Trig-Based Physics I/II Over Summer?

[xXIDaShizIXx]

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I know similar questions have been asked before, but I want to know for my particular situation. My school only offers Trig-based (for premeds) or calc-based (for majors) over the summer. I am a B student in math (I struggle at the harder concepts), however I do not know how well I am with just a math class alone. I did take the first part of general chemistry over the summer and made an A. Each session runs for 4 weeks. Would it be wise to take Physics I during the first part and Physics II during the second part or wait for a full semester? It does include the lab, so it is from 8:00 to 12:00 in the morning. To put it in perspective, I am a psych major and intend to take Biochem and genetics in the fall (I will be finished with everything then). Also if I get physics out of the way I wont have to take it while I am studying for the MCAT. Thanks to anyone who replies honestly! 🙂

 

[DinoSaysRawr]

I know similar questions have been asked before, but I want to know for my particular situation. My school only offers Trig-based (for premeds) or calc-based (for majors) over the summer. I am a B student in math (I struggle at the harder concepts), however I do not know how well I am with just a math class alone. I did take the first part of general chemistry over the summer and made an A. Each session runs for 4 weeks. Would it be wise to take Physics I during the first part and Physics II during the second part or wait for a full semester? It does include the lab, so it is from 8:00 to 12:00 in the morning. To put it in perspective, I am a psych major and intend to take Biochem and genetics in the fall (I will be finished with everything then). Also if I get physics out of the way I wont have to take it while I am studying for the MCAT. Thanks to anyone who replies honestly! 🙂

This is just advice from my Physics professor, to paraphrase him, "I wouldn't take any kind of Physics class in a Summer semester unless you've had prior exposure to it." I'm inclined to agree.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

This is just advice from my Physics professor, to paraphrase him, "I wouldn't take any kind of Physics class in a Summer semester unless you've had prior exposure to it." I'm inclined to agree.

Well really my only other option to take over the summer is genetics. Would that be a better choice?

 

[gettheleadout]

Genetics still has a fairly heavy math component to it, but nothing as complicated as you would get in physics.

Also, trig-based as opposed to algebra-based? Or just no calculus?

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Genetics still has a fairly heavy math component to it, but nothing as complicated as you would get in physics.

Also, trig-based as opposed to algebra-based? Or just no calculus?

Yes my school offers only trig based or calculus based. I definitely don't want to take calculus based for physics majors, because I am a B student in math and I don't want to struggle as much.😳 But for genetics if we are talking simple algebra then that's fine. Just which would be better for me, in your opinion, given all that I have said?

 

[gettheleadout]

Yes my school offers only trig based or calculus based. I definitely don't want to take calculus based for physics majors, because I am a B student in math and I don't want to struggle as much.😳 But for genetics if we are talking simple algebra then that's fine. Just which would be better for me, in your opinion, given all that I have said?

As a disclaimer, I took AP Physics (which was algebra-based) but have not taken a college physics course yet, and am in Genetics now and have an A at the moment.

The math component of genetics hasn't gone beyond simple probabilities and algebra, and I don't expect it to. Someone who has finished the course can comment on this, but I'd be surprised by anything beyond a chi-squared test or polynomial stuff.

If physics is something you think you'll struggle with, I would imagine taking a full semester course during the year (even during MCAT prep) to be a much better idea, as you'll have more time to reinforce the skills you'll need to do well in the course and perform on the MCAT.

I'd take Genetics over the summer.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

As a disclaimer, I took AP Physics (which was algebra-based) but have not taken a college physics course yet, and am in Genetics now and have an A at the moment.

The math component of genetics hasn't gone beyond simple probabilities and algebra, and I don't expect it to. Someone who has finished the course can comment on this, but I'd be surprised by anything beyond a chi-squared test or polynomial stuff.

If physics is something you think you'll struggle with, I would imagine taking a full semester course during the year (even during MCAT prep) to be a much better idea, as you'll have more time to reinforce the skills you'll need to do well in the course and perform on the MCAT.

I'd take Genetics over the summer.

Thanks! That's probably what I will do, but I would like others opinions as well. Anyone?

 

[xxhopefulxx]

I am in the same situation as you right now. I couldn't take physics 1 this semester for personal/family issues...so now I am behind in my schedule. I am planning on taking the MCAT next spring so I wanted to take physics 1 in the summer and physics 2 in the fall. I am still debating as to what I should do. I discussed this with my pre med advisor and he said some med schools do tend to look down on pre reqs taken in the summer, but if you have to do you have to do it. I am just worried about being enrolled in physics 2 during the semester in which I will be taking the MCAT....ugh I can't decide what to do.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

I am in the same situation as you right now. I couldn't take physics 1 this semester for personal/family issues...so now I am behind in my schedule. I am planning on taking the MCAT next spring so I wanted to take physics 1 in the summer and physics 2 in the fall. I am still debating as to what I should do. I discussed this with my pre med advisor and he said some med schools do tend to look down on pre reqs taken in the summer, but if you have to do you have to do it. I am just worried about being enrolled in physics 2 during the semester in which I will be taking the MCAT....ugh I can't decide what to do.

Well my school only offers the first part in the summer or the fall. They don't offer it in the spring because our physics department is small. What do you think you will do? I would like to get it over with to be honest, but I hear its like death over the summer. And schools will take it, I honestly wouldn't worry about it - if you have them and you made a good grade I hardly think the schools will turn you down for something like that.

 

[Poisson]

I know similar questions have been asked before, but I want to know for my particular situation. My school only offers Trig-based (for premeds) or calc-based (for majors) over the summer. I am a B student in math (I struggle at the harder concepts), however I do not know how well I am with just a math class alone. I did take the first part of general chemistry over the summer and made an A. Each session runs for 4 weeks. Would it be wise to take Physics I during the first part and Physics II during the second part or wait for a full semester? It does include the lab, so it is from 8:00 to 12:00 in the morning. To put it in perspective, I am a psych major and intend to take Biochem and genetics in the fall (I will be finished with everything then). Also if I get physics out of the way I wont have to take it while I am studying for the MCAT. Thanks to anyone who replies honestly! 🙂

Calculus based physics is not going to be any easier than trigonometric based physics. I would not use the word "trig" as the more correct answer is "algebra." Yes there are sines and cosines, but most people do not refer to physics as being trig based. Physics is mainly basic numerical calculations. The difficulty of the class is going to depend on the culture of the institution. Do they give out the same amount of As in both classes? Are the calculus physics students made to work more, or are they treated lighter because the professor assumes some entry level advanced coursework as per-requisite? So, how much calculus is involved? I took two levels of calculus based physics. The mathematics on the board would get into a lot of derivating and what not, but I kid you not I only used an integral maybe once or twice in an exam question. These integrals were basically the equivalent of doing X*Y in algebra, thus easy. We did actually have some complex derivations on examinations, as my teacher was a bit different than normal. Some of these derivations required mathematics probably into the PDE range, but he told us that what he wrote on the board is the exact question on the exam, thus this was a free 10-25 percent on the exam, just writing down verbatim the work! I did not have college calculus when I took physics I - calculus based, I will say though that a lot of the stuff with the mathematics I didn't know what he was doing at all. I obtained an A in physics I and an A+ in physics II. This however was because I had an idea of where the questions were coming from, which I was entirely lucky that I figured out by some fluke, and studied about 50-100 questions before each exam, being able to solve them without looking at any notes. The class was not easy, as everyone was ranked, we knew how everybody was doing. A lot of people were fighting for a C throughout the whole class. The difficulty in physics doesn't come from the mathematics, but more the conceptualizations, and multiple choice questions. If you are a biological sciences student you may fair well on multiple choice. In reality simple calculations you need to think less about than multiple choice. Good luck.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Calculus based physics is not going to be any easier than trigonometric based physics. I would not use the word "trig" as the more correct answer is "algebra." Yes there are sines and cosines, but most people do not refer to physics as being trig based. Physics is mainly basic numerical calculations. The difficulty of the class is going to depend on the culture of the institution. Do they give out the same amount of As in both classes? Are the calculus physics students made to work more, or are they treated lighter because the professor assumes some entry level advanced coursework as per-requisite? So, how much calculus is involved? I took two levels of calculus based physics. The mathematics on the board would get into a lot of derivating and what not, but I kid you not I only used an integral maybe once or twice in an exam question. These integrals were basically the equivalent of doing X*Y in algebra, thus easy. We did actually have some complex derivations on examinations, as my teacher was a bit different than normal. Some of these derivations required mathematics probably into the PDE range, but he told us that what he wrote on the board is the exact question on the exam, thus this was a free 10-25 percent on the exam, just writing down verbatim the work! I did not have college calculus when I took physics I - calculus based, I will say though that a lot of the stuff with the mathematics I didn't know what he was doing at all. I obtained an A in physics I and an A+ in physics II. This however was because I had an idea of where the questions were coming from, which I was entirely lucky that I figured out by some fluke, and studied about 50-100 questions before each exam, being able to solve them without looking at any notes. The class was not easy, as everyone was ranked, we knew how everybody was doing. A lot of people were fighting for a C throughout the whole class. The difficulty in physics doesn't come from the mathematics, but more the conceptualizations, and multiple choice questions. If you are a biological sciences student you may fair well on multiple choice. In reality simple calculations you need to think less about than multiple choice. Good luck.

My school classifies it as "Trigonometry-based Physics". You didn't really answer my question. Would taking it over the summer be wise?

 

[JESSFALLING]

Personally, I wouldn't take Physics I over the summer unless you have about 32-36 hrs/week to devote to it (you may or may not need that much time, but it's wise to set it aside). Frankly, you won't know if you are good at Physics until you take it....and a semester gives you more grace for recovery if you suck at it (which I'm not assuming that you will). However, if you had recently performed well in Physics I, then I would be more inclined to recommend an attempt of Physics II over a summer session.

So, for now, I think genetics is the better choice.

 

[JESSFALLING]

My school classifies it as "Trigonometry-based Physics". You didn't really answer my question. Would taking it over the summer be wise?

"Trigonometry-based Physics" = "Algebra-based Physics"

Most schools call it "algebra-based" because the trigonometry used is relatively basic material, as compared to what you might find in an actual trig course.

Hope that helps.

 

[sliceofbread136]

This is just advice from my Physics professor, to paraphrase him, "I wouldn't take any kind of Physics class in a Summer semester unless you've had prior exposure to it." I'm inclined to agree.

I took cal based physics 2 and lab over summer and it was my easiest summer ever. Don't know why it would be harder to do physics over the summer versus during the semester.

 

[xxhopefulxx]

Well my school only offers the first part in the summer or the fall. They don't offer it in the spring because our physics department is small. What do you think you will do? I would like to get it over with to be honest, but I hear its like death over the summer. And schools will take it, I honestly wouldn't worry about it - if you have them and you made a good grade I hardly think the schools will turn you down for something like that.

Yeah, my school offers both semesters. I really don't know. I am applying for a program in the summer at a local school...if I happen to get into that I will probably hold off on the physics. Otherwise, I am still very conflicted...I know someone else who is taking the class in the summer so it will be good to have someone to work with, but again- a lot of ppl here are saying wait and take it in the fall. I just want to get it over with lol.

 

[brahms11]

I took trig bases physics (both terms) over the summer without any high school honors or AP coursework. The math wasn't difficult but it was very tough initially to get used to thinking through tbe free body diagrams and other physics problems. I thought about dropping until it began to click. I ended up doing very well in kinematics and pretty well in E&M. The intense time demands have the benefit of allowing you to focus exclusively on the material and begin to think more like a physicist. That said, getting behind is incredibly dangerous. I was working much harder than most of my regular terms. Use your gut to figure out the right approach for your learning style.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

I took trig bases physics (both terms) over the summer without any high school honors or AP coursework. The math wasn't difficult but it was very tough initially to get used to thinking through tbe free body diagrams and other physics problems. I thought about dropping until it began to click. I ended up doing very well in kinematics and pretty well in E&M. The intense time demands have the benefit of allowing you to focus exclusively on the material and begin to think more like a physicist. That said, getting behind is incredibly dangerous. I was working much harder than most of my regular terms. Use your gut to figure out the right approach for your learning style.

Well they will be the only thing I am doing, no shadowing, or volunteering during the summer. So are the labs long or hard? That is usually the deterrent for me taking lab classes.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Also I would like any other opinions. What do you think?

 

[Espadaleader]

No. Its not about being "smart" its about exposure. You should a a semester-long course so you can "be exposed" to the concepts over a long period of time. Also, it takes time for Physics to "click". Taking it in the fall may provide more exposure, which will help on the MCAT and will ensure the best possible grade for you. Only you know your limit though. Good luck.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Well they didn't have enough people for genetics so they aren't offering it this summer. That means physics is all I have left to take besides clinical psychology. And I will have a sold 30-40 hours a week for the material. It is all I will be doing over the summer.

 

[Double Trouble]

Just get it out of the way. If you take physcal during the summer you can focus on it.

Edit:

You will probably see techniques such as trig substitution, partials, and multivariable integration/differentiation. You will also need a strong grasp on different coordinate systems, especially spherical and cartesian coordinates, and be able to express the manipulation of energy in mathematical terms. A big difference between algebra based phys and calculus based phys is that for algebra based phys, you have to memorize a long list of equations, wherein phys/cal you can derive a lot of the formulas.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Just get it out of the way. If you take physcal during the summer you can focus on it.

Edit:

You will probably see techniques such as trig substitution, partials, and multivariable integration/differentiation. You will also need a strong grasp on different coordinate systems, especially spherical and cartesian coordinates, and be able to express the manipulation of energy in mathematical terms. A big difference between algebra based phys and calculus based phys is that for algebra based phys, you have to memorize a long list of equations, wherein phys/cal you can derive a lot of the formulas.

I would rather memorize a long list of equations that doing anything else. It sounds like getting it out of the way would be good. I think I may just apply to schools that don't require genetics, so I will be done with my premed classes and can finish up my major. Thanks you guys for answering!

 

[Poisson]

My school classifies it as "Trigonometry-based Physics". You didn't really answer my question. Would taking it over the summer be wise?

I would definitely take this course over the summer. Professors for one reason or another almost always make the course easier over the summer. What they don't realize is the folks with dyslexia, learning disabilities, or laziness aren't going to get a better grade in a harder version of the course stretched out over a long period of time, prolonging the pain. Let's face it some people can't learn jack from lecture. Take it in the summer. I've had some of the most brutal teachers for the regular semester hand out As and dumbed-down tests like candy in the summer. Would you rather work semi-hard for like 4-8 weeks, or get thrown with a ton of busy work, trumped-up exams, and boring lectures for 16 weeks? I took a course most people get a C at during the regular semester and was number 1 in the class during the summer, and an organic class after not taking chemistry in forever, and taking A while never showing up to class. In the first course the teacher said HW has been eliminated during the summer, I was thinking great, because busywork does not correlate to exam grades, and wastes time. In the second class the teacher said he made the exams have less questions and gave us more time. Plus all the terrible notorious short answer questions everyone f-s up on have been eliminated. In the summer 1 exam is dropped while in the regular semester they don't. The smart people might have reasons they like to say a class is better during the regular semester, but I can tell you, as an unsmart person, its way easier.

 

[DinoSaysRawr]

I would definitely take this course over the summer. Professors for one reason or another almost always make the course easier over the summer. What they don't realize is the folks with dyslexia, learning disabilities, or laziness aren't going to get a better grade in a harder version of the course stretched out over a long period of time, prolonging the pain. Let's face it some people can't learn jack from lecture. Take it in the summer. I've had some of the most brutal teachers for the regular semester hand out As and dumbed-down tests like candy in the summer. Would you rather work semi-hard for like 4-8 weeks, or get thrown with a ton of busy work, trumped-up exams, and boring lectures for 16 weeks? I took a course most people get a C at during the regular semester and was number 1 in the class during the summer, and an organic class after not taking chemistry in forever, and taking A while never showing up to class. In the first course the teacher said HW has been eliminated during the summer, I was thinking great, because busywork does not correlate to exam grades, and wastes time. In the second class the teacher said he made the exams have less questions and gave us more time. Plus all the terrible notorious short answer questions everyone f-s up on have been eliminated. In the summer 1 exam is dropped while in the regular semester they don't. The smart people might have reasons they like to say a class is better during the regular semester, but I can tell you, as an unsmart person, its way easier.

I had this exact conversation with my current physics professor. He's actually been assigned to teach Algebra/Trig Based Physics I and II over the Summer. I brought up the idea that people take the Summer courses, because for some reason or another, they think they're going to be easier and get an A. He had the biggest devilish grin I've ever seen and told me that he already knew that. I laugh at anyone who thinks taking this guy during the Summer semester is going to be a cake walk.

OP, I made an A in College Algebra and a B in Pre-Cal. I'm currently doing quite well in Calc I. I might be the same level of math student that you are, but I don't recommend it over the Summer. Heck, I don't recommend taking any pre-req during the Summer. But if you feel that you can maintain a good average AND know the material for the MCAT, then by all means, go ahead. I hope this helps! 🙂