Introductory Courses
Introductory Courses
Physics 1 introduces the non-science student to the physicist's view of the world, theories and method, from pre-Socratic thought to the present. This course entails little mathematics and no calculus.
Physics 3-4 is a broad quantitative survey of the main classes of physical phenomena, with applications. It includes much that is covered in a sound (A.P.-level) high school course and most of its syllabus corresponds to that of the MCATs. It is intended for premedical students and others beginning physics as juniors or seniors. It is not the best foundation for a physical science concentration, and is largely redundant for those who have recently taken high school physics at the A.P. level.
Physics 5 is the basic beginning course for those building a foundation for a physical science concentration. It is appropriate for most freshmen and sophomores, especially those who have had high school physics, though such background is not required.
Physics 7 is a faster-paced, more extensive alternative to Physics 5 for those who have completed a year each of physics and calculus. It will cover the material of Physics 5 rapidly and proceed in each subject area to more sophisticated applications and more challenging problems.
Physics 6, following Physics 5 or 7, completes the study of classical physics in two semesters, for those wishing to do this.
Physics 16 is an in-depth introduction to modern physics. It is the second course in the three-semester sequence (concluding with Physics 47) that provides the strongest foundation offered for physical science concentrators. Physics16 is also an available alternative to Physics 6 for students who limit their college physics to two semesters.
General Guidelines
Non-science concentrators, particularly those wishing to minimize the role of mathematics, are best served by Physics 1.
Science concentrators beginning college physics in junior or senior year, particularly premedical students, should generally take Physics 3 and 4. (Some, wishing a deeper course, may want to consider Physics 5 and 6. People with A.P. credit for high school physics should certainly consider this alternative, as well as the possibilities of Physics 7 and/or 16.)
Most other students should take courses above the level of Physics 4. This specifically includes those who plan (or wish to retain the option) to concentrate in any physical science, and/or most who for any reason take physics as freshmen or sophomores, particularly if they have studied physics previously. Such people should begin with Physics 5, unless they have completed a year of both physics and calculus, in which case Physics 7 should be seriously considered. Those who limit their college physics to two semesters may conclude with either Physics 6 or Physics 16. Specific recommendations for particular concentrations are available from Concentration Advisors or the contact people mentioned below.
Those who wish the strongest available foundation in physics including, but not limited to, those contemplating physics or physics-related concentrations, should follow Physics 5 or 7 with Physics16 and Physics 47.
Contacts
For clarification or advice on individual cases, please consult the Physics Concentration Advisor, Professor Dell'antonio (Ian_Dell'antonio@Brown.EDU), or the course instructors.
