Question about Physics...

[Tennis Guy]

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So, I received a C- in physics I and I'm now in a bit of dilemma. I most likely have to retake the course, but I'll talk to the professor first and see if a grade change is possible. However, next semester the best Physics II professor is teaching, and I heard that everyone loves him, he's a fantastic professor, he makes it easy, etc. So, I was thinking that I should go ahead and take Physics II with this professor and retake physics I over the summer or later, even though I'll probably take Genetics as well during the Summer? What do you guys think I should do? This professor teaches this course not often at all and I'll probably never be able to take it with him, if I don't take it next semester. Btw, next semester a grad student is teaching physics I that I don't know about and another professor that isn't that great.

 

[jackcandle]

If you received a C- because you genuinely didn't understand the content, no matter how "easy" a professor is, I don't think you'll be able to pass Physics II if you don't understand Physics I.

 

[deleted357625]

i would focus on retaking it

 

[CaveJohnsonHere]

If you received a C- because you genuinely didn't understand the content, no matter how "easy" a professor is, I don't think you'll be able to pass Physics II if you don't understand Physics I.

I may be wrong, but I assume he meant "easy to understand" as opposed to just "easy."

To the OP, if you think having a professor who breaks it down in a way you can genuinely understand it will get you a better grade, I say go for it. But I agree that if you don't have a grasp of physics I, you'll probably have a tough time with physics II.

 

[Tennis Guy]

I may be wrong, but I assume he meant "easy to understand" as opposed to just "easy."

To the OP, if you think having a professor who breaks it down in a way you can genuinely understand it will get you a better grade, I say go for it. But I agree that if you don't have a grasp of physics I, you'll probably have a tough time with physics II.

Yes, I understand... does the material from Physics II build from Physics I? Has anybody here ever taken Physics II after getting a C- or D in Physics I?

 

[druggeek]

At my school, class averages were about 10% lower in physics II than physics I. This is also after the fact that all the people getting 0-50% were weeded out (who were dragging down the class average by a **** load) so yes it is tougher. Did get an A though <3

 

[Espadaleader]

I just finished Physics I. Physics is a very difficult subject because a lot of it is non-intuitive and it requires a solid understanding of calculus and algebra. I did well (A-), but it was not easy. The second semester focuses on EM and waves which is highly tested on the MCAT and are actually the most medically relevant topics. Just re-take Physics I. You cannot afford anything under a B in Physics II.

 

[Mountaineer12]

I personally didn't think there was a lot of continuity between Physics I and Physics II so I think you would be okay. I got stuck with horrible Physics II professor and had a really tough time getting an A so if you can get a good professor for Physics II I say go for it.

 

[Danlee07]

Physics II is like Physics I turned sideways. And instead of gravity, just remember everything flows downhill.

But, people whom Ive helped out in Physics I and struggled generally got better in II; I think you just need to find a good tutor to help you think in a more efficient intuitive way than just working out problems with numbers.

 

[Tennis Guy]

So, it seems that it's a mixed consensus... I hope that it wouldn't be a terrible idea for me to take Physics II next semester. The Physics I professors aren't that great btw... I feel like Physics I clicked for me more at the end., but it was still too late. Do most of you guys think that taking Physics II next semester is a bad idea? I guess that I'm worried about graduating on time... it's already going to be five years, so I don't want to delay it more. I'm sorry for reiterating the question, but I'm really in a bind... HELP!!!

 

[Tennis Guy]

bump

 

[FictiousForce]

As a physics major, I will tell you, Physics I is quite different from Physics II.

It's easier in some ways and harder in others. First you must tell me what it was about Physics I exactly that you didn't understand. If you weren't sure how to approach the complicated mechanics problems and you weren't sure how to solve them, then you may do better in Physics II because there is much less actual "problem solving" in a pre-med Physics II course.

But you must study. If everyone says this professor makes Physics II easy, then you will probably do well in his class.