<p>I'm deciding between the 40 series and the 60 series... I talked to my high school physics teacher who thinks that we more or less covered the 40 series mech/E&M in AP Physics C and it'd basically be a waste of my time. On the other hand, I'm not quite sure I have what it takes to survive in the 60 series. I'm thinking of math/physics (or maybe cog sci if I can make up my own major) as a potential major, leaning towards physics. Anyone else in the same situation, 40 vs 60 series? Anyone decided on 60 series for sure?</p>
<p>there will be a diagnostic test on the first day(?) I believe on calculus and physics...</p>
<p>Like basic calc? Do I have to remember various techniques of integration? Should I study for that? Or just see what I remember? If I put in a little effort, I could probably regain my knowledge/understanding of physics (well Mechanics and E&M) pretty quickly.</p>
<p>Unless your high school physics C class was unusually rigorous, I don't think the 40 series would be a waste of time. I've heard many many students say that they were glad they didn't use their AP credits, b/c the Stanford course was much more challenging than their Physics C classes.</p>
<p>Oh, and I don't think you need a diagnostic test if you have AP credit.</p>
<p>If you got a 4 or 5 in AP Physics C, you could place out of Physics 41 and 43/44 and take Physics 45. Starting this year, they took the 60 sequence and added the material from Physics 70 as well, so now you're covering 4 quarters of very difficult material in just 3.</p>
<p>Does anyone know how the academic rigor of Stanford physics, math, or chemistry with that of the International Baccalaureate? I haven't taken AP's, but still can place out of many classes. I'm also considering the physics 60 series, but is that any good for potential engineering majors like me? It's so hard to plan a schedule for an engineering, especially mechanical engineering major.</p>
<p>The 60 sequence is more or less designed for physics majors. It's very rigorous, which may or may not be a fit for you. It's not required by any means for engineering, nor is it necessarily recommended. If you breezed through AP Physics C, I doubt that the 40 sequence will be that tough. It's certainly tougher than what you're used to in high school, but it'll still feel like a review. If you're comfortable enough with the material, it'll probably be better to place out and take more advanced courses early on.</p>
<p>Do you think I should do all the three classes in the 40 sequence then? With my IB credit, I have to take only Physics 45. Is it really worth it to take courses I otherwise didn't have to with my IB? But, I also heard that Stanford classes are generally at a higher level than AP's, so I might as well just take it...</p>
<p>I have AP credit for Mechanics, which I am definitely placing out of, and my potential major doesn't require Light & Heat, so I'll only be taking E&M in the spring. It's really up to you. For me, I'd rather place out of as many intro courses as possible and take more intro seminars or advanced science courses, but there's really no reason to rush. I know some people who breezed through BC Calc yet are purposely taking Math 41 to get an easy A.</p>