If anyone who has taken physics at WashU in the last 2 years, could someone tell me about the course. How difficult was it of all the pre-med requirements. How were the labs, the exams, the instruction? Thanks a bunch.
Well, I took it 4 yrs ago (boy time flies), and when I took it the instructors stunk and they knew that they stunk. They actually started giving pop quizes during my year to force attendance because attendance had become so dismal. The 2 names that I remember are Fisher and Gibbons. Gibbons was alright, but he wasn't great or anything. It's not too difficult of a class, but force yourself to do the practice problems. Go over the answers with a friend AFTER you tried to do them yourself if you want, but definitely try to do them by yourself the first time. I know it's annoying, but doing practice problems is the way that you learn so that you can do alright on the tests.
I took Physics at Wash U back in 1997-98... gosh, I feel old. It is a piece of cake. Here's how you get an A: 1. Turn in all your homework (blue book) assignments. Work on these problems in study groups, and get all the points. 2. Don't miss lab. 3. If the profs allow a cheat sheet for the exam, put as many old exam problems on it as possible. 4. Know old exams inside and out. If you can solve those problems in your sleep, you've aced this year's exam. 5. Remember that the engineers have to do well in Physics. Therefore, there are a disproportionate number of people who get an A. Do your best, and realize that your grade is better than you think it is. Best of luck - doepug (Wash U '00, Hopkins Med '04)
