<p>Due to scheduling problems, I was unable to take high school physics. To satisfy my MCAT requirements, however, I have to take physics 141/142 or even 151. I have a strong background in math with a score of 7 in IB SL Math. In other words, I can handle algebra, calculus etc. I know 141/142 is algebra based and 151 is calc. based so would I struggle in these courses since I don't have physics background in HS? I heard that 141/142 is easier so I'll probably take that. So yea, can any current students comment on whether it is manageable (assuming I'm not a genius) to get an A provided I work hard and I have good math background? Even if you all took physics in HS, I'm sure some of your friends didn't. How are they doing in these physics courses? Which prof. would probably be the best for a student with no physics background? Thanks a lot for the help.</p>
<p>I’m curious too. Colleges00701, but did you take physics in High school? Also, can you recommend a prof that is good for physics. I heard Bing is the best and that Perkowitz is not. Is this true?</p>
<p>151/152 is not harder than 141/142 if you already know basic calculus (just derivatives and integrals will suffice, no need for calc II or multivariable stuff like Taylor polynomials, partial derivatives, or line integrals) as it teaches essentially the same concepts and material. At the college level, I’m personally still surprised that Emory offers a trig-based physics which I think should eventually be replaced w/ calc-based physics, so I would encourage everyone to show more interest in taking 151/152. While those having AP Physics B or C (but not A) in HS will definitely have a big advantage, those who don’t will still do fine provided they have a penchant for math/science and are willing to put some decent effort into the class. The general consensus at Emory is that its Physics department is too small and not very competent, which often leads to overly easy physics courses. Just note that there is no calculus on the MCAT (the math you need to know only goes up to pre-calc) so Phys 151/152 isn’t required to do well on it.</p>
<p>My high school actually required a year of physics for graduation (not necessarily AP though) so everyone I know from HS has some physics background. The only person in my Phys 151 class I know of that didn’t take any HS physics ended up with a B in the class and decided to drop down to 142 2nd semester, but it seemed like she was not very strong at math and science in general…</p>
<p>I took honors physics in high school (not AP), but honestly I was a lazy sloth in high school so I didn’t learn much from the class in hs. Bing is a GREAT Physics professor. Everyone says his tests are difficult, but if you pay attention in class and work hard, its easy to get an A. For example, for most of my classes at Emory I have to do the assigned reading BEFORE the lecture so that I can keep up with the material that is being taught. But Bing is so great at explaining tough concepts (uses interesting demos, great sample problems) that I was able to keep up with the lecture without reading the material before the lecture.</p>