<p>Would I be smart to wait and take Physics 15a. Introductory Mechanics and Relativity after I have already taken math 1b? I assume I will be taking math 1b the first semester and math 21a the second. So should I just wait and take 15a the second semester?</p>
<p>Hi White_Rabbit,</p>
<p>Great question. As you might already know, the course description notes that 1b is required at least concurrently (see here:</p>
<p>[HERS</a> Output](<a href=“http://webdocs.registrar.fas.harvard.edu/courses/Physics.html]HERS”>http://webdocs.registrar.fas.harvard.edu/courses/Physics.html)</p>
<p>). So you’re obviously not required to finish it first. However, I took 15a (concurrently with 21a) and found it relied very heavily on calculus, so I think it would definitely help to have finished Math 1b before taking 15a.</p>
<p>One thing it also depends on is what your major is. If you’re a physics or chemistry and physics major you might want to get an early start on the requirements. However, if you’re taking it to fulfill a requirement in another major (or for premed requirements), you should feel more than free to wait.</p>
<p>I’m actually unsure of what I want to major in and that is the problem. I have an interest in majoring in Physics but was never able to actually take a Physics course in high school. So I want to make sure I take at least one my freshman year to see if I would enjoy studying it for three more.</p>
<p>Sorry if this is a little bit off-topic, but is math 1b single or multi-variable calculus?</p>
<p>Math 21a. is titled Multivariable Calculus. Math 1b is described as follows…</p>
<p>Speaking the language of modern mathematics requires fluency with the topics of this course: infinite series, integration, and differential equations. Model practical situations using integrals and differential equations. Learn how to represent interesting functions using series and find qualitative, numerical, and analytic ways of studying differential equations. Develop both conceptual understanding and the ability to apply it.</p>
<p>So the course is mostly focused on differential equations? That’s a bummer. I hope I can avoid it.</p>
<p>We all take a placement test our first week. I’m sure that if you’ve already studied differential equations, you will have no problem placing into 21a. I, however, have only completed Calc AB. So i’m sure I’ll end up in 1b.</p>
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<p>Not mainly differential equations- most of the course is focused on integration. It’s rather similar to the second half of BC Calculus, I believe. But yeah, it’s single variable calculus.</p>
<p>Incidentally, the placement test is not binding. However, I believe you have to have taken BC Calculus to skip 1b.</p>
<p>How behind other Physics concentrators will I be if I don’t take 15a until second semester?</p>