<p>If i'm a chemical engineering major and i have to take a physics class, would the first class be algebra-based or calculus-based?</p>
<p>calculus based. I think it's physics 7a</p>
<p>....even the AP Physics test is calc based...</p>
<p>not AP physics B</p>
<p>AP Physics B was introductory physics for non engineering students. Physics C was introductory for engineers. </p>
<p>I'm in engineering and I took AP Physics B last year and got a 5. I don't think I'm going to be even given credit for that test.</p>
<p>which makes sense because 7a is so much harder. i took phys c and got a 5 in mechanics and think that 7a is pretty hard.</p>
<p>yeah, AP Physics B was such a fun class though, so no regrets on taking it. I'm taking independent study for Physics C this year, so it's all good. Hope I get 5's on the AP Test Monday =]</p>
<p>do we get any credit in the engineering school for either AP Physics C test?</p>
<p>Yes. And a 5 on Mechanics allows you to petition to be excused from physics 7A, although it is Strongly Advised by the college to retake Physics 7A regardless of AP scores</p>
<p>twilightzero My son is interested in taking phyics c independent. He will be taking regular physics in junior(he is in 10th). Do you think it is doable? If so can you give us some advice on how to study and get 5's(he is aiming to study both parts in physics c) thanks</p>
<p>J mom, I think it's definately doable, but it depends on how much time and effort your son will put in and how tough his junior schedule is. Junior year for most people is their hardest year, since colleges tend to look at grades from that year the most. I would say, maintaining good grades in his classes should be a much higher priority than preparing for one AP test.</p>
<p>Physics C is often taken by students after they take AP Physics B, because the prior experience and knowledge from B makes the calculus-based class a lot easier, although there are some schools that offer AP Physics C as a first-year class. It would be tough to learn Physics C independently without any prior knowledge in physics, and to be truthful, chances are his normal physics class isn't going to help him at all in preparing for C (although if he does do this, he'll own his normal physics class no problem =D).</p>
<p>What I did this year (since my school doesn't offer C), was I talked to my AP Physics teacher from last year to help guide me along the way in my independent studies, basically allowing me to come in for a period everyday to study in his class. He doesn't teach us (lectures wise), but he gives us a quiz every other week for me to see how I'm doing. I Strongly recommend this; for your son to speak to a physics teacher, especially if there is one that teaches AP Physics at his school. He would also need a good book to study from, and a list of recommendations can be found on collegeboard. </p>
<p>Personally, I used "Physics for Scientists and Engineers" by Tipler, and supplemented it with the Princeton Review for AP Physics. I thought it was a great book, and they give great through descriptions. The book assumes that you know some basic calculus though.</p>
<p>Speaking of Calculus, it is a requirement that your son be at least simutaneously taking AP Calculus AB. He can probably get by the first section (mechanics) without using calculus (but I highly advise against this, as calculus makes it much easier to understand some concepts, such as the relationship between force and momentum), but there's a lot of Calculus in E&M, like in Gauss's and Amp's laws.</p>
<p>All-in-all, I think it's definately do-able, but it'll be anything but a cakewalk. It would require a LOT of Time and Work. If he has some challenging classes next year, then I'd suggest to consider saving Physics C for senior year, and either concentrating on normal physics in junior year, or pursueing AP Physics B, which would be much more do-able as an independent intro to physics. But if he's Really dedicated and determined to do it, then by all means, go for it and godspeed. I hope that helped, and if you have any more questions or concerns, please feel free to ask.</p>
<p>thank you so much for your information!!I will have my son read through this. I think it will help him decide.</p>