DO NOT SELF-ADVISE

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The topics covered are:

The Science Division has a full time transfer advisor to counsel students planning a transfer to the University of Washington. Stop by and visit:

Donna S. Sharpe, M.A.

Academic Counselor

BCC & U of W

Science Division L 200

425-564-2321

Getting good advice involves two steps.

Find the right source: Do not ask a division secretary about a subtle financial aid question. Do not ask student services whether your knowledge of mathematics is good enough for a particular physics course. Do not ask anyone at BCC if your credits from XYZ college will transfer to PZU University. Try to find out who makes the decision or policy and ask your questions in that department/ division.

Persistence: Your question may seem simple to you but involve complexities you had not realized. Be prepared for a discussion. Ask your question in several different ways. Listen to the answers and try to learn about the underlying system. Remember each department, college, and university, organizes itself differently from the others. What you have learned in one context may not apply to the current question. Finally, be polite. There is a saying about catching more flies with honey...

To be successful in physics, a student must learn to view and interpret the world in a new way. As you progress in physics you will come to believe that you can understand most things that happen around you. You will have the skills and knowledge to draw these conclusions and will not have to rely on "experts". In physics courses you will acquire concepts for which mathematics is the most natural expression. Further, mathematics will become a primary reasoning tool as you analyze the world around you.

To get the most of your physics experience it may be helpful to think of each course as being three classes taught simultaneously. Your instructor will be presenting the course content which is based on physical experience and is often described mathematically.

Course content .

This covers the ordinary kind of knowledge you expect to get from a course; the conceptual structure of the material, definition of terms, etc.. In a physics course you are also expected to understand the relationships between these concepts and to be able to apply them to ordinary situations. Memorization may be less important than process in many cases. What is the reasoning chain? Why do we believe some particular conclusion? How do we analyze a problem? Methods and relationships that lead to the answers are as important as the answers themselves. If you rely heavily on memorization for success in college classes, you may have trouble in physics. Your instructor can help you devise new learning strategies that focus on process and relationships.

Physics seeks to explain the natural processes of the physical world. Students who have observed ordinary things around them, and who have wondered about them, have a much easier time in the course. These students are better able to understand why the physicist cares about some particular issue.


As an example, why do things stick to the computer screen (dust and sheets of paper for example)? Is everything attracted to it? Equally? If some materials are attracted more strongly, what makes that happen?


You may have heard that there are two types of static electricity, one caused by positive charge and the other by negative charge. If you guess that the attraction to the computer screen is related to these charges you would be correct. But consider: If we think there are only two charges it must be because someone looked for three or more charge types. How would you know that there are only two types of charge? [Hint the answer is not because things only attract or repel. Two actions do not mean two types of charge]


Your instructor or your text may frequently describe situations that are unfamiliar to you. Wherever possible you should try these things yourself. Be prudent and safe, but always play and experiment every chance you get. If you do not have the necessary equipment at home ask your instructor. It may be a simple matter to demonstrate the phenomena in the lab.

Mathematics .

As noted above mathematics is used to express the key relationships in physics. To the physicist mathematical expressions are very compact descriptions of nature's behavior. A successful physics student will look at mathematics differently. They will be able to read a mathematical expression (decode its meaning) and interpret what it says about nature. This way of looking at math takes practice. We recognize that most students do not have this facility when they enter the course. But you can learn to view math this way. Obviously this task will be much easier if you are already fluent with basic mathematical manipulations.

The comments above present an overview. You can also link to more specific advice about Study tips here or here and problem solving strategies.

Physics 106

Prerequisites : Math 092,095, or 099 or equivalent.

Comments : Basic algebra opperations are a must for this course. Some rustiness can be overcome during the course, but you will want to apply yourself to this early on.

Note for ESL students. This course demands frequent verbal and written communication.

Running start students: If you plan a career in science you should not take this course instead of your High school physics course. One quarter is not enough time to serve your needs. Other running start students will find tihs a good choice.

Physics 109

Prerequisites : Math 091 or equivalent assessment.

Physics 114

Prerequisites : Math 120 or equivalent.
RecommendedPhysics 106 or High School Physics .

Comments : At the level of Physics 114, essential mathematics includes algebra, geometry and basic trigonometry. Students who are not relatively fluent with these mathematical tools can survive physics 114 but they will spend much of their effort struggling with the "grammar" rather than the content of the subject. One topic more than any other is a sticking point in this course - vector operations. A very nice workbook on vectors is available in the bookstore and can be productively studied before the course begins.

If you have been a science avoider, or are particularly anxious about your science background, you will probably want to take P106 before taking P114. P106 provides a hands-on introduction to three of the principle topics from the P114 - P116 sequence. You will encounter the approach and outlook of the discipline, discover some basic physical principles on your own, and be prepared for three important topics along the way.

Physics 115

Prerequisites : Physics 114 and its prerequisites (Math 120 or equivalent. Physics 106 or High School Physics recommended).

Comments : You will simply not succeed in this course without taking P114 first. P115 makes almost daily use of the concepts from P114. (Keep this in mind as you study P114.)

Physics 116

Prerequisites : Physics 115 and its prerequisites (Physics 114 and Math 120 or equivalent. P106 or High School Physics recommended).

Comments : see above:

Physics 121

Prerequisites : Math 124 (calculus) or equivalent.
Strongly Recommended: High School Physics

Comments : Completion of a quarter of The Calculus is a key element for success in this course. You should not attempt to take them together. Our most common student remark is that without taking the courses at the same time the student will not be able to finish in time. In nearly every case these students expect to transfer to very competitive programs and consequently need the highest grades they can attain. That goal will simply not be met even by top flight students if you attempt the two courses concurrently. If you have any question about this discuss it with a physics instructor early on.

For students with a science background or strong physical intuition calculus may be the only preparation you need for P121. Consult a faculty member for more details.

If you have been a science avoider, or are particularly anxious about your science background, you will probably want to take P106 or P114 before taking P121. But please note the following: Neither course is considered a proper introduction to P121. We do not offer a prep course for P121 at BCC . A discussion of three possible choices is provided here. Discuss this with an advisor.

Take P106. The emphasis in P106 is hands-on exposure to physics. The small group activities illustrate the thinking process and approach that uniquely marks the discipline. The style of the course is very different from lecture classes and is a favorite of students who have previously avoided science. You will be introduced to the basic tools of physics but a significant mathematical gap remains between this course and the tools you need for P121. P106 also provides an introduction to three of the principle topics across the P121 - P123 sequence (optics, electricity, and motion). This choice may be most suitable if you are still getting your math background in line (you are currently taking math 120 or below)

Take P114. P114 covers nearly the same topics as P121 but with slightly reduced mathematical rigor. It is better to view P114 as the same course with a different audience than it is to think of P114 as a preparatory sequence for P121. If you have strong algebra and trigonometry skills but are very nervous about your physics, P114 may be preferred over P106 before starting the calculus based sequence. Keep in mind though that P114 is not a survey course. It only focuses on mechanics (like P121) so that you will find the content in P122 and P123 to be completely new. To prepare completely using the algebra based courses would properly involve taking the entire sequence P114 -P116. Taking the whole sequence is not generally recommended because it is almost certainly more time and money than is needed. P114 by itself introduces many fundamental concepts and skills that will assist you through the whole year of physics, and so is not too bad a choice by itself. If you are nervous about physics, the question of how to prepare for P121 is best done with the advice of a physics faculty member.

Take lots of math. If you have already completed M126 (the full year of calculus) P106 becomes less advised because you will find the time spent on polishing math skills to be far below you. Even the benefit of hands on learning probably will not outweigh this effect. Furthermore, you have acquired other skills that put you in advance of other P121 students. Thus, the time your classmates spend in acquiring the mathematical proficiency they need, you can devote to your weak science background. This plan has been successful for others in your position. It is again best if you discuss your background with a faculty member.

Physics 122

Prerequisites : Math 125,Physics 121 and its prerequisites (Math124. or equivalent. High School Physics recommended).

Comments : This is not an idle prerequisite. You will simply not succeed in this course without taking P121 first (see comment for P114). This course builds directly on the previous one. Without that background you will be completely lost. Keep this in mind as you study P121.

Physics 123

Prerequisites : Physics 122 and its prerequisites (Math 125, Physics 121 and Math 124. High School Physics recommended).

Comments : see comment above:

Who takes these courses? Is this course right for me?

Physics 106

Non-science majors who have avoided science enjoy this class because of the nontraditional class structure and group learning environment. This same feature demands regular attendance for sucess.

Physics 106 course is primarily for students Who want are preparing for P114. Many students who have little exposure to science and are preparing for P121 also take this course. Be advised P106 by itself is not considered sufficient preparation for P121.

Running start students who do not plan a science carreer will find this a good course. However if science is in your future, your own high school physics course is better because it will introduce you to more concepts. This latter group should not take P106.

Students preparing for the Diagnostic Ultrasound program will take P106 to get a preliminary exposure to scientific thinking and problem solving skills. The nontraditional class structure and group learning environment make this an excellent choice for students weak in science background or for students who have been away from school for a long time.

Physics 109

This course is primarily focused on the needs of Information Technology students. Many general degree students also take this course because it satisfies a science credit and provides valuable insight into modern technology. "Now I really understand what my computer is doing" has been the pleased response of most students taking the course.

Physics 114

This may be the right course for you if you are preparing for careers in biology or health sciences. Some particular examples are: Biology, Wildlife Science, Physical therapy, Some nursing programs and naturopathic programs, etc.)

Pre-professional programs (pre-medical, Pre- Dental, Pre- Veterinary) require the whole sequence.

Some programs only require the first quarter of the sequence. Occupational therapy, Forestry, and Building and Construction Management.

The sequence is recommended (but not required) for Botony, Fisheries, and Medical Technology.

Non-science majors looking for a comprehensive survey of physics generaly take this sequence. You will want the whole sequence to cover all the topics.

Students preparing for P121 often take P114. There is no course that properly serves this need. See comments following P121 Prerequisites.

Physics 115

See audience for Physics 114 (above)

Physics 116

See audience for Physics 114 (above)

Physics 121

The calculus based physics sequence (P121-P123) is required by all physics and Engineering programs and by most Computer Science programs.

You will also want this course if your major is one of the physical sciences (Chemistry, Oceanography, Geology, Atmospheric Sciences or Astronomy). Some programs will accept the algebra based sequence (P114-P116), but this is not common. Check with your expected transfer institution.

Strong Science students in other disciplines often take this course because it is more rigorous and detailed than the Algebra Based Sequence (P114-P116). Some disciplines that look favorably on this choice are: Zoology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, and any pre-med program.

Physics 122

See above

Physics 123

See above

You can check transfer equivilencies at The University of Washington and at Washington State University on their respective transfer web sites.

University of Washington equivilencies: Main menu, Bellevue,Physics.
Washington State University equivilencies: Main menu, Bellevue.

Physics 106

Transfers as General Science credit (non-lab) to UW and as an equivalent course in most other Washington colleges. :

Physics 109

Transfers as General Science credit (non-lab) to UW and as an equivalent course in most other Washington colleges.

Physics 114

Physics 114 is a Laboratory Science Course. It transfers as Physics 114 + Physics 117 (the Lab section) at UW and as equivalent courses in most other Washington colleges. This course may transfer as the first semester physics course at a college using the semester system, however you are more likely to need P114 and P115 together to make an equivalent course.

Physics 115

Physics 115 is a Laboratory Science Course. It transfers as Physics 115 + Physics 118 (the Lab section) at UW and as equivalent courses in most other Washington colleges. This course probably will not transfer directly to a college using the semester system without one or both of P114 and P116. Contact the college of interest for details

Physics 116

Physics 116 is a Laboratory Science Course. It transfers as Physics 116 + Physics 119 (the Lab section) at UW and as equivalent courses in most other Washington colleges. This course may transfer as the second semester physics course at a college using the semester system, however you are more likely to need P115 and P116 together to make an equivalent course.

Physics 121

Physics 121 is a Laboratory Science Course. It transfers as Physics 121 + Physics 131 (the Lab section) at UW and as equivalent courses in most other Washington colleges. This course may transfer as the first semester physics course at a college using the semester system, however you are more likely to need P121 and P122 together to make an equivalent course.

Physics 122

Physics 122 is a Laboratory Science Course. It transfers as Physics 122 + Physics 132 (the Lab section) at UW and as equivalent courses in most other Washington colleges. This course probably will not transfer directly to a college using the semester system without one or both of P121 and P123. Contact the college of interest for details

Physics 123

Physics 123 is a Laboratory Science Course. It transfers as Physics 123 + Physics 133 (the Lab section) at UW and as equivalent courses in most other Washington colleges. This course may transfer as the second semester physics course at a college using the semester system, however you are more likely to need P122 and P123 together to make an equivalent course.