Question regarding Physics! Please Advise.

[lawvsmed]

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I am clear about the fact that the MCAT tests algebra-based physics. I just do not know what courses would be sufficient when it comes to completing the class requirements. I have not taken trig or calc(and am trying to avoid both if possible).

Do you think a sequence of "Intro Physics" followed by "General Physics 1" would be sufficient as far as completing the 1 year Physics requirement? Thank you.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

I think a class of college algebra followed by physics will be sufficient. For college physics you don't need anything more than algebra and trig, but you better be pretty efficient in trig, Every college I have attended required either concurrent enrollment with college algebra or equivalent or it was a prereq. Calc isn't needed though.

And no, intro physics won't count towards your prereqs. You need general physics 1 and 2. Med schools consider algebra physics 1 and 2 as the lowest 2 physics classes possible.

 

[I like meowmix]

What is intro physics? I'd strongly advise taking physics 2...and it's on the MCAT too

 

[lawvsmed]

Damn. Looks like I'm going to have to take Pre-Calc, as it seems to be a prerequisite everywhere!

 

[sunflower18]

I think a class of college algebra followed by physics will be sufficient. For college physics you don't need anything more than algebra and trig, but you better be pretty efficient in trig, Every college I have attended required either concurrent enrollment with college algebra or equivalent or it was a prereq. Calc isn't needed though.

And no, intro physics won't count towards your prereqs. You need general physics 1 and 2. Med schools consider algebra physics 1 and 2 as the lowest 2 physics classes possible.

Wait, what? My school doesn't have something called "general physics". It's just "Introductory Physics I & II". It's calc-based, too. That can't possibly be held against me, can it?

 

[Doctorsoon2011]

Wait, what? My school doesn't have something called "general physics". It's just "Introductory Physics I & II". It's calc-based, too. That can't possibly be held against me, can it?

Calculus based is the "more difficult" one. This is because you are required to know and perform calculus. So yes it is held against you... in a good way.

 

[Praefectus]

You just have to make sure that the Physics classes cover Newtonian mechanics, electricity, magnetism, optics, and fluids. If not, you'll end up teaching yourself for the MCAT.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

Wait, what? My school doesn't have something called "general physics". It's just "Introductory Physics I & II". It's calc-based, too. That can't possibly be held against me, can it?

No you are fine. Most schools' intro physics is conceptual. Like intro chem. Your physics is fine. General physics is GENERALLY algebra based physics and calc is GENERALLY classical physicals. Doesn't mean every college is like thos though. You are good.

 

[lawvsmed]

So I have one more question but I dont want to make another thread so hopefully someone can answer it for me here:

Will any bios do for the bio requirement? I am taking Human Bio right now and planning to take Cellular and Molecular Biology next. Will those two classes be sufficient ?

 

[Northwesterly]

So I have one more question but I dont want to make another thread so hopefully someone can answer it for me here:

Will any bios do for the bio requirement? I am taking Human Bio right now and planning to take Cellular and Molecular Biology next. Will those two classes be sufficient ?

Your college's introductory sequence *for science majors* should be sufficient. A remedial course covering high school material followed by one semester of general bio is not sufficient. This might mean a 200 level sequence or it might have an entirely difference designation, depending on the institution. Your school's pre-med society or career-advising office should have details.