<p>I already took phys2a, but my new major no longer requires the 2 series. Should I continue with phys2b or take 1b? How much easier is the 1 series?</p>
<p>imo 2 > 1 series. i took the whole 1 series and am retaking the 2. if i could go back in time, i would totally do the 2 series over 1.</p>
<p>why is that? was it just because it is more in depth?</p>
<p>Generally the 2 series is less about memorization of various equations and more about ridiculous application. It’s a lot harder in this regard, and since you took 2a, you probably have an idea of what I mean. The 1 series probably takes less time in the long run although you have to take labs along with it.</p>
<p>Some things going for the 2 series is that it’s the prereq for lot of the physical science majors (ie chem, physics, geology) and engineering majors, so if you are considering reswitching, keep that in mind.</p>
<p>The problem with your situation is that it’s not a simple switch from the 2 series to the 1 series (or at least as I’m told). If you want to take the 1 series, you’ll probably have to start back at 1a which makes your 2a quarter basically a waste. I’m kind of in the same boat as you in the sense that I’ve taken 2a but I dont really want to continue the series. All the 2b teachers during the school year really suck except for Griest who’s teaching it this quarter. The best teacher for 2b only works during summer sesh 2 (Lever) and that’s when I’m taking it!</p>
<p>Hope that helps!
Moose</p>
<p>who is the best teacher for 2a? do you know the best teacher for math 20a and 20b? Thanks.</p>
<p>I actually passed out of most of the 20 series, so I couldn’t say. I’d check CAPE and RateMyProfessor. Of course, they aren’t that accurate, but they always give you a pretty good idea of what to expect.</p>
<p>For the 2 series, the only teacher that was available for me when I took it in fall quarter was Sharma who was definitely not the best teacher. I got the impression from that class (and a little of 2b before I dropped it) that the physics 2 series requires a lot of self-teaching and effort on your own side. If you really understand mechanics/kinematics, you’ll be fine until about 5th or 6th week when you start getting into complex momentum/complex rotational dynamics problems. Those really suck.</p>
<p>greist is no walk in the park either for 2b…‘guy who has no idea how to teach a class of 300 ftw’…at least theres no mastering physics part…</p>
<p>Some of my friends actually love him, so that’s where I’m mainly drawing from. Still, just because he’s the best of all the standard 2b teachers doesn’t make him easy. The 2 series is just hard in general!</p>