Physics Requirement

[MangoPlant]

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I know a lot of schools require 8 credits of physics (physics 1 + 2 w/ lab) but I took physics 2 without taking physics 1 by using AP credit for physics 1. Since some medical schools don't accept AP credit, am I right in assuming that I must take another physics class? My school doesn't let students take physics 1 once they've finished physics 2 so I would have to take a class that is at a higher level than physics 2 - does anyone have any suggestions on what to take (if I have to take another physics class at all)? Also, I have >=13 on the PS section of the MCAT in case that would effect anything (not expecting it to). Please advise 🙂.

 

[487806]

I know a lot of schools require 8 credits of physics (physics 1 + 2 w/ lab) but I took physics 2 without taking physics 1 by using AP credit for physics 1. Since some medical schools don't accept AP credit, am I right in assuming that I must take another physics class? My school doesn't let students take physics 1 once they've finished physics 2 so I would have to take a class that is at a higher level than physics 2 - does anyone have any suggestions on what to take (if I have to take another physics class at all)? Also, I have >=13 on the PS section of the MCAT in case that would effect anything (not expecting it to). Please advise 🙂.

Yeah you would need to take an upper level physics class in this case. It can be anything: thermo, classical, quantum, E&M etc, so take the interesting or easier of these

 

[chenzt]

What about Physics 1 at your CC? Your institution doesn't allow it doesn't mean you can't do it elsewhere.

 

[Oso]

Maybe you can find a cool biophysics class? I never took any, but some of them seemed really interesting.

 

[moop]

Maybe you can find a cool biophysics class? I never took any, but some of them seemed really interesting.

According to AMCAS course classification, biophysics counts as bio, not physics. Idk how most schools would see this, though.

https://www.aamc.org/students/download/181694/data/amcas_course_classification_guide.pdf

 

[MangoPlant]

According to AMCAS course classification, biophysics counts as bio, not physics. Idk how most schools would see this, though.

https://www.aamc.org/students/download/181694/data/amcas_course_classification_guide.pdf

Yeah it seems like biophysics would be considered biology.. darn biophysics would have been interesting. I wouldn't want to risk it and find out when applying that AMCAS classifies it as biology.

What about Physics 1 at your CC? Your institution doesn't allow it doesn't mean you can't do it elsewhere.

The only worry I would have with this is whether I would be frowned upon for taking physics 2 at my uni and then moving to physics 1 at a CC instead of taking an upper level physics.

 

[chenzt]

The only worry I would have with this is whether I would be frowned upon for taking physics 2 at my uni and then moving to physics 1 at a CC instead of taking an upper level physics.

For just one pre-req? Doubt it. Plus the when someone sees the timeline (AP credit, then taking 2 before 1) it would be clear that you did it to fulfill requirement. Plus a 13 on PS also helps. If you're really worried, post on ask almost anything thread by hushcom.

 

[moop]

We basically know for a fact that no committee looks at thousands of transcripts that closely to notice that 2 was taken before 1 or some **** like that.

I am still for hunting out a easy upper level physics class. My guess is they exist at every school. Ask physics concentrators; they'll know.

 

[Oso]

According to AMCAS course classification, biophysics counts as bio, not physics. Idk how most schools would see this, though.

https://www.aamc.org/students/download/181694/data/amcas_course_classification_guide.pdf

Yeah I know, I guess I was thinking about my university. Biophysics classes are also listed under physics and/or chemistry. So you could register for the course through the physics department and have it count. But I guess this is university-dependent. Look into it, it may work out.

 

[MangoPlant]

Alright I just found out that my uni actually offers a biophysics class but its listed in the physics department (PHY ####) and its an upper level class. Should I go ahead and take it and hope that AMCAS will count it as physics since its listed in the physics department or is it too much of a risk? The course's title is: Intro to Biophysics

 

[Oso]

Alright I just found out that my uni actually offers a biophysics class but its listed in the physics department (PHY ####) and its an upper level class. Should I go ahead and take it and hope that AMCAS will count it as physics since its listed in the physics department or is it too much of a risk? The course's title is: Intro to Biophysics

So I'm not an expert, but I would think that if it's offered through the physics department, then it would count as physics. Let's see what some other people say!

 

[solitarius]

The AMCAS stiffs will probably count it as physics, but I'm not sure how the individual schools will react. On some secondaries, they ask you to list each of your pre-req classes for each area.

 

[milski]

Alright I just found out that my uni actually offers a biophysics class but its listed in the physics department (PHY ####) and its an upper level class. Should I go ahead and take it and hope that AMCAS will count it as physics since its listed in the physics department or is it too much of a risk? The course's title is: Intro to Biophysics

Check the prerequisites and the syllabus. It is not an accident that it is offered as an upper level class. You need some reasonably good background in statistical mechanics, vector calculus and differential equations to get through it. If you have the background and feel comfortable about that, it can be a fun class. If not - it might be better to stick with something at more introductory level. Intro to relativity or intro Q&M or classical mechanics might be easier to digest.

 

[moop]

Check the prerequisites and the syllabus. It is not an accident that it is offered as an upper level class. You need some reasonably good background in statistical mechanics, vector calculus and differential equations to get through it. If you have the background and feel comfortable about that, it can be a fun class. If not - it might be better to stick with something at more introductory level. Intro to relativity or intro Q&M or classical mechanics might be easier to digest.

Lol that's not always true. There are almost always upper-level guts in every department at most schools, even in physics. Not saying this one is, but that there are.

 

[milski]

Lol that's not always true. There are almost always upper-level guts in every department at most schools, even in physics. Not saying this one is, but that there are.

I know, I was talking specifically about this one. Syllabi can vary between schools, but at least at mine it is a math heavy class about application of physical principles to biological systems.

 

[Contr0lz]

Take modern physics or thermodynamics (not staistical mechanics) or waves... those are probably the easiest after mechanics and e&m. Do NOT take Classical Dynamics... you will get screwed.

 

[MangoPlant]

I guess it's probably safer to just take a 'regular' physics class instead of taking a biophysics class listed in the physics department. Although it sounds interesting and would probably work at some schools, I don't want to run the risk because I only have one free class left.

 

[moop]

I guess it's probably safer to just take a 'regular' physics class instead of taking a biophysics class listed in the physics department. Although it sounds interesting and would probably work at some schools, I don't want to run the risk because I only have one free class left.

You can also just do biophysics if it's not hard and make up the physics class if you realize you have to after acceptance and before matriculation.