College Prep Physics?

<p>I was wondering how important it is to get a physics backgroung in HS if you plan to major in bio in college. Does honors physics Vs. regular really matter in gaining a background.</p>

<p>Hm. I have no clue, but at least at my school Honors and CP Physics had a big course difference.</p>

<p>Honors usually involves more math. CP (at least at my school) involved more building things, such as our own electrical switchboard thing and our own hot air balloon. It was a lot more hands-on.</p>

<p>well, a lot of kids at my school who want to be doctors (for now...) don't take physics at all. they take bio, chem, then ap bio or ap chem. i wouldn't do that myself, but ehh i guess if you don't wanna be an engineer or something, physics isn't too important.</p>

<p>Most biology departments require a year of physics from their students, and even if yours doesn't you'll need to do so anyway for the MCAT. So if you want to get some prep for that it might be a good idea.</p>

<p>Physics is not for the weak of heart and I strongly suggest you take it in high school to have a firm foundation in college. Since most schools have a core a physics class would be almost necessary, with a foundation built you shouldn't have too much trouble. However, without that good foundation I assume you will struggle with physics in college since it is typically a weed-out course.</p>

<p>I can't answer the honors vs regular. My son is a "premed" (at least for now) and had no physics in high school. The high school teacher was totally incompetent and the students who took it learned nothing--so he did like the above poster said and filled course slots with AP bio, AP Chem, Calc BC, etc. College physics is killing him now. Of course he didn't really have an option. My advice might be go with the strongest teacher.</p>

<p>I would take physics, however not honors. Physics is a subject that everyone should have atleast a basis in, and it will come in handy for grad school. Also, many colleges might require a semester of it atleast, since it is a basic, core science. I would focus on honors or AP bio or chem though, and stick with regular physics. Its basically plug and chug stuff in regular classes. good luck! Gravity hurts somestimes! =P</p>

<p>Sorry, I'm reopening this one because I have to make a decision before the councilors at my school start compiling and figuring out schedules for next year, at the end of next week.</p>

<p>Come on anyone else?</p>

<p>I think you should take some physics. Do regular and honors physics cover the same topics?</p>

<p>Are you consider applying to like top colleges? If so, I would probably suggest honors just because they like rigorous schedules. Also, if you go into the class and feel completely lost after a week, you can drop into regular college prep, can't you?</p>

<p>I plan on doing "pre-med" and I'm currently taking honors physics, and it is a great class. It's not impossible if you put in an effort.</p>

<p>I took AP Physics and it was snoozeville. Passed with flying colors; just read every word in the textbook, pinky promise? :X
Honestly, I would check for AP credit in the colleges you're looking at, because some won't accept credit for AP Physics B, and make my choice on that, 'cos right now I'm wishing I took AP Chem instead. If you're not even talking about AP, sorry. :[</p>

<p>you probably want to take some physics (even if it's non-calculus based physics) just to get it started.
a lot of bio majors/premed students have troulbe with physics because while biology is relatively a more theoretical subject, physics is extremely mathematical and a lot of the concepts you had in your mind will be completely blown away.
my roommate is a biology major and it took me a while to explain to him that his body is actually pulling on the earth (universal law of gravitation). he just wouldnt believe me.</p>