "calc-based" course is really just a more advanced and comprehensive class in general. For example, my calc-based physics course included almost a month on medical physics and imaging. very pertinent stuff and NOT a waste of time for people wanting to go into the medical field... the much easier algebra based course (aka "physics for poets") did NOT cover any of this.

besides, you will be competing with people who took the damn calc-based course, so your "A+" in the easier class will not be viewed the same.

look at each curriculum, talk to your ADVISOR or the course profs, and decide for yourself.

There's no physics in med school either.

In fact, there's no math, physics, organic chemistry, or general chemistry.

It's all biology.

 

[jules0328]

I took elementary physics I and did crappy in it, got a C+ (major family problems that semester). So, to prove to adcoms, I took calc based physics II second semester, I got an A-.

Honestly, unless you need to prove something, I would just take elementary physics. Although, calc based physics gives you a better foundation and background as to why certain things are the way they are in the physics world. You be the judge!