AP Physics B vs AP Biology for a Math Major

Applying to College
1

<p>I am new to College Confidential, and I have some questions involving my science classes.
Next year I am going to be a junior in High school and I am wondering whether AP Physics B will be more appropriate for a future math major. Thanks.</p>

<p>P.S I was also wondering if it would be more beneficial to take AP Calculus AB or Calculus 1 and 2 at a Community College. Any insight will be useful. Thanks.</p>

2

<p>Are there any insights? Thanks.</p>

3

<p>My recommendation would be -

  • physics B : it does not require calculus but gives you a very broad look at basic physics. You will get a broader view on the inter-relationship between physics and math.
  • calculus ab at school : a couple of reasons. Both ab and bc are taught well in schools. I assume you are strong in math - you will need good recommendation letters from your school teachers who will take time to write letters in your senior year. The problem with community college is that there is no telling if the lecturer will be there the following year.
  • ap biology : the college board is revamping ap biology to be introduced in 2012-13. They recognize that the biology curriculum is outdated and places too much emphasis on rote learning. Much better to take the course in college</p>
4

<p>There is a very strong connection between math, especially applied math and physics. At the high school level there is a great deal of synergy when is Calculus is taken together with AP Physics. Without Calculus Physics concepts are less intuitive than with Calculus. And many Calculus exercises seem contrived when they aren’t drawn from physics, or a higher level engineering course.</p>

<p>Beyond Calculus many higher level courses, including discrete math (as for example Group Theory) find applications in physics (as for example symmetries) and as a result they become more intuitive, at least for some.</p>

<p>Unless there is a compelling personal issue for you to do so, I’m one who believes that staying within the high school environment is much preferable to going to a CC for possible missing courses.</p>

5

<p>Thanks for all the advice. I am going to take AP Calculus AB and AP Physics B. Thanks again.</p>