Taking calc-based physics, with no background in calculus?

[usernametaken]

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I've heard taking calc-based physics helps you understand physics better conceptually and this approach is not necessarily more difficult then algebra-based physics. I've also heard that the intro calc-based physics classes don't use all that much calculus, and the calculus they use is simple and not difficult to learn. I don't have the strongest background in math, and have not taken calculus at any level. I'm guessing both versions of physics will be difficult and time consuming for me, so I figured the calculus based physics seemed like fair game.

Am I crazy?

 

[jza70]

Depends on the class. At my school we have 3 different physics. 1 algebra based and 2 calc. One of the calc based is for bio majors. The other calc pahysics for engineers and physics majors. I made the mistake in enrolling in the physics major calc I had no idea wtf was going on during the first day. I got into the correct class the next day.

 

[usernametaken]

The calc-based one I'm in is tailored to pre-med and bio majors. The engineering calc-based physics has its own class. Part of me is wondering if I should just switch to algebra-based physics, even though I'm not sure if it would be easier.. I'm sure I've forgotten a lot of the math needed for just plain algebra-based physics and will need to relearn it as I go.

 

[usernametaken]

I know I could take Calc I simultaneously with the calc-based physics, but it might be too much of a workload for this semester.

 

[jza70]

The calc-based one I'm in is tailored to pre-med and bio majors. The engineering calc-based physics has its own class. Part of me is wondering if I should just switch to algebra-based physics, even though I'm not sure if it would be easier.. I'm sure I've forgotten a lot of the math needed for just plain algebra-based physics and will need to relearn it as I go.

We used probably only 3 or 4 calc equations per quarter at most. It wouldn't be that difficult.

 

[makushin]

If you are questioning your basic algebra skills, I'm not sure why you would want to take a more mathmatically demanding course. Trig-based physics really only requires SOH CAH TOA and basic algebra. Everything else is mostly equation based. If you have any inclination to take upper division physics, take the calculus based course, otherwise it's not really necessary. PS- trig-based physics is not any easier.

 

[usernametaken]

I think I might just drop the physics completely for this semester and polish up on math for the next couple of months. I think I'm too deficient in math skills at the moment to do well in Physics I of any kind. I didn't fully realize how bad my alg and trig was until today. 🙁

 

[blankguy]

I've heard taking calc-based physics helps you understand physics better conceptually and this approach is not necessarily more difficult then algebra-based physics. I've also heard that the intro calc-based physics classes don't use all that much calculus, and the calculus they use is simple and not difficult to learn. I don't have the strongest background in math, and have not taken calculus at any level. I'm guessing both versions of physics will be difficult and time consuming for me, so I figured the calculus based physics seemed like fair game.

Am I crazy?

If you are looking for better theoretical understanding of Physics like a Physics major then calculus based physics is the way to go. They will make you derive a lot of the formulas and use it in problems. I think taking calculus based physics without calculus is asking for trouble. Even if not much calculus is used it still will require calculus. I recommend taking calculus first before calculus based physics, otherwise go for noncalculus physics.

 

[usernametaken]

I pulled a B+ in calc-based physics I with no calc last semester.

The first semester didn't use much calc, but I think that was the professor's doing, this semester I have a different professor, and his syllabus says calculus will be used EXTENSIVELY.

I am thinking if I drop down to algebra based physics (for physics II) it won't look good on my application to dental school! Help!

 

[usernametaken]

Well, after going to lecture today, it seems like more of the same old. If I can do decent in Physics I, I should be able to do fine in this class. I will stick with it.

 

[Regmata]

Why though? Do any school require calc-based physics?

 

[usernametaken]

Why though? Do any school require calc-based physics?

No, but I am guessing if I drop down to alg-based physics, it wouldn't look as good on my transcripts. Also, I already have the textbook, and am signed up for calc-based.

Honestly, I just should have taken alg-based in the beginning. Hindsight is 20/20.

 

[Hysteria24]

I used to think calculus had nothing to do with dentistry, but it just clicked after reading this thread.

From dictionary.com:

cal·cu·lus
1) Mathematics. a method of calculation, esp. one of several highly systematic methods of treating problems by a special system of algebraic notations, as differential or integral calculus.
2) Also called tartar. Dentistry. a hard, yellowish to brownish-black deposit on teeth formed largely through the mineralization of dead bacteria in dental plaques by the calcium salts in salivary secretions and subgingival transudates.

So in the end… Maybe it's better for your teeth's sake to take physics without any calculus. 😀

 

[SayAahh]

I like that one, hysteria

 

[usernametaken]

I am so stupid.

I've just learned physics II will have significantly more calc. according to the professor; also going through the upcoming chapters has made me realize that I bit off more then I can handle. I think I need to drop down to algebra based for physics II.

I wonder what the dental school adviser will tell me. I guess I will just tell her I heard it was a better way to learn physics, but I haven't had any calculus, and that second semester is beyond my mathmatical capabilities.

 

[Hysteria24]

Take physics, any physics, and get an A! You are probably splitting hairs with this decision, but in the big scheme of things dental schools are going to look at your GPA. They don't have time to look at your app, investigate that your physics didn't have calculus in it, and then re-calculate your GPA with a deduction because of this physics class. If you were applying for med school and taking the MCAT, it may be more important because of the physics on that test.

 

[andyjl]

i'm thinking that it doesn't matter if you take alg-based or calc-based physics, as long as it isn't an intro to physics course you are taking. You should call up the schools you are interested and ask them about it. But my school had trig based and calc based physics. I took calc based physics series and i don't ever recall using physics except for one hw problem and it was a simple derivative problem. Although in calc based physics the explanations and theory the prof uses will require one to know calculus in order to understand whatever it is he/she is trying to teach. My calc-based physics course was just having to know which formula to use, and i'm fairly certain the trig-based one was the same. But if you are pretty quick at learning math, ,the calculus that is used isn't too hard at all. Like another user posted, you are probably splitting hairs here on this one and most dent schools probably won't care. Good luck

 

[bbakersc]

I've heard taking calc-based physics helps you understand physics better conceptually and this approach is not necessarily more difficult then algebra-based physics. I've also heard that the intro calc-based physics classes don't use all that much calculus, and the calculus they use is simple and not difficult to learn. I don't have the strongest background in math, and have not taken calculus at any level. I'm guessing both versions of physics will be difficult and time consuming for me, so I figured the calculus based physics seemed like fair game.

Am I crazy?

WHY? it isn't on th DAT and you don't use it in Dental school... why put yourself through torture?

 

[ghammond19]

Bad News

 

[StLazarus]

Calculus = not on the DAT.
Physics = not on the DAT.
Algebra & Trig = on the DAT.

It would be worthwhile to really solidify that algebra and trig for the DAT to take the algebra-based physics. As most have already said, it is more important to get a good grade than worry about whether or not an adcom is going to check if your physics course had calc.

I really don't like calc, and took alg based physics and loved it.