<p>I know it’s the assumption that 7 series is easier, but I heard from someone that he prefers the 9 series because the math makes the concepts make more sense. So according to the general consensus, which is easier?</p>
<p>I’m in the 9 series right now, and my roommate is in the 7 series. From what I can tell, the 9 series is much more difficult, but you’ll learn way more. In my opinion, the 7 series is structured rather poorly and dumbed down to an almost ludicrous level.</p>
<p>If you intrinsically value learning and can hack the math prerequisites, I’d go with the 9 series. The only exception would be if you really need a high GPA; then maybe the 7 series would be better.</p>
<p>I’m currently in Physics 7, and it’s mainly concept-based. Unlike Physics 9, Physics 7 has something called DLs (which stands for discussion/lab), which is where you do activities from a packet of worksheets that you purchase from the bookstore. DLs can be either beneficial to you or non-beneficial, depending on who’s in your group (that is, who sits at the same table as you), because a large part of DLs are you working on the given activities with your group-mates, and then having what’s called a whole class discussion, where groups present what they have learned from the activity. I absolutely hate it, because lecture only meets once a week, meaning the MAJORITY of learning you do is in DLs, so you’re SOL if you have a bad TA. Unfortunately, the graduate school I’m looking to go into doesn’t take anything beyond Physics 7, so I can’t take Physics 9. </p>
<p>If you think you’ll learn more about physics by doing things through DLs, take Physics 7. Some Physics 7 professors are math-based (like Dr. Webb…at least when I took his 7A class over summer) and some are concept-based (like Dr. Coleman). If you’re more of a math-based person and need math in order to grasp concepts, take Physics 9.</p>
<p>Are you an engineer? You’re going to have to take 9 if you are. </p>
<p>According to my TA from way back when it was pretty much “worth” it to take 9 over 7, but this was two years ago so take that for what it’s worth.</p>