Introductory Courses

There are three introductory sequences for majors in the biological sciences (including premedical curricula), computer science, chemistry, and other sciences, as well as for students who desire an elementary but thorough introduction to physics. All three cover basically the same material, but utilize different teaching techniques and require different levels of mathematical preparation.

Courses 01:750:203-204 General Physics with 01:750:205-206 General Physics Laboratory require calculus as a pre- or corequisite, and use a lecture/recitation format. Courses 01:750:201-202 Extended General Physics are intended for students who need extra help or who have nontraditional backgrounds. Recitations are replaced by cooperative learning workshops, and a laboratory is integrated into the course. Courses 01:750:193-194 Physics for the Sciences use only algebra and trigonometry. Recitations are replaced by cooperative learning workshops, and a laboratory is integrated into the course.

Course 01:750:161 Elements of Physics is a one-semester noncalculus course intended primarily for pharmacy students, but also suitable for well-prepared liberal arts majors. Courses that are suitable for nonscientists, requiring only high-school algebra, include 01:750:106 Concepts of Physics for Humanities and Social Science Students, 01:750:109,110 Astronomy and Cosmology, and 01:750:140 The Greenhouse Effect.

If there is any doubt about which sequence to take, an adviser in the physics department should be consulted. If a course is taken in one of these sequences, credit cannot also be given for a course (in another sequence) that covers substantially similar topics. Students who wish to switch from one sequence to another should consult a departmental adviser, as should students who change their major or who have advanced standing.