Who took calc based physics?

[Golfer9393]

Alegbra or Calc based physics? Thanks!

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[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Alegbra or Calc based physics? Thanks!

While calc based physics gives you a more intuitive understanding of the physics and allows you to really get the concepts without "fudging" the math in order to fit it into trig/algebra, it is often more difficult for no additional gain. Adcoms are not going to be impressed with an A in calc-based physics over an A in trig based. And you certainly don't need calc based physics for the MCAT.

Edit: And just to put a rubber stamp on it, I'm a mathematician and still recommend algebra/trig based.

 

[deleted938578]

I recommend algebra-based

 

[MyOdyssey]

While calc based physics gives you a more intuitive understanding of the physics and allows you to really get the concepts without "fudging" the math in order to fit it into trig/algebra, it is often more difficult for no additional gain. Adcoms are not going to be impressed with an A in calc-based physics over an A in trig based. And you certainly don't need calc based physics for the MCAT.

I am going to take a contrarian view to @Matthew9Thirtyfive. @Matthew9Thirtyfive is giving you the standard answer to this question.

Here are some other things to think about:

1. The algebra-based physics class will be filled just about entirely with very competitive premeds. Only premeds would take an algebra/trig based physics class in college. The calculus based class will have more engineers and physics majors who are probably better at math on the whole but who care less about gunning for the A.

2. College physics professors will better understand how to teach physics using calculus, because that's how they learned it and that's how physics is best understood. Given this and the fact that physics departments probably care more about their calculus based physics course, you might see better instruction in the calculus based physics sequence. That, at least, is the case at my undergrad.

3. If you see yourself doing research, you will need to be able to read research articles that deploy calculus based physics. No one is going to publish a scientific article using only algebra or trig based physics. I suspect ad coms will understand this too and may question your research chops if you limit yourself to algebra or trig based physics.

4. If you see yourself in a field that uses a lot of physics based technology, calculus based physics will be better.

5. If calculus based physics is considered the honors sequence, your undergrad may use a more generous grading curve for it v. algebra based physics.

To answer your question, I plan to take calculus based physics.

 

[raiderette]

I went to a small LAC, so the only physics was calc based. Most pre-med at my school would take physics at a state school during the summer. If I had to do it again (and could afford summer courses) I would take algebra-based. I don't think it gave me any advantage on the MCAT.

 

[MyOdyssey]

I went to a small LAC, so the only physics was calc based. Most pre-med at my school would take physics at a state school during the summer. If I had to do it again (and could afford summer courses) I would take algebra-based. I don't think it gave me any advantage on the MCAT.

Why would you avoid calculus based physics if you had the chance for a do over?

 

[theKingLT]

I took physics 1 and 2 calc-based in high school, got ap credit for both, then retook physics 2 algebra based in college bc some med schools don't take AP. At my university all of the pre-meds in the algebra based class makes it easier not harder. Pre-meds in general suck at physics. The test averages were always below 55% so the curve was generous. My opinion having taken both types: do the algebra based. The extra knowledge base you get in calc based is not worth the potential gpa drop.

 

[raiderette]

Why would you avoid calculus based physics if you had the chance for a do over?

The extra work required for that course wasn't necessary to do well on MCAT, and the class was challenging, yet not as enjoyable as a tough, upper-level chemistry class. I don't think I will ever need the knowledge from that course as opposed to what I would have learned in an easier physics course. Now if you really loved calculus and upper-level math courses, ymmv.

 

[MyOdyssey]

The extra work required for that course wasn't necessary to do well on MCAT, and the class was challenging, yet not as enjoyable as a tough, upper-level chemistry class. I don't think I will ever need the knowledge from that course as opposed to what I would have learned in an easier physics course. Now if you really loved calculus and upper-level math courses, ymmv.

So you prefer, say, physical chemistry to calc-based physics 1?

 

[raiderette]

So you prefer, say, physical chemistry to calc-based physics 1?

For me? Yes, but for requirements, you will need a year of physics with a lab, so algebra-based makes sense for most people.
Though P-chem can be a GPA killer too.

 

[theKingLT]

So you prefer, say, physical chemistry to calc-based physics 1?

This is not directed to me, but I'll share anyways. Absolutely I would prefer pchem. Not to save gpa because hell no pchem was hard as s***. But definitely because it's more interesting than physics. Adding the calc doesn't make physics more interesting. It just makes you have to spend more time on it. Just my .02

 

[Lawpy]

Alegbra or Calc based physics? Thanks!

I’d take the course where it’s easier to get an A

 

[MyOdyssey]

For me? Yes, but for requirements, you will need a year of physics with a lab, so algebra-based makes sense for most people.
Though P-chem can be a GPA killer too.

Out of curiosity, how much calculus had you taken prior to taking calc-based physics?

Would it have mattered if you'd taken more calculus before taking on calc-based physics?

 

[raiderette]

Out of curiosity, how much calculus had you taken prior to taking calc-based physics?

Would it have mattered if you'd taken more calculus before taking on calc-based physics?

I took calc AB in high school and Calc 2 , so I didn't struggle. I just didn't see the value. If you really like calculus, or have a desire to minor in physics, then go for it.

 

[theKingLT]

Out of curiosity, how much calculus had you taken prior to taking calc-based physics?

Would it have mattered if you'd taken more calculus before taking on calc-based physics?

I took calc AB (calc 1) concurrently with calc based physics 1 and 2 in high school with no troubles. The calculus in physics 1 and 2 is very basic. The harder part is figuring our how you apply it to the problem. Once you set up your integrals or derivatives it's cake, so higher level calc isn't needed

 

[Golfer9393]

I took calc AB in high school and Calc 2 , so I didn't struggle. I just didn't see the value. If you really like calculus, or have a desire to minor in physics, then go for it.

Why did you take calc 2? I’m still deciding between calc 1 or 2? I had a 4 on the AP Calc exam. If you had the choice, would you just have taken calc 1 since that’s what needed for premed. Thanks.

 

[raiderette]

Why did you take calc 2? I’m still deciding between calc 1 or 2? I had a 4 on the AP Calc exam. If you had the choice, would you just have taken calc 1 since that’s what needed for premed. Thanks.

I liked math in high school and I considered math as a minor. I became interested in other things, though, so didn't continue.

 

[theKingLT]

Why did you take calc 2? I’m still deciding between calc 1 or 2? I had a 4 on the AP Calc exam. If you had the choice, would you just have taken calc 1 since that’s what needed for premed. Thanks.

Don't take calc 2 unless you need it for your major. There's no point. I guess maybe if you want to apply md/PhD as I believe some programs require it

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

I am going to take a contrarian view to @Matthew9Thirtyfive. @Matthew9Thirtyfive is giving you the standard answer to this question.

Here are some other things to think about:

1. The algebra-based physics class will be filled just about entirely with very competitive premeds. Only premeds would take an algebra/trig based physics class in college. The calculus based class will have more engineers and physics majors who are probably better at math on the whole but who care less about gunning for the A.

2. College physics professors will better understand how to teach physics using calculus, because that's how they learned it and that's how physics is best understood. Given this and the fact that physics departments probably care more about their calculus based physics course, you might see better instruction in the calculus based physics sequence. That, at least, is the case at my undergrad.

3. If you see yourself doing research, you will need to be able to read research articles that deploy calculus based physics. No one is going to publish a scientific article using only algebra or trig based physics. I suspect ad coms will understand this too and may question your research chops if you limit yourself to algebra or trig based physics.

4. If you see yourself in a field that uses a lot of physics based technology, calculus based physics will be better.

5. If calculus based physics is considered the honors sequence, your undergrad may use a more generous grading curve for it v. algebra based physics.

To answer your question, I plan to take calculus based physics.

None of these are good reasons to take calc based physics.

1. I’ve taken calc based physics and trig based physics. It was easier to get an A in trig based because I am good at calculus, which made reading between the lines easier. OP will be fine.

And by the way, the people in calc based physics want As too.

2. This may or may not be true. While they probably took calc based physics in school, anyone with a degree in math or physics can dumb physics down into a trig based version. If you get a bad professor, it would be bad in calc based too.

3. This is so false it is laughable. If you are doing research in medicine that is related to physics, you are probably a radiation oncologist, in which case you will learn the physics necessary. Adcoms do not give a rat’s ass if you took calc based or trig based physics, and the idea that choosing one over the other reflects on your ability to do research is hilarious.

4. Again, you do not need to have taken calc based physics for this. You will learn when you need to learn (eg, rad onc residencies have physics lectures every week).

5. I’ve found this to be the opposite.

 

[TypeADissection]

I took calc based physics. But granted, I didn’t know I’d end up in medicine one day. That and math has always kinda been my jam. Fairly certain adcoms don’t give a **** either way. There are no bonus points on your app for getting an A in calc based physics, nor anymore leeway if you get a C.

 

[UberUdder09]

Although the algebra-based is usually easier, the calc-based physics class is pretty tame on the math at most schools. Physics is not a math class.. it should be mostly about the natural science. Instructors typically appreciate this and will review relevant math concepts as they encounter them.

 

[MyOdyssey]

None of these are good reasons to take calc based physics.

1. I’ve taken calc based physics and trig based physics. It was easier to get an A in trig based because I am good at calculus, which made reading between the lines easier. OP will be fine.

And by the way, the people in calc based physics want As too.

2. This may or may not be true. While they probably took calc based physics in school, anyone with a degree in math or physics can dumb physics down into a trig based version. If you get a bad professor, it would be bad in calc based too.

3. This is so false it is laughable. If you are doing research in medicine that is related to physics, you are probably a radiation oncologist, in which case you will learn the physics necessary. Adcoms do not give a rat’s ass if you took calc based or trig based physics, and the idea that choosing one over the other reflects on your ability to do research is hilarious.

4. Again, you do not need to have taken calc based physics for this. You will learn when you need to learn (eg, rad onc residencies have physics lectures every week).

5. I’ve found this to be the opposite.

Biophysics and systems biology are two very common research areas that bear on modern medicine. I'm surprised you're not familiar.

In my small world, I've seen advanced math applied to biology in cancer research, microbial immunity research, nanomaterial research and DNA folding research.

None of us speak for medical school adcoms. However, I note that, of the national universities ranked in the top 20, almost only one or two even offer an algebra/trig only intro physics course.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Biophysics and systems biology are two very common research areas that bear on modern medicine. I'm surprised you're not familiar.

In my small world, I've seen advanced math applied to biology in cancer research, microbial immunity research, nanomaterial research and DNA folding research.

So have I. You do not need calc-based physics for any of that stuff as a medical student or MD doing research.

None of us speak for medical school adcoms. I note that, of the national universities ranked in the top 20, almost only one or two even offer an algebra/trig only intro physics course.

They speak for themselves. All over this forum, adcoms tell people calc- versus trig-based physics does not matter, and taking calc-based will not give you any sort of boost but will likely make it harder to get an A. Your advice is against the advice of most of the adcoms and faculty on this forum.

 

[FreeRadicals]

Just my two cents; calc based physics 1 & 2 were dumb hard.

 

[deleted804295]

I took the engineering (calc) based physics and it was the most difficult class I have ever took in college.

That said, I came to love physics as a result of the class. The question you should ask yourself is are you trying to understand introductury physics at its core or a memorizing formula/surface level way?

Like the above posters mentioned, the calc based physics doesn't rely heavily on pure numbers, rather it relied more on derivation of formulas using gradients/integrals/derivatives.

In algebra based physics you are given a bunch of formulas to memorize and your formulas won't get more complicated than the ones given to you.

 

[Medic741]

Alegbra or Calc based physics? Thanks!

Yup. Only C on my UG transcript. It was absolute hell.

 

[MyOdyssey]

I took the engineering (calc) based physics and it was the most difficult class I have ever took in college.

That said, I came to love physics as a result of the class. The question you should ask yourself is are you trying to understand introductury physics at its core or a memorizing formula/surface level way?

Like the above posters mentioned, the calc based physics doesn't rely heavily on pure numbers, rather it relied more on derivation of formulas using gradients/integrals/derivatives.

In algebra based physics you are given a bunch of formulas to memorize and your formulas won't get more complicated than the ones given to you.

May I ask what type of undergrad you attend? A top flight private or public engineering undergrad perhaps?

Calc based physics was harder than orgo 1? That's not the view at my undergrad.

@Medic741 @FreeRadicals Premeds regarded calc based physics as harder than orgo 1 at your undergrad?

 

[MyOdyssey]

From an earlier thread on SDN about algebra-based v. calc based physics:
Algebra or calculus based physics?

"Rather unique situation last night, but a resident last night didn't understand concepts that would have been learned in basic calculus course to the detriment of patient care and my sleep last night. Food for thought... you will understand the world around you better if you have a basic understanding of calculus."

"Any time you need to interpret a waveform or trend data, you will benefit from a functional understanding of calculus. The example last night was a patient on a ventilator and even with 2 extra years of training, much of which was ICU as an R2, simply understanding the concept of the area under a curve and what it means meant that I was better equipped to manage a patient than them. Pressure tracings are another area, probably a couple others I could come up with as well.

As far as data trending, you will notice that the concept of a second derivative is lost on many. They understand that a drop in hemoglobin is bad, but they can't make as accurate predictions as others who understand basic calculus. It is subtle, but it is clear that people who took the minimal prerequisites are at a clear disadvantage when it comes to being a very good doctor.

This applies to anyone who does any critical care. That includes, but is in no way limited to EVERY IM, surgery, pediatric, and neurology resident that trains in this country. That makes up the lions share of the residents in this country.

I don't want there to be any confusion. Being able to integrate or take a derivative isn't useful outside of medical physics/rad onc and maybe some radiology. But, this is no different than the fact that nothing you learn CONTENT WISE in ANY undergrad biology, chemistry, biochemistry, orgo etc will help you as a physician. Many of those classes will teach you how to think and give you skills that will make you a better doctor. Will you be a doctor, not get sued and probably never notice your deficiency? Yes. But that doesn't mean that others aren't going to benefit from understanding at a higher level."

 

[Lawpy]

From an earlier thread on SDN about algebra-based v. calc based physics:
Algebra or calculus based physics?

"Rather unique situation last night, but a resident last night didn't understand concepts that would have been learned in basic calculus course to the detriment of patient care and my sleep last night. Food for thought... you will understand the world around you better if you have a basic understanding of calculus."

"Any time you need to interpret a waveform or trend data, you will benefit from a functional understanding of calculus. The example last night was a patient on a ventilator and even with 2 extra years of training, much of which was ICU as an R2, simply understanding the concept of the area under a curve and what it means meant that I was better equipped to manage a patient than them. Pressure tracings are another area, probably a couple others I could come up with as well.

As far as data trending, you will notice that the concept of a second derivative is lost on many. They understand that a drop in hemoglobin is bad, but they can't make as accurate predictions as others who understand basic calculus. It is subtle, but it is clear that people who took the minimal prerequisites are at a clear disadvantage when it comes to being a very good doctor.

This applies to anyone who does any critical care. That includes, but is in no way limited to EVERY IM, surgery, pediatric, and neurology resident that trains in this country. That makes up the lions share of the residents in this country.

I don't want there to be any confusion. Being able to integrate or take a derivative isn't useful outside of medical physics/rad onc and maybe some radiology. But, this is no different than the fact that nothing you learn CONTENT WISE in ANY undergrad biology, chemistry, biochemistry, orgo etc will help you as a physician. Many of those classes will teach you how to think and give you skills that will make you a better doctor. Will you be a doctor, not get sued and probably never notice your deficiency? Yes. But that doesn't mean that others aren't going to benefit from understanding at a higher level."

I'm not exactly sure what you're trying to show here. Calculus and physics play a role in medicine. But I don't know what this has to do with requiring someone to take calculus-based physics to complete the prereqs.

 

[FreeRadicals]

May I ask what type of undergrad you attend? A top flight private or public engineering undergrad perhaps?

Calc based physics was harder than orgo 1? That's not the view at my undergrad.

@Medic741 @FreeRadicals Premeds regarded calc based physics as harder than orgo 1 at your undergrad?

Yes, premeds thought calc based physics was harder than orgo 1 at my university.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

I'm not exactly sure what you're trying to show here. Calculus and physics play a role in medicine. But I don't know what this has to do with requiring someone to take calculus-based physics to complete the prereqs.

It doesn’t show anything. He wants to take calc-based physics to show off, so he’s trying to justify it. If he wants to believe that taking calc-based physics will make him a better doctor, let him. The only person he’s hurting is himself (by taking a more difficult course for literally no good reason).

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

I don't want there to be any confusion. Being able to integrate or take a derivative isn't useful outside of medical physics/rad onc and maybe some radiology.

From the post you quoted. There is no reason why you can’t learn the concepts he was talking about without taking calc-based physics.

 

[MyOdyssey]

From the post you quoted. There is no reason why you can’t learn the concepts he was talking about without taking calc-based physics.

I'm in the same boat as the OP in that I haven't taken physics yet and I still have time to decide.

I'm trying to emphasize that there's no one right answer that suits every premed. People need to analyze the situation and do what makes sense. If you hated calculus and did poorly in the course, then don't take calculus based physics.

My current thinking is that calc-based physics makes more sense for me because:

1. I've heard numerous complaints from smart friends of mine who took algebra based physics at my undergrad and did badly. One of them had a 3.9, was a CS major, scored a 5 on the calculus based physics exam and yet ended up with a final grade of C in the algebra based physics course because the instruction was terrible and yet the exams were terribly hard. It was also a class full of premeds. Another friend was a premed who hated math and took algebra based physics and complained incessantly about the poor instruction in her course and about how insanely hard the exams were; this friend was also a 3.9 student.

2. Plug and chug algebra based physics courses won't help you with the concept driven MCAT but when algebra based physics instructors try to teach with more rigor, they often struggle because doing so without using calculus is difficult. What results is #1. At my undergrad, the best algebra based physics instructor is also the most rigorous; premeds like him because he's very good at explaining things and is regarded as good preparation for the MCAT. Unfortunately, he's not teaching in the fall/spring.

3. My undergrad has exceedingly few physics or engineering majors; most in the school's calculus based physics course aren't physics or engineering majors.

4. I've taken some type of calculus every semester in college and probably know calculus better than I do algebra at this point.

5. I'm interested in a career in academic medicine/research. Modeling biological processes using math is becoming more and more common in medical research and calculus based physics will be my first opportunity to learn modeling using something other than middle school math.

6. Medical schools do care about course rigor to some degree. That's why they discourage taking science prerequisites over the summer or online.

All that being said, if I find myself being overmatched in calculus based physics, I may be forced to take algebra based. I would hate doing so because I don't want the terrible combination of poor instruction/tough exams.

 

[deleted804295]

May I ask what type of undergrad you attend? A top flight private or public engineering undergrad perhaps?

Calc based physics was harder than orgo 1? That's not the view at my undergrad.

@Medic741 @FreeRadicals Premeds regarded calc based physics as harder than orgo 1 at your undergrad?

Yes engineering physics was harder than orgo 1 for me. Maybe I'm not an abstract thinker or maybe taking orgo in my sophomore year compared to physics my first semester might have made things easier. Idk.

Also for any future premed I recommend algebra based physics. Like other posters, calc based physics was the worst grade in a class on my transcript. I still passed by med school standards but it tanked my GPA and took a full year to restore my morale and GPA. I love physics as a result of it but I do not recommend it for individuals who rely on their GPA to get into professional school.

 

[deleted938090]

I took calculus based physics II freshman first semester because my undergraduate requires 2 years of calc-based physics and 2 years of calc + other science requirements for all majors, and they accepted AP credit for 1 course each. This was probably one of the hardest courses I've taken in my undergrad because 1) calc based E and M assumes you know multivariable/vector calculus, and 2) I had never been exposed to calc based physics because my HS did not offer Physics C.

Freshmen were limited to four classes in their first semester. First week of multivar calc with theory: vector valued function introduction... first week of physics II with calc: first 2 chapters of Purcell's E and M textbook... went from coulomb's law to line integrals, E=-del Phi, differential form of Gauss's law, Laplacian. You know those hand blow-driers that are so fast they cause your skin to ripple? I think that's what my brain felt like after the first week. (Okay that's a bit exaggerated but give me some artistic license please lol) Clear difference because calculus based physics assumes you already know calculus + other unspoken requirements. Was it fun? Hell yes! Would I recommend for someone who knew they were intent on medical school? No. The class was very hard (some classmates were physics olympiad medalists who took it for fun) and I had to talk to the TA and seek assistance almost every day.

Algebra based physics is a good introduction to physics because you're not boggled down by the formulas. You think of why something happens, gain the intuition, and then solve problems with simple tools. You learn how to solve these problems, rather than evaluating an integral or a using a formula you memorized. What would I recommend? Take physics with fluids, thermo, and optics. This is way more useful than any physics class with calculus because the MCAT tests these subjects. This class is usually physics I or intro to physics; check the syllabus to include these topics before signing up. Also at the end of the day if you're a masochist or your best friends all happened to all take that class, give it a try but be ready to work your butt off.

 

[MyOdyssey]

I took calculus based physics II freshman first semester because my undergraduate requires 2 years of calc-based physics and 2 years of calc + other science requirements for all majors, and they accepted AP credit for 1 course each. This was probably one of the hardest courses I've taken in my undergrad because 1) calc based E and M assumes you know multivariable/vector calculus, and 2) I had never been exposed to calc based physics because my HS did not offer Physics C.

Freshmen were limited to four classes in their first semester. First week of multivar calc with theory: vector valued function introduction... first week of physics II with calc: first 2 chapters of Purcell's E and M textbook... went from coulomb's law to line integrals, E=-del Phi, differential form of Gauss's law, Laplacian. You know those hand blow-driers that are so fast they cause your skin to ripple? I think that's what my brain felt like after the first week. (Okay that's a bit exaggerated but give me some artistic license please lol) Clear difference because calculus based physics assumes you already know calculus + other unspoken requirements. Was it fun? Hell yes! Would I recommend for someone who knew they were intent on medical school? No. The class was very hard (some classmates were physics olympiad medalists who took it for fun) and I had to talk to the TA and seek assistance almost every day.

Algebra based physics is a good introduction to physics because you're not boggled down by the formulas. You think of why something happens, gain the intuition, and then solve problems with simple tools. You learn how to solve these problems, rather than evaluating an integral or a using a formula you memorized. What would I recommend? Take physics with fluids, thermo, and optics. This is way more useful than any physics class with calculus because the MCAT tests these subjects. This class is usually physics I or intro to physics; check the syllabus to include these topics before signing up. Also at the end of the day if you're a masochist or your best friends all happened to all take that class, give it a try but be ready to work your butt off.

It's fair to say, I think, that your undergrad offered more rigorous, math-based STEM than almost all others. I can probably narrow your undergrad from your post to 2 to 3 undergrad institutions.

And let me guess, after initially struggling, you ended up "getting it" and leaving the course with a good grade...

 

[de Ribas]

At my state university our calc-based physics was taught by same professor who taught algebra-based physics. Our exam averages and class average was pretty much the same.

All of you who are saying that calc based physics was the hardest course you ever take, ask those who took algebra based physics. I bet they will say the same thing.

It is not the calc part that is hard about physics, but the actual applications of physics and solving the problems. Knowing what is asked and how to solve.

I took both types of courses and haven't seen much difference at all.

 

[deleted938090]

I did struggle with it a lot. My first test wasn't phenomenal but then I decided to ask the physics kids in class how they learned this stuff. The TA's and grad assistants were very supportive. I did get a good grade but it took a lot of time, effort, and practice. This class helped me narrow down the kind of work I wanted to pursue after college, namely something not so involved haha

EDIT: One of the best things I've learned is that people who really should go into physics have this curiosity towards subtleties. It's difficult to explain but it's like this: They are able to look at something subtle like taking the divergence of a field and then make these far reached conclusions and connect it to like ten different things. Oh also they're pretty tireless when doing complex algebra/calculus... At that point I knew physics was not for me. If this doesn't apply to you, take algebra based physics.

 

[doctorleospaceman]

Guess I'm the odd one out in thinking calc-based physics is easier because it makes physics make more sense. For example starting week one, you dont even have to bother remembering the kinematics equations because you can jump around between them using simple calculus.

Also at least at my state school calc based physics was full of engineering and physics majors so there was no stereotypical cutthroat premed pressure and the professor did not treat it as a premed weed out course as other science courses were.

As far as med school goes, solid background in physics has been useful in my cards rotation (attending mentioned he was happy about not having to review basic physics with me) but I doubt it's necessary for most specialties.

My 2 cents are if you were good at calc and didnt dread it then take calc based physics, otherwise go algebra based.

 

[aldol16]

I vote for calc-based physics. You should definitely understand basic differentials and integrals before taking it (at least understanding the concept of differentiating and integrating, i.e. differentiating gives you a rate and integrating kind of reverses it) but if you can understand basic calc, then it makes calc-based physics much easier. Fewer equations to memorize because you can just derive them from one another. You start to understand physics more intuitively instead of rote memorizing it, which I believe will help you with retention in the long term anyway.