Switching classes.

[smuwillobrien]

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My physics professor wants me to switch from the algebraic physics continuation (Physics for Life Sciences II) to calculus physics next semester because he thinks that it will open more doors for me. I've got an A so far, but I think that if I switch I'd be doing a lot worse.

Any suggestions? Should I kiss up to the professor or does it really matter?

 

[bella_dottoressa]

I would stick w/ non-calc based. But that's just me and my hatred for calc. Med schools aren't gonna care which one you take. It might not be that much harder for you...heck, some people even think calc based is EASIER than algebra based...But if you're doing fine now, I see no reason to switch. Especially if you'll be taking other tough classes too along with it. What kind of doors is calc-based physics gonna open for you is my question? 😀

 

[smuwillobrien]

Well to do a chemistry major you need to take the calculus based physics (so if I decide that the biology major isn't for me I'd have an alternative), and it would get a professor on my side (which would be great)!

 

[crazee8]

I don't think that calc-based physics is all that much harder than trig/algebra-based physics as the calculus is primarily used for the derivation of formulas with some application and isn't that all that extensive, especially in the lower level general physics courses. And so other than the math, which is quite easy if you have a decent Calculus background; the concepts are roughly the same.

 

[exmike]

You're lucky. Our physics for life sciences was calculus based. It does get a little hairy, especially when (if i recall correctly) you have to calculate gaussian surfaces. I'd stick with algebra based, its simpler. (of course, each school varies on how much calculus is actually used)

Originally posted by smuwillobrien
My physics professor wants me to switch from the algebraic physics continuation (Physics for Life Sciences II) to calculus physics next semester because he thinks that it will open more doors for me. I've got an A so far, but I think that if I switch I'd be doing a lot worse.

Any suggestions? Should I kiss up to the professor or does it really matter?

 

[essbe]

Hey smu, why don't you check out your school's calc-based physics textbook? Borrow one from a friend, or see if your physics prof can hook you up with a copy. Ideally, those classes should use one main text for both semesters. See if you can re-learn some of the first semester's material through a calc-based lens on your own. There's much less rote memorization of formulas with calc-based physics; in a pinch, from a handful of basic concepts, you can derive most of what you need during an exam. It depends on how you learn best: would you rather pick from a long list of predetermined formulas and apply those, or would you rather know why/how a few formulas are true, but know them really well?