<p>I didn't have great teachers in high school in the science and math areas. I took Chem Honors and learned a few things from that, and I took Calc AP this year (and barely passed), but I never took Physics. I was wondering if UCI had any good intro courses where I can actually learn from the beginning what I should have learned in high school. I know about the chem courses (1P and 1A I believe) but what about Physics?</p>
<p>Physics is a tricky subject. At UCI, you have a choice between the 3ABC series or the 7ABCDE series. Obviously, it’d be a lot easier to take the 3ABC series because the 7 series is for physics and engineering majors. There’s no “Introduction to Physics” like there is in other subjects, so you’ll have to take the 3 series, but even that is still challenging because it uses calculus (not as much as the 7 series though). If you’re comfortable doing basic calculus (i.e., derivatives/integrals of polynomials), then 3A should be a good place to start in the fall. Good luck!</p>
<p>It also depends on your major too. If you’re not an engineer, then you don’t have to worry about taking the 7 series for physics. There’s tutoring here on campus so don’t hesitate to take it because not everybody is good in science. If you study really hard and work with other people, you’ll be okay.</p>
<p>there is almost no calculus in physics 7a when i took it. several students were taking math 2a for the first time, so they wouldnt have known how to derive stuff in class for a test/etc. physics 7b, i have no idea *** happened. physics 7d, yes, there is some calculus used. </p>
<p>i hear physic 3 is actually tough cause there is no curve. plus, lots of pre meds (horror stories…)</p>
<p>Physics 3 vs Physics 7 depends on your strength. For some, 7 may be easier, and 3 for others. If you like algebra, go with 3, if you like calculus, go with 7. The major doesnt matter. My friend who’s a bio major took the 7 series and I took the 3 series and both agreed they were both easy. I honestly would think 7 would be easier since calculus is cake compared to algebra. And the competition is pretty fierce with the 3 series, since most of the 3 series courses are on a standard bell curve, meaning only 15-20% A’s and 15-20% D’s and F’s, and the rest B’s and C’s.</p>
<p>I will say highschool physics really saved my ass. some professors are so bad, all you have is your highschool knowledge which is actually a lot better than these 50 minute class session 3 days a week. My other friend who didnt take physics in highschool is getting really pwnt by physics, but there is no intro to physics course. Like the other poster said, I would suggest going to the free tutoring sessions provided by the department. or if you want to pay for LARC, that’ll work too.</p>
<p>Do you need physics for your major or as a pre-professional requirement? I’m assuming you don’t just need science for GE, since there would be other options.</p>
<p>Thanks guys! Do you know how hard it is to get into 3 or 7 if I’m undeclared? I really hate it when counselors try to put you off on certain courses.</p>
<p>@ paradoxical - no, I’m undeclared, but I was planning on taking physics. I’m just unsure now because the 3 series sounds a little too competitive…</p>
<p>It doesn’t matter what major you are, you have the same privilege of taking physics as anyone else. for 3A, you need to be taking Math2A (concurrently, previously, or exempt). For 7A, you need to take Math2A, AND enroll in Physics 7LA (physics lab, concurrently)</p>
<p>I say go ahead and take 3A. By general consensus, bio majors say that they have the most trouble with physics, so you’d be in the running! 3A is currently waitlisted (people will drop by 3rd week), 7A is still open.</p>
<p>Ok, so if I decide to take 7A, I need to have already taken Math 2A, or be taking it while I’m taking 7A, right?</p>
<p>correct, or be exempt from 2A from AP scores or placement exam.</p>