physics pre-req question

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coolslugs

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A lot of dental schools have physics requirement that says one year (8 semester hours). Some others just says one year (UOP). At my school, there are two physics series I can take. The first series is two quarters, algebra based and 12 units with lab. The second series is three quarters, calc based and 18 units with lab (requires calc III). When I called UOP they said they just want a whole year with lab, and they didn't care about the units. When I talked to my pre-dent advisor, she said two quarters = one year. Which one is right? Which series should I take?
 
coolslugs said:
A lot of dental schools have physics requirement that says one year (8 semester hours). Some others just says one year (UOP). At my school, there are two physics series I can take. The first series is two quarters, algebra based and 12 units with lab. The second series is three quarters, calc based and 18 units with lab (requires calc III). When I called UOP they said they just want a whole year with lab, and they didn't care about the units. When I talked to my pre-dent advisor, she said two quarters = one year. Which one is right? Which series should I take?

Well, I know that 2 quarters does NOT equal 2 semesters. So, to be safe, I would go with the 3 quarter course. This way no dental school can say you didn't finish a whole year (3 quarters or 2 semesters). Another thing you could do is research which schools you would like to attend. Some schools have on their website a "course transferrability" page where it will tell you what courses are similar to others at different schools. This way, if your physics class transfers as one of their full year classes, then I would say you could take the 2 quarter physics. Finally, you could also just call the schools you're interested in....
 
I think what schools are looking for is a complete physics course. They don't care if it's algebra or calculus based. I'd take the easiest route because you'll never see physics again. I think you'll be good with the 2 quarter class, assuming they complete a full physics course during that time. To be sure, I'd call the schools your interested (and it sounds like you may have called some) and seek some clarification. Schools deal with these types of questions every year. They are sure to have an answer.
 
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