<p>I’m an incoming junior who recently received her schedule and got AP Physics C instead of AP Chemistry, as I requested. I’m taking Calculus AB this year but I know that Physics C is a very calculus based class. I have no prior experience in Physics at all. Should I try to switch out of the course?</p>
<p>I’d suggest trying to get into AP Chem or one of the other AP Physics courses, since it’s generally better to take AP Physics 1 or 2 or B before you take AP Physics C.</p>
<p>I don’t believe my school offers AP Physics 1 or 2. Physics B was eliminated last year (budget cuts) and this year E&M and Mechanics are a single class. I can’t get into AP Chem because it conflicts with my schedule.</p>
<p>What other courses can you take?</p>
<p>It will be hard but you can probably do it if you’re willing to put in the effort to self-study some calc concepts ahead of your class. Generally, a calc class is taken before Physics C, but they can be taken concurrently, though it may be significantly more difficult. It’s definitely possible to take it without any prior physics experience but again it will be harder for you than others who have taken physics before. The calc concepts used are very basic but you do need a good grasp on them to do well in the class. Since you’re only a rising junior, if your school offers an honors physics course or Physics 1/2, you may want to consider taking those instead and then taking Physics C senior year. </p>
<p>Were I to choose to take the class, what specific Calc concepts would I need to familiarize myself with?</p>
<p>for mech: basic differentiation (mostly polynomials), integration (mostly polynomials), diff eq (separable)
for e&m: i haven’t taken this one yet, but from what i’ve seen, the calc is more involved than for mech</p>