Physics algebra/trig-based

[astronomical]

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Hey guys I'm taking a Physics course and it's not calculus based (post-bacc). I looked at several MD schools' requirements and it just says "One year of Physics with Laboratory".

I've already read on other threads that the Physics portion of the MCAT isn't calculus-based either, but rather conceptual.

Does that mean my physics lab would fulfill the pre-req requirement for most MD schools?

 

[DrMidlife]

Nobody is going to require calc-based physics.

The only reason to take calc-based physics, imho, is if you snort milk out your nose when they say "assume constant acceleration".

Best of luck to you.

 

[hunterjumper14]

Algebra based physics is fine! Some med schools continue to require calculus so that's something to check on but as far as physics goes I'd definitely take algebra based (especially if calculus is not your cup of tea-this was definitely me 🙂 ).

 

[astronomical]

Thanks guys!

 

[akinetopsia]

Take calc-based if you plan on being a physicist. 🙂

 

[HesyRa]

If you want an A, don't take the Calc based physics. It is meant for engineers, physicists, geophysicists, astrophysicists etc.. If only my undergrad had not required me to take calc based physics, I'd be better off.

 

[Freesia88]

Nobody is going to require calc-based physics.

The only reason to take calc-based physics, imho, is if you snort milk out your nose when they say "assume constant acceleration".

Best of luck to you.

👍

 

[Shjanzey]

Don't take calc-based.

My undergrad was Engineering and I remember loving the class, but how hard it was. I recently re-took physics as a "refresher", but did the algebra based this time. I couldn't believe how easy it was 😵

 

[Datalore]

I think that the major difference is that you're deriving the equations rather than being given a sheet to memorize. I haven't taken algebra/trig based physics, so I can't be positive, but I think that calculus makes it easier because you can come up with many of the formulas as long as you remember one (e.g. using integrals to find the relationship between acceleration, velocity, and position...).

I guess I'm just reiterating what the other posters have already said. If you don't like calc, don't take calc-based physics. Not having it isn't going to hurt you on the MCAT and isn't (as far as I know) required for most schools, if any.

Also, this is my first post after lurking for a long time. Hello SDN non-trads!

 

[Shjanzey]

I think that the major difference is that you're deriving the equations rather than being given a sheet to memorize. I haven't taken algebra/trig based physics, so I can't be positive, but I think that calculus makes it easier because you can come up with many of the formulas as long as you remember one (e.g. using integrals to find the relationship between acceleration, velocity, and position...).

I guess I'm just reiterating what the other posters have already said. If you don't like calc, don't take calc-based physics. Not having it isn't going to hurt you on the MCAT and isn't (as far as I know) required for most schools, if any.

Also, this is my first post after lurking for a long time. Hello SDN non-trads!

You don't need calc to derive the formulas. For most of the Newtonian mechanics you can derive everything from two equations.

It is when you want to compare the relationships between velocity and acceleration that calc starts to be important 😀

If you truly want to understand the math behind the physics. Do the calc...it will probably help you on the test. I know I derived a few equations because I couldn't remember the exact equation for a problem. It is nice to know that...but not very convenient on a time based test.

 

[Freesia88]

I think that the major difference is that you're deriving the equations rather than being given a sheet to memorize. I haven't taken algebra/trig based physics, so I can't be positive, but I think that calculus makes it easier because you can come up with many of the formulas as long as you remember one (e.g. using integrals to find the relationship between acceleration, velocity, and position...).

I guess I'm just reiterating what the other posters have already said. If you don't like calc, don't take calc-based physics. Not having it isn't going to hurt you on the MCAT and isn't (as far as I know) required for most schools, if any.

Also, this is my first post after lurking for a long time. Hello SDN non-trads!