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RyanMac · 02-21-2008, 07:17 PM

John, I took honors physics last year and am in AP/B this year. The topics are not the same, although there is some overlap. Generally we move very fast, but I wouldn't say that an amazing understanding of math is /all/ you need to do well. Being good at math is a plus, for instance, I'm not very good at math. It's always my lowest grade, it's my lowest SAT, and I'm the only one in AP Physics who hasnt already taken or isnt currently taking calc. I'm middle of the pack (private school - the "pack" is 9 kids lol).

I think it's like almost every other class - you get what you put in. I have to spend a lot more time on hw to get a B than a lot of the kids do to get A's, but that's because I'm just not as good at math, not because of the math classes we take. They are simply better at quantitaive analysis than I am. However, you can work hard to grasp the concepts and you'll be alright. Math is only a tool of physics, it isnt physics.

As far as physics translating to architecture, it isn't as literal a connection as you might think. You take certain things from it and use them to your advantage in design: namely, problem solving ability. The skillsets of physics and high level math coincide well with what architecture demands: critical and conceptual understanding. Look at your english class as having a set of tools you can use in architecture too: critical analysis, creativity, and perhaps most importantly the coherent expression of ideas. You can't say that physics "is" math - it has it's own properties. From what I've read on here, physics and math beyond much trig won't play much of a role in your education and practice as an architect.

As for other schools in CA, in addition to what archkid mentioned, I believe SCI-Arch (Southern California Institute of Architecture) has a good reputation. Archkid also mentioned the varying levels of math and physics requirements at different schools. Check out all of the curriculums of the schools you're applying to. Some will have a good amount of required science/math classes, others may have almost none except for some "Calculus for Architects" which, according to a lot of people, is usually pretty watered down.

ninja edit: I thought I heard on here a while ago that CP-SLO /required/ calc or some kind of physics? Not sure, but definately make sure you read their curriculum.

02-21-2008, 07:17 PM	#9
RyanMac Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: RISD Threads: 11 Posts: 188	John, I took honors physics last year and am in AP/B this year. The topics are not the same, although there is some overlap. Generally we move very fast, but I wouldn't say that an amazing understanding of math is /all/ you need to do well. Being good at math is a plus, for instance, I'm not very good at math. It's always my lowest grade, it's my lowest SAT, and I'm the only one in AP Physics who hasnt already taken or isnt currently taking calc. I'm middle of the pack (private school - the "pack" is 9 kids lol). I think it's like almost every other class - you get what you put in. I have to spend a lot more time on hw to get a B than a lot of the kids do to get A's, but that's because I'm just not as good at math, not because of the math classes we take. They are simply better at quantitaive analysis than I am. However, you can work hard to grasp the concepts and you'll be alright. Math is only a tool of physics, it isnt physics. As far as physics translating to architecture, it isn't as literal a connection as you might think. You take certain things from it and use them to your advantage in design: namely, problem solving ability. The skillsets of physics and high level math coincide well with what architecture demands: critical and conceptual understanding. Look at your english class as having a set of tools you can use in architecture too: critical analysis, creativity, and perhaps most importantly the coherent expression of ideas. You can't say that physics "is" math - it has it's own properties. From what I've read on here, physics and math beyond much trig won't play much of a role in your education and practice as an architect. As for other schools in CA, in addition to what archkid mentioned, I believe SCI-Arch (Southern California Institute of Architecture) has a good reputation. Archkid also mentioned the varying levels of math and physics requirements at different schools. Check out all of the curriculums of the schools you're applying to. Some will have a good amount of required science/math classes, others may have almost none except for some "Calculus for Architects" which, according to a lot of people, is usually pretty watered down. ninja edit: I thought I heard on here a while ago that CP-SLO /required/ calc or some kind of physics? Not sure, but definately make sure you read their curriculum. Last edited by RyanMac : 02-21-2008 at 07:25 PM.