Physics Major - Freshman Schedule

<p>Okay, so pre-enrollment is about to begin, and I'm sort of nervous about my schedule. This is what I plan on enrolling in: </p>

<ul>
<li><p>Physics I: Mechanics and Special Relativity
--This is the first course in the honors route for the physics major, AP/IB credit allow me to skip the non honors route classes, and could allow me to skip this one and place into Physics II, however, I felt that I might benefit from starting with Physics I. Now sure how much of a difference it would make though?</p></li>
<li><p>Calculus II Honors
--It was a toss up between this, and Calculus for Engineers I, however it seemed liek that course was a combination of Calc I and Calc II and that I might be more prepared mathematically for the other Physics courses by starting with Calc II and then taking differential equations. Again, not sure if this is the right route, but hopeful. </p></li>
<li><p>Intro to Java Programming
-- I love CS and Java, but AP Comp Sci was.. 10th grade.. I figured it would be good to start from the beginning. </p></li>
<li><p>Scientific Computing and Numerics
-- I'm really uncertain about this class. It's S/U, however, it also seems like it's pretty advanced, even though all the lectures seemed AMAZING. if it turns out that it's wrong to take this class for me, I'll enter the Scope of Anthropology S/U. </p></li>
<li><p>FWS</p></li>
<li><p>Swimming </p></li>
</ul>

<p>So, how's it looking? Good? Bad? Any suggestions?</p>

<p>That’s seems like a good schedule. Since your a physics
major then its probably a good idea to take the honor’s
route. Don’t take engineering calc trust me. Just stick with
Calc II. Also when do you plan to do Calc III? I also think that
taking Diff Eqs. is a good idea.</p>

<p>I don’t plan on taking Calc III. It’s only recommended if you’re not in a math intensive major. There’s an overlap between Calc III and Theoretical and Linear Algebra, so I’d only receive credit for one if I took both anyways, so I figured it’d be best if I went into Theoretical and Linear Algebra second semester, and with permission, taking differential equations simultaneously, along with Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism ( 2217, continuing with the Honors route.) </p>

<p>I know it seems like a really major-centric plan, however, I do intend on including classes outside of my major and taking advantage of S/U classes for subjects I want to get acquainted with. =]</p>

<p>im curious why don’t you recommend the engineering math sequence for physics majors? is taking the honors math worth it especially when you can take more theoretical math courses after finishing the engineering sequence?</p>

<p>I’m not sure I understand your question… I’m not disapproving of the engineering math sequence, I just feel that I might benefit more by skipping around the typical sequences, especially in the case of not starting with Engineering Calc I, half of which would be a waste of time. Also, due to overlap in courses, according to the math department website anyway, I wouldn’t have to follow the engineering sequence exactly in order to take theoretical math courses. o_o</p>