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forgetyou678
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Do you guys think it's a good idea to take both E&M and Mechanics at the same time in the summer?
Well, not really...Angry Citizen said:Because it's simply not covered properly in the timeframe of a summer class. Someone I know took a summer E&M class, and the instructor was bypassing all kinds of stuff just so that some of those individuals could put in the 'effort' and complete the class. It's not about whether you can earn the grade. Remember, if you're taking calc-based physics, then you're probably going to be using calc-based physics in the rest of your education, and probably in your job too.
Angry Citizen said:Mechanics is used constantly in E&M. Physics is not math. The analytical thinking you do in math is not the analytical thinking you do in physics.
jtbell said:Will your university even allow you to take both courses at the same time? They're normally taught as a sequence, with the first semester (mechanics) being pre-requisite for the second semester (E&M). In fact, I'd be kind of surprised if they're actually offered at the same time in the summer, unless you're at a very large university. They're most likely offered during consecutive half-semesters, with each course taking six or seven weeks. I've taught that sort of course: an hour and a half of lecture, five days a week, and two labs per week. I called it "Firehose Physics."
E&M does extensively use concepts from the first semester. As AC noted, you'll be using vectors right off the bat in E&M, and when you get to electric potential (voltage) and circuits, you need to be familiar with energy and power.
It ultimately depends on your personal abilities and workload. If you feel confident in your understanding of both subjects and have the time to dedicate to studying both, then it may be feasible to take them at the same time. However, if you struggle with one subject or have a heavy course load, it may be better to take them separately.
It can be challenging to balance the workload and concepts of two physics courses simultaneously. It is important to assess your strengths and weaknesses and consider how much time you have available for studying and completing assignments. If you feel overwhelmed, it may be best to take one course at a time.
Yes, taking both courses at the same time can have its advantages. Both E&M and Mechanics are fundamental physics courses and have overlapping concepts. Taking them together can help reinforce your understanding of these concepts and make connections between the two subjects.
Prioritize time management and organization. Make sure to stay on top of assignments and schedule study sessions for both subjects. It may also be helpful to review any prerequisite material before starting the courses to have a solid foundation.
Yes, it is possible to drop one of the courses if you feel overwhelmed or are struggling to keep up with the workload. However, make sure to consult with your academic advisor before making a decision and consider the potential impact on your academic progress and graduation timeline.