Physics I and Physics II concurrently?

[sunflower18]

Hello,

So I was talking with a physics professor at my university, and she suggested that I could take both Physics I and Physics II simultaneously next semester, as they are largely on unrelated material that doesn't build off one another. I took Physics in high school, so I do have some exposure to the material, but I'm a little worried about taking both college level courses at the same time. I plan on spending winter break pre-studying so that I can go in with a bit more confidence, but I was just wondering if any of you have ever done this or known anyone who has.

I never would have come up with the idea to do this on my own, but she was the one who suggested it and said that other students have done it in the past. This means that my schedule for next semester would be:
Physics I + lab
Physics II + lab
Organic Chemistry II + lab
Upper level Psychology

It all sounds pretty intense, but I have done well in my other classes thus far, and am willing to put in a hellish semester if it'll make things easier for me down the road. I am a sophomore, and plan on studying for the MCAT this upcoming summer -- which is why I'm putting both semesters of physics into one semester.

Thoughts? Has anyone ever done both semesters of Physics or any other science class at the same time? How about three labs? Advice is awesome!

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[Shinobiz11]

Its doable, but sounds like hell. The main reason they have you take them in sequential order is to get your mind thinking physics-wise. Also, very few things from Physics 1 are used in Physics 2. Physics 1 was mostly general concepts and theories, like kinematics, thermodynamics, rotational motion, while Physics 2 goes into more applied concepts such as electricity, circuits, optics, atomic physics.

 

[sunflower18]

Its doable, but sounds like hell. The main reason they have you take them in sequential order is to get your mind thinking physics-wise. Also, very few things from Physics 1 are used in Physics 2. Physics 1 was mostly general concepts and theories, like kinematics, thermodynamics, rotational motion, while Physics 2 goes into more applied concepts such as electricity, circuits, optics, atomic physics.

Oh, that makes sense.. Do you think pre-studying for a month before the semester starts would jumpstart thinking physics-wise? Good to know about the difference between the semesters, though!

Yeah, it doesn't sound fun at all. But I think it'll help me be able to study for the MCAT this summer, and getting a super awesome score DOES sound like fun! So I'm trying to think in the long term and on the bright side. I might hate my life for a while though. Would you recommend dropping the psych class and just taking the three science classes? Or do you think four classes is doable with this load?

 

[Narmerguy]

I think it would be a poor idea unless you have a really desperate reason for wanting to take both at the same time. Not even for "physics thinking" or anything but because there are some concepts that you need from physics 1 in physics 2 and it will pose an extra unneeded burden to try to figure it out on your own. That you've taken physics before in HS could very well alleviate this, but you're only a sophomore, why do you need to rush this? There's little Physics II on the MCAT, and the stuff that's on there is lightweight and could be learned pretty easily from a review book.

Either way, if you're intent on doing it, the labs shouldn't be too much trouble and it could end up helping you in the end because doing so much physics at one time you'll build up a pretty good intuition for how physics problems work if you're going to survive. I think combining that with Organic Chemistry II is perhaps overdoing it though. And upper level psychology? I don't know how good you are at math/chemistry but I think if you're going to do this you need your fourth class to be a fluff class.

Overall my advice is not to do this, but you can certainly make it work if you're really focused and willing to do outside work to figure out stuff that comes up in Physics II that you haven't really dealt with in your Physics I course.

 

[Textbookversion]

I think it is a terrible idea to do that and will end poorly. If it is calc based physics at a decent school that is going to be brutal trying to keep up with physics 2 not having had the physics 1 knowledge.

It's definitely different material but the first semester provides a strong foundation, both in experience with mathematical problem solving and the conceptual stuff.

If it's the algebra physics for non-scientists or w/e IDK it may be a lot easier, I took the real version of the class so I can't comment on that.

Even then though taking the second semester of organic chemistry at the same time as both physics sounds rough. At least for me it was a lot harder than the first. I coasted through the first semester and second semester took a loooot of work.

You ABSOLUTELY do NOT want to rush into getting into medical school. Trying to cram all your prereqs in and then insufficient study time for the MCAT is usually a recipe for disaster unless you are crazy brilliant and a workaholic. Take your time with the prereqs,

Just take the MCAT your summer after junior year.

Seriously no one is going to care if you take your time. If you get a lower grade due to packing them all in a semester that could really hurt your chances. Spread out A's >> packing it one semester and getting a B or C.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Look. Dont do it. Ever.

 

[iforget2]

That just sounds like a terrible schedule. I'm planning on taking physics I + lab, ochem II + lab, and an upper division bio class (12 hours total) next semester and I'm already dreading how stressful it will be. I was in a similar situation as you- I felt like I had to squeeze classes in in order to prep for the MCAT and also squeeze in EC's to put on my application before I applied after junior year. But then I felt that was too stressful, and so now I'm applying after senior year so that everything doesn't feel so rushed, you know? I would be able to put more EC's on my application, and also be able to take the MCAT later and have enough time to be sufficiently prepared for it. And I'd also have an extra year after interviews to just have fun before medical school starts 🙂

 

[steveeshair]

I suppose it can be done, if you're a really strong science student. All of these classes require a lot of work, though, which is the reason that they aren't usually taken concurrently.

 

[Sophocles]

I don't think Physics I has a lot to do with physics II, but damn that sounds like a tough schedule. It's all dependent on the professors and what other classes you're taking, but I'm not a big fan of trying to rush things. It's always better to do things right the first time than trying to cut corners. Good luck👍

 

[487806]

Hello,

So I was talking with a physics professor at my university, and she suggested that I could take both Physics I and Physics II simultaneously next semester, as they are largely on unrelated material that doesn't build off one another. I took Physics in high school, so I do have some exposure to the material, but I'm a little worried about taking both college level courses at the same time. I plan on spending winter break pre-studying so that I can go in with a bit more confidence, but I was just wondering if any of you have ever done this or known anyone who has.

It all sounds pretty intense, but I have done well in my other classes thus far, and am willing to put in a hellish semester if it'll make things easier for me down the road. I am a sophomore, and plan on studying for the MCAT this upcoming summer -- which is why I'm putting both semesters of physics into one semester.

Thoughts? Has anyone ever done both semesters of Physics or any other science class at the same time? How about three labs? Advice is awesome!

The general rule is: always avoid more than 2 labs. 3 labs is a great way to destroy yourself, no matter how good you think you are.

You're getting way too ambitious, so don't overload yourself with too many sciences. It will hurt you much more than helping you.

 

[Batman MD]

Hello,

So I was talking with a physics professor at my university, and she suggested that I could take both Physics I and Physics II simultaneously next semester, as they are largely on unrelated material that doesn't build off one another. I took Physics in high school, so I do have some exposure to the material, but I'm a little worried about taking both college level courses at the same time. I plan on spending winter break pre-studying so that I can go in with a bit more confidence, but I was just wondering if any of you have ever done this or known anyone who has.

I never would have come up with the idea to do this on my own, but she was the one who suggested it and said that other students have done it in the past. This means that my schedule for next semester would be:
Physics I + lab
Physics II + lab
Organic Chemistry II + lab
Upper level Psychology

It all sounds pretty intense, but I have done well in my other classes thus far, and am willing to put in a hellish semester if it'll make things easier for me down the road. I am a sophomore, and plan on studying for the MCAT this upcoming summer -- which is why I'm putting both semesters of physics into one semester.

Thoughts? Has anyone ever done both semesters of Physics or any other science class at the same time? How about three labs? Advice is awesome!

For the love of God, man, please don't! Yes, it's doable, but so it scaling the side of the grand canyon without ropes. Just because something is doable does not mean it should be done. The amount of work required for either Physics class will be unprecedented for you. Organic Chemistry will drain you, so will Physics. If you take both, that's a really tough schedule. If you take TWO physics classes plus Orgo, you're killing yourself. Someone find that Physics professor and slap em into reality. They are notorious for downplaying the difficulty of their subject, as well as the amount of work they give students.

Typical Physics Professor: "Oh, tomorrow you have a really easy assignment due. It's just 37 mastering physics questions. Should take you a half hour."

Physics student: After spending one hour on problem 1a:

 

[DavetheMD]

Excellent way to wreck a GPA

 

[Batman MD]

Excellent way to wreck a GPA

You should become a donor just so you can get a bigger avatar and everyone can appreciate it more.

 

[sunflower18]

Yikes -- there is some intense opposition! Do you think I could take physics I next semester and self study physics II material for the MCAT? I'm planning on studying may through August.

Also I have a GPA >3.95, so while getting more As would obviously be preferable, I could probably afford to get a B or two... Ack! I don't know.

 

[Batman MD]

Yikes -- there is some intense opposition! Do you think I could take physics I next semester and self study physics II material for the MCAT? I'm planning on studying may through August.

Also I have a GPA >3.95, so while getting more As would obviously be preferable, I could probably afford to get a B or two... Ack! I don't know.

A lot of schools will look at a physics grade as a bench mark. Since the subject is very often a very different field for premeds, the schools view it as a way of analyzing how the student does when put into an unfamiliar area of study. Getting As would be recommended for Physics.

You can master the majority of MCAT physics II via self studying with MCAT books for sure. Don't force yourself to finish the class in time for the MCAT. Take the time and relax while taking it.

 

[occams_razor]

Yikes -- there is some intense opposition! Do you think I could take physics I next semester and self study physics II material for the MCAT? I'm planning on studying may through August.

Also I have a GPA >3.95, so while getting more As would obviously be preferable, I could probably afford to get a B or two... Ack! I don't know.

yeah you can definitely self study physics II material for the MCAT, I know a few people who took physics II after taking the MCAT actually. I think that would be a better idea than taking physics I and II at the same time

 

[Batman MD]

yeah you can definitely self study physics II material for the MCAT, I know a few people who took physics II after taking the MCAT actually. I think that would be a better idea than taking physics I and II at the same time

You a college swimmer?

 

[lobo.solo]

The general rule is: always avoid more than 2 labs. 3 labs is a great way to destroy yourself, no matter how good you think you are.

You're getting way too ambitious, so don't overload yourself with too many sciences. It will hurt you much more than helping you.

I concur. I've been taking two labs +lecture per semester and it's a good balance workload--nothing crazy. I have time to work, hangout, ECs you know have somewhat of a life

 

[amad01]

Yikes -- there is some intense opposition! Do you think I could take physics I next semester and self study physics II material for the MCAT? I'm planning on studying may through August.

Also I have a GPA >3.95, so while getting more As would obviously be preferable, I could probably afford to get a B or two... Ack! I don't know.

What about physics II in the summer? You should be able to study for the MCAT and take 1 class... plus you can consider it "MCAT review"

 

[gmcguitar4]

I honestly think it all depends on the professors and their tests.

 

[mimelim]

As someone who took 3-4 Physics classes a semester multiple times in undergrad, I don't understand the prevailing sentiment in this thread.

The reason why you shouldn't take Physics I/II at the same time is because they build off of one another. At least any reasonable program does... It isn't about the content being different. It is about not having fundamentals down that you need.

 

[487806]

As someone who took 3-4 Physics classes a semester multiple times in undergrad, I don't understand the prevailing sentiment in this thread.

The reason why you shouldn't take Physics I/II at the same time is because they build off of one another. At least any reasonable program does... It isn't about the content being different. It is about not having fundamentals down that you need.

I agree with you. similar thing here. Problem is, it's implied that most premeds can't handle intro physics very well, because it's simply too hard. quantitative thinking is too difficult, so memorizing is key.

 

[sunflower18]

A lot of schools will look at a physics grade as a bench mark. Since the subject is very often a very different field for premeds, the schools view it as a way of analyzing how the student does when put into an unfamiliar area of study. Getting As would be recommended for Physics.

You can master the majority of MCAT physics II via self studying with MCAT books for sure. Don't force yourself to finish the class in time for the MCAT. Take the time and relax while taking it.

yeah you can definitely self study physics II material for the MCAT, I know a few people who took physics II after taking the MCAT actually. I think that would be a better idea than taking physics I and II at the same time

Okay, then I think that might be the best option. Thanks for your help!! I always thought that OChem was viewed as a benchmark, but it's good to know that physics is thought of in the same vein. Great. I mean, ideally I'd have all the pre-reqs done before the MCAT (like Physics II, genetics, biochem), but I think giving myself three months to self study is more beneficial than waiting and taking the MCAT while in school.

Swimmer, did the people you knew who took Physics II after the MCAT do well? My lofty, without-studying-at-all-yet goal is 35+, but would be content with 32+. I'm sure my standards will drop as I begin studying, but hey, optimism never hurt anyone!

 

[Hemorrage]

Physics 1 alone is a killer- doing it this semester and no matter how much i study, the questions on the exam are always infinitely harder then anything taught in class. Believe me you don't want to do this concurrently with Physics 2

 

[Aerus]

Physics 1 alone is a killer- doing it this semester and no matter how much i study, the questions on the exam are always infinitely harder then anything taught in class. Believe me you don't want to do this concurrently with Physics 2

And this isn't even including Ochem and the labs too.

Glad everyone talked you out of it, OP. Physics on the MCAT is approximately high school AP level. If you've had any experience in Physics at all, you should be fine and can catch up pretty quickly. Definitely make sure you keep your GPA high.

 

[sunflower18]

Physics 1 alone is a killer- doing it this semester and no matter how much i study, the questions on the exam are always infinitely harder then anything taught in class. Believe me you don't want to do this concurrently with Physics 2

Oh, good to know... I'm not particularly math oriented, so that's a bummer. I'm sorry you're struggling! I've heard great things about my future Physics I professor, so I'm somewhat optimistic about it.

And this isn't even including Ochem and the labs too.

Glad everyone talked you out of it, OP. Physics on the MCAT is approximately high school AP level. If you've had any experience in Physics at all, you should be fine and can catch up pretty quickly. Definitely make sure you keep your GPA high.

Did you take AP Physics and then the MCAT? Do you feel like you needed the material from Physics II when taking the MCAT, or was it not necessary? That's pretty impressive that you've taken the MCAT as a freshman -- I'd be worried that my scores would expire, but more power to you! Gets it out of the way early, I guess.

I feel pretty confident in my GPA, but I'd like to keep it that way. Taking three lab classes probably isn't the best way to do that.

 

[Aerus]

Oh, good to know... I'm not particularly math oriented, so that's a bummer. I'm sorry you're struggling! I've heard great things about my future Physics I professor, so I'm somewhat optimistic about it.



Did you take AP Physics and then the MCAT? Do you feel like you needed the material from Physics II when taking the MCAT, or was it not necessary? That's pretty impressive that you've taken the MCAT as a freshman -- I'd be worried that my scores would expire, but more power to you! Gets it out of the way early, I guess.

I feel pretty confident in my GPA, but I'd like to keep it that way. Taking three lab classes probably isn't the best way to do that.

No, I haven't taken the MCAT. What I told you was based on anecdotes from upper classmen I knew who did.

They said that they took the MCAT before taking Physics I and II and didn't have trouble studying for the Physics portion. It was pretty basic material.

My main point is that you should not be worried if you've had any background in physics at all. You won't be actually using your "AP Physics knowledge" when taking the MCAT. Rather, you can study the physics portion during your "study time" for the MCAT, which will be much easier for you, given a background in Physics already.

 

[sunflower18]

No, I haven't taken the MCAT. What I told you were anecdotes from upper classmen I knew who did.

They said that they took the MCAT before taking Physics I and II and didn't have trouble studying for the Physics portion. It was pretty basic material.

My main point is that you should not be worried if you've had any background in physics at all. You won't be actually using your "AP Physics knowledge" when taking the MCAT. Rather, you can study the physics portion during your "study time" for the MCAT, which will be much easier for you, given a background in Physics already.

Ohhh my bad 😳 That makes more sense. Either way, that is reassuring! Thanks for letting me know. Hopefully I can be in the same boat!

 

[Aerus]

Ohhh my bad 😳 That makes more sense. Either way, that is reassuring! Thanks for letting me know. Hopefully I can be in the same boat!

And the good thing is that you'll have Physics I under your belt already. Catching up on the material for only Physics II won't be nearly as bad as what my upper classmen friends went through (starting to study for the MCAT without having taken physics since high school).

 

[sunflower18]

And the good thing is that you'll have Physics I under your belt already. Catching up on the material for only Physics II won't be nearly as bad as what my upper classmen friends went through (starting to study for the MCAT without having taken physics since high school).

Definitely! Okay, cool. I feel better about this.

My revised schedule iiiisss...
Organic Chem II + 3 hour lab
Physics I + 3 hour lab
Psychology Research Methods + 1.5 hour lab
Cognitive Neuroscience

I know that neither of those Psychology classes are really fluff, but I think they'll help prepare me for the MCAT and will be really fun too. And while it's still three labs, one lab is short! So it's okay, right?

 

[Aerus]

Definitely! Okay, cool. I feel better about this.

My revised schedule iiiisss...
Organic Chem II + 3 hour lab
Physics I + 3 hour lab
Psychology Research Methods + 1.5 hour lab
Cognitive Neuroscience

I know that neither of those Psychology classes are really fluff, but I think they'll help prepare me for the MCAT and will be really fun too. And while it's still three labs, one lab is short! So it's okay, right?

That schedule looks better, but not by much. The labs are still pretty time consuming. What many people in this thread haven't touched upon too much is that Organic Chemistry is time consuming. The class, not the lab. If you're aiming for mastery, then it takes even more time, as you'll have to do a lot of practice problems.

If I were you, maybe replace one of your extraneous classes with a more chill class, like ethics or sociology? Or better, a GE requirement for graduation.

 

[sunflower18]

That schedule looks better, but not by much. The labs are still pretty time consuming. What many people in this thread haven't touched upon too much is that Organic Chemistry is time consuming. The class, not the lab. If you're aiming for mastery, then it takes even more time, as you'll have to do a lot of practice problems.

If I were you, maybe replace one of your extraneous classes with a more chill class, like ethics or sociology? Or better, a GE requirement for graduation.

I currently have a high A in Organic Chemistry, so I'm not too terribly concerned about it. I've taken the majority of a semester, so I'd like to think I have a pretty good idea of how time consuming it is by this point. I study a lot for it, but I really love the material, so I don't have much of a problem keeping up. Thanks for looking out for me though.

Yeah, I might replace the research methods class. We'll see.

 

[Aerus]

I currently have a high A in Organic Chemistry, so I'm not too terribly concerned about it. I've taken the majority of a semester, so I'd like to think I have a pretty good idea of how time consuming it is by this point. I study a lot for it, but I really love the material, so I don't have much of a problem keeping up. Thanks for looking out for me though.

Yeah, I might replace the research methods class. We'll see.

If Orgo is your forte, then that's great! In the end, it's all up to you whether you can handle what. I wish you the best of luck.

 

[sunflower18]

If Orgo is your forte, then that's great! In the end, it's all up to you whether you can handle what. I wish you the best of luck.

Thanks for all your advice! 👍 Good luck with your freshman year!

 

[Hemorrage]

Oh, good to know... I'm not particularly math oriented, so that's a bummer. I'm sorry you're struggling! I've heard great things about my future Physics I professor, so I'm somewhat optimistic about it.

Thanks, and yeah its not the material thats hard. The concepts are fairly basic and easy to grasp, what makes it difficult is that the professors at my school tend to teach at a very basic level, then like to ask extremely difficult questions on the exams because they know only a few people will really understand what the problem is asking them to do