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The topics covered are:
The Science Division has a full time transfer advisor to counsel students planning a transfer to another baccalaureate (BA) granting institution. Stop by and visit:
Donna S. Sharpe, M.A.
Academic Counselor
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 BC 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.
Physical experience .
Physics seeks to explain the natural processes of the physical world. Students who have observed ordinary things around them, who notice details and prefer hands-on experiences have a wealth of intuition that will help them in their physics course. Students who are curious and who have wondered about the physical world have a much easier time in the course. These students are better able to understand why the physicist cares about some particular issue.
Your instructor or your text may frequently describe situations
that are unfamiliar to you. Wherever possible you should try
to experience 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.
If you are concerned that you have limited experience with the
physical world or that you do not have strong physical intuition
about objects in general, you may want to consider the Phys 104
course described below.
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 learn to 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. Also the physics career pages on our site have additional advice as you continue your studies in physics.
Prerequisites : Math
099 or equivalent.
Comments : Basic algebra operations are used in this course.
Fluency with math at this level will produce a distinct edge over
students who are less comfortable with these skills.
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 of physics is not enough time to serve your
long term needs. Other running start students will find this course
a good choice.
Prerequisites : Math
099 or equivalent.
Comments : Basic algebra operations 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 this a good choice.
Prerequisites : Math
098 or equivalent assessment.
Prerequisites : Math&
142 (Prev. Math 120) or equivalent.
Recommended Physics 104
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
P104 before taking P114. P104 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.
Prerequisites : Physics 114
and its prerequisites [Math&
142 (Prev. Math 120) or equivalent. Physics
104 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.)
Prerequisites : Physics 115
and its prerequisites [Physics 114
and Math&
142 (Prev. Math 120) or equivalent. P104
or High School Physics recommended].
Comments : see above:
Prerequisites : Math
151 (Prev. 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 most top flight students who attempt
the two courses concurrently. The student typically finds they
have to re-take the course and so they do not finish in time anyway.
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
P104 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 specifically for P121 at BC
. A discussion of three possible choices is provided here. Discuss
this with an advisor.
Take P104. The emphasis in P104 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. P104
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 142 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 P104 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 M153
(the full year of calculus) P104 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. Reading
a good conceptual physics book on the side is a good accompaniment
here. This plan has been successful for others in your position.
It is again best if you discuss your background with a faculty
member.
Prerequisites : Math
152 (Prev. Math 125), Physics
121 and its prerequisites (Math151.
or equivalent. High School Physics recommended).
Comments : This is not an idle prerequisite. Do not take
these courses out of order. You will simply not succeed in this
course without taking P121 first (see comment for P114). Each
course builds directly on the previous one. Without that background
you will be completely lost. Keep this in mind as you study P121.
Prerequisites : Physics 122 and its prerequisites Math
152 (Prev. Math 125), Physics 121 and Math
151 (Prev. Math 124). Concurrent registration in a math class
following Math 152 and High School Physics are recommended.
Comments : see comment above:
Prerequisites : Physics 123, Math
153 (Prev. Math 126) or Math
254 (Prev. Math 227).
Recommended or Concurrent Registration: Math
238
Comments : In this course you will need to be able to use
your math skills to talk about the world (math as language). This
requires both breadth of knowledge and fluency. Discuss your background
with the instructor to help decide if you are prepared for this
course.
Who takes these courses? Is this course right for me?
Non-science majors who are exploring their interests and want a survey of many topics in physics are one target population for Phys& 100. Also students who need a science course for general education requirements and students who need a physics course to prepare for diagnostic imaging take this course. This course provides some support for students who have avoided science by employing some nontraditional instruction methods and support for group learning. Running start students are good candidates if they do not plan a career in science. See a more detailed discussion below.
Both Phys& 100 and Phys 104 attract explortory students. This course paints a broader canvas and is perhaps somewhat less rigorous as a result. You will see more topics in less detail but you will get a broader view of the field of physics. As in 104 students will discover that they can actually do science but in this course the number of occasions for this accomplishment is reduced .
Students preparing for the Diagnostic Ultrasound program will take Phys& 100 to get a preliminary exposure to scientific thinking and some specific knowledge about motion, physical reasoning and an introduction to wave phenomena. Students who are comfortable with their math skills and problem solving abilities will prefer this course for the specific treatment of waves. Others may want to take Phys 104 instead (see below).
Running start students who do not plan a science career but want a rounded education will find this a good course. However if science is in your future, your own high school physics course is better because it will give you more in depth practice. This latter group should not take P100 to replace their high school course.
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 success.
Physics 104 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 P104 by itself is not considered sufficient preparation for P121.
Students preparing for the Diagnostic Ultrasound program will take P104 to get solid 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. Both the light and motion sections contain topics useful to these students but there is no specific instruction on wave phenomena.
Running start students who do not plan a science career but
still have a stong interest in science will find this a good course.
However if considerable 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 P104 to replace
that class however it can supplement the high school course with
hand-on and physical reasoning experience. A physics instructor
will be happy to discuss your background and goals in detail to
help you decide if this is a good choice for you.
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.
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 Botany, Fisheries, and Medical Technology.
Non-science majors looking for a comprehensive survey of physics generally take this sequence. You will want the whole sequence to cover all the topics.
Students preparing for P121 often take P114 as there is no
course that specifically serves this need. However this is only
one of several ways to prepare for P121. See the comments following
P121 Prerequisites for details.
See audience for Physics 114 (above)
See audience for Physics 114 (above)
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.
See above
This course is for science majors who want an introduction to modern physics. The course examines the revolution in thought that occured during the twentieth century breaking from classical views. Any strong student of science will find a basis in this course for understanding the main ideas of modern science. Physics majors will want this course to prepare for upper division work in quantum mechanics and reletivity.
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.
Washington State University equivilencies: Main
menu, Use the pulldown menu here to choose Bellevue
College.
Transfers as General Science credit (non-lab) to UW and as an
equivalent course in most other Washington colleges. :
Transfers as General Science credit (lab) to UW and as an equivalent
course in most other Washington colleges. :
Transfers as General Science credit (lab) to UW and as an equivalent
course in most other Washington colleges.
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. Note that our courses are six
credits and the corresponding UW pair is only five credits. UW
will not transfer this class as a six credit class.
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. For example the pairs 114/115 and 115/116 transfer to
WSU as each of their successive one semester courses, and all
three will transfer as the full year at WSU, but individually
they only count as generral science credit.
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 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 is a Laboratory Science Course. It transfers as Physics
121 at UW and as equivalent courses in most other Washington colleges.
Note that our courses are six credits and the corresponding UW
pair is only five credits. UW will not transfer this class as
a six credit class. 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 is a Laboratory Science Course. It transfers as Physics
122 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 is a Laboratory Science Course. It transfers as Physics
123 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.
Physics 225 is a non-lab Science Course. It transfers as Physics
225 at UW and as equivalent courses in most other Washington colleges.
This course may transfer as the second year physics course
at a college using the semester system.