Summer physics 1 and 2 with little background in math?

[YoungGregory]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey guys, I'm trying to figure out if I should take physics 1 and 2 over summer.

The highest math I've completed so far is college algebra. Would it be best for me to take pre-calc or trigonometry this summer then take physics during the fall and spring semester next year, or wing it this summer (two five week courses)?


Also, the physics I'm taking will not be calculus based.

 

[Ellie Arroway]

This is folly. Take precalc/trig (these were the same class where I took it). Are you in a huge hurry? I took trig concurrently with physics 1 and it worked out well. Algebra based physics is mostly easy trig but the math class adds more practice in working with equations if you are not comfortable with it. But I can't imagine just diving into an accelerated physics course and successfully "winging it" unless you think you have a natural aptitude for math & just never got around to taking the classes.

 

[YoungGregory]

This is folly. Take precalc/trig (these were the same class where I took it). Are you in a huge hurry? I took trig concurrently with physics 1 and it worked out well. Algebra based physics is mostly easy trig but the math class adds more practice in working with equations if you are not comfortable with it. But I can't imagine just diving into an accelerated physics course and successfully "winging it" unless you think you have a natural aptitude for math & just never got around to taking the classes.

I'm not really in a huge hurry, I'm a post bacc student and the only two classes I have left to take are physics and ochem. My plan was to take physics this summer so I could just focus on orgo and MCAT next fall/spring.

Right now I'm leaning towards pre-calc this summer, then physics/ochem next school year though.

 

[bpigz]

Just brush up on any basic algebra deficiencies you may have. The trig in algebra-based physics can be learned in a few minutes. You'll be fine. Busy, but fine.

Algebra-based physics courses are for everybody to take. Many don't even have a math requirement to enroll.

 

[Bamfu]

Physics can be rough if you're not strong in math. If you've just done college algebra and no trig, I might advise taking another math course during the summer (or taking it off) and taking physics 1 with ochem 1 and physics 2 with ochem 2. I ended up taking those sets together (for different reasons), and it really worked out well. If physics 1 is translational motion (it usually is), then it's harder than physics 2. Ochem, however, was the opposite in my experience. Organic 2 was much harder than organic 1.

The problem is that summer courses move along pretty quickly. Struggling with the math may get you into some trouble if you have to learn physics concepts so quickly, but the trig required for physics is very basic.

I guess if you feel gifted @ math, go for the physics summer course. If you're at all intimidated with it, wait until the fall.

 

[passionformed]

Physics can be rough if you're not strong in math. If you've just done college algebra and no trig, I might advise taking another math course during the summer (or taking it off) and taking physics 1 with ochem 1 and physics 2 with ochem 2. I ended up taking those sets together (for different reasons), and it really worked out well. If physics 1 is translational motion (it usually is), then it's harder than physics 2. Ochem, however, was the opposite in my experience. Organic 2 was much harder than organic 1.

The problem is that summer courses move along pretty quickly. Struggling with the math may get you into some trouble if you have to learn physics concepts so quickly, but the trig required for physics is very basic.

I guess if you feel gifted @ math, go for the physics summer course. If you're at all intimidated with it, wait until the fall.

Finally someone who holds the same viewpoint as I do. I have no idea why people find E&M harder than mechanics. I guess it depends on the person, but still, I rather do circuits than pulleys on inclined planes.

 

[Bamfu]

Finally someone who holds the same viewpoint as I do. I have no idea why people find E&M harder than mechanics. I guess it depends on the person, but still, I rather do circuits than pulleys on inclined planes.

Yeah man! Mechanics takes some pretty serious problem solving and there are just some really tricky questions out there.

I felt like E&M was all very straightforward and just formula plug and chug. If something wasn't that, it was just 90% conceptual without much to the problems. Which was good because organic 2 was memorizing a million different reactions with required mastery of arrow pushing with written explanation Our professor was excellent, but his doctoral degree was organic synthesis. He loves his field.

 

[occams_razor]

I'm not really in a huge hurry, I'm a post bacc student and the only two classes I have left to take are physics and ochem. My plan was to take physics this summer so I could just focus on orgo and MCAT next fall/spring.

Right now I'm leaning towards pre-calc this summer, then physics/ochem next school year though.

I wouldn't take physics in the summer unless you're gifted at math because it moves very quickly. I think taking physics and ochem together during the school year is probably a better idea. I know a lot of people who have done it and were able to do well