First Year Math and Science Advice - Intro Physics Courses

 
The Physics Department offers three different series of introductory courses which cover classical physics (Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism (E & M), Waves). Which you take depends on your interest and your math preperation.

1) For Physics, Chem/Phys, Astronomy concentration primarily: 


    Mech                       E & M                  Waves    
    ----                       -----                  -----

 Physics 15a (BT)
  (Math 1b)       .
		   \
                    \_______ Physics 15b (BT) ------ Physics 15c (BT)
		    /         (Math 21a)              (Math 21b)
                   / 
                  .
 Physics 16 (FT)
  (Math 21a)



(FT) == Fall Term   (ST) == Spring Term   (BT) == Both Terms

2) For Biology and Biochem (honors), Chemistry, Engineering Science, Math, Etc. 


    Mech + Waves               E & M + Waves
    ------------               -------------

 Physics 11a (FT)               Physics 11b (ST)
  (Math 21a)         ------>    (Math 21a completed)
This series is a "terminal" series version of 15a, b, c, but in two terms. It also includes some kinetic theory.

3) For Pre-med., Biology & Biochem (non-honors) 


    Mech                    E & M, Waves, Nuclear
    ----                    ---------------------

 Physics 1a (FT)  -------->   Physics 11b (ST)
  (Math 1a)                     (Math 1a)
"All" of physics in two terms, specifically designed to cover most of thee MCAT syllabus. Usually taken in Junior and Senior year.

4) Other Routes:

Science A-16 (FT, alternate years), - Relativity, Quantum Mechanics
Science A-20 (ST, alternate years), - Atoms, Particles
Science A6 (ST), - Waves, Particles

These are good if you want some exposure to physics.

Sept 09, 1997