Physics and Math Combo

Student Lounge College Life
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<p>I was reviewing the different texts used by colleges for their introductory Honor's Physics sequence and I noticed that they are very heavy on the math. Specifically, UChicago, Cornell, and MIT all use "Introduction to Mechanics," by Kleppner. This is apparently very heavily mathematical.</p>

<p>I want to be a physics major, but I came from a somewhat poor calculus backround. My school offers a very easy AP Calc AB, so I took the BC to be an iconoclast, but I am not well versed at all.</p>

<p>Question is, (for those of you who are familiar with difficult intro physics sequences) should I crack down and learn the math before I enter the classroom, or is it generally assumed that the entering student is WELL Versed in differential and integral calc. I am looking for those who may have advice on how to prepare for this level of physics. For instance, should I learn PDE's before I enter? Multi-var, or is it more important to become rock solid on just AP Calc BC topics?</p>

<p>Thanks for the advice. I know there are a lot of intelligent college students who may have some knowledge in this area.</p>

<p>P.S. Headed to Cornell to try for their Physics 116 sequence. Don't know if that helps at all.</p>

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<p>You don't need PDE's or multivariable calculus for an intro physics class, just a solid understanding of differentiation and integration (not so much some BC topics like sequences and series, Taylor series, parametric and polar stuff, etc). The course catalog says the prequisites for Physics 116 are high school physics and familiarity with basic calculus, so you should be fine with AP Calculus BC background. It also says that "corrective transfers between PHYS 116 and PHYS 112 (in either direction) are encouraged during the first three weeks of instruction, so it doesn't really matter which one you pick to start with.</p>

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<p>jerew im kinda in the same boat, cornells engineering physics, and in ontario we dont even go NEAR integrals!!! ill be teaching myself those or paying sumbody over the summer...but thats it..and will be going in the physics 116 too.</p>

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<p>For physics, you'll need a very, very solid math background. Expect that you'll need multi-variable and PDEs for the third (at the earliest) semester of physics - the quantum mechanics. Otherwise, integration/differentiation should get you through the first few semesters.</p>