Med school and the three semester physics courses?

[Genecks]

I've been hearing some talk as of late that some physics classes, such as calc-based physics, are becoming a three semester course. However, many schools still offer a two-semester physics system. I'm wondering what medical schools think of the three semester physics courses, and if they're starting to move toward wanting people to have three semesters of physics rather than the typical two.

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[Genecks]

bump

 

[Richard Dawkins]

2 semester physics is usually algebra-based and aimed at non-physics majors. the 3 semester sequence is usually calculus-based and aimed at physics majors. med schools don't care which you take. if you're not a physics major, don't bother with the 3 semesters, algebra-based will prepare you for the mcat

 

[mimelim]

Medical schools do not care. 2 semesters vs. 3 makes no difference in the grand scheme of things. Majoring in Physics is one thing, but what you are asking makes no difference.

 

[funtertaining15]

I've been hearing some talk as of late that some physics classes, such as calc-based physics, are becoming a three semester course. However, many schools still offer a two-semester physics system. I'm wondering what medical schools think of the three semester physics courses, and if they're starting to move toward wanting people to have three semesters of physics rather than the typical two.

I'd take the 2 semester physics. Every school is different. My school offers PHYS 141 & 151, 151 being calculus based, but it's still 2 semesters. I wouldn't take 3 semester of physics. Seems like a waste. You'll get enough info from the 2 semester physics, and if you still feel that it wasn't enough, get an MCAT physics prep book and review, I guess.

 

[elevenses]

I took three semesters of physics because I love physics. Both helped me on the MCAT.

 

[FSU2013]

Where I did undergrad, calc based physics had 3 semesters before advanced level courses, but the first two classes covered the material in the first two algebra based courses. The ird course was "modern physic" which was definitely the most interesting and pretty easy.

 

[TrojanBacteria]

For my school, the algebra-based physics is only a two-semester sequence. The calc-based physics series consists of three courses (1st = Newtonian Mechanics/Thermo, 2nd = E&M/Optics, 3rd = Modern Physics/Quantum Mechanics). I see nothing wrong with taking just two semesters of calc-based physics if you're interested in it, since the algebra-based physics probably won't go into much depth with all the quantum stuff anyway. I believe the reqs for most med schools are pretty general about physics. Usually something vague like "one year of college physics" recommended/required.