First-Year Physics

neuron · 06-29-2008, 12:43 PM

I just found out that I 5'ed both Physics C exams, so I can place out of 8.01 if I want.
I was wondering which is the better of the two options:

1. Take 8.012 to make sure I know everything that wasn't covered on the AP test.

2. Take 8.022 to get ahead and have a free class slot in the future, either for a more advanced physics class or an elective.

Thanks

PiperXP · 06-29-2008, 12:46 PM

I would take the placement out of 8.01 - getting ahead in classes is very nice.

HOWEVER, if you're interested in majoring in Course 8, or if you're very interested in the subject, it might be worthwhile to take 8.012. Trust me, there's A LOT of theory that you didn't learn on the AP test.

rainynightstarz · 06-29-2008, 01:15 PM

wait what? AP SCORES ARE OUT?

ducktape · 06-29-2008, 01:18 PM

Yeah, the whole not being out until July 1 is a filthy lie. You can call and get grades for a mere $8. Which is still more than I wanted to pay, but now I know that I do in fact need to study and pass the 7.012 ASE if I want to get sophomore standing.

Stupid AP Gov. I probably should've studied.

molliebatmit · 06-29-2008, 03:33 PM

I agree with Piper -- generally, take the credit and run unless you plan to do further work in the subject and/or you're really interested in it. If you're not planning to do physics past 8.02_ or you aren't that psyched about physics, take the free class spot.

I think that even if you had a really awesome physics class in high school and got a 6 on the AP exam, you'll still learn new and interesting things in 8.012. But I don't think it's necessary to take 8.012 for the sake of having taken it -- only re-take material if you have a compelling reason to do so.

rainynightstarz · 06-29-2008, 03:52 PM

wait... are they mailed yet?
I moved so I don't think I'll get my score.
even though I only took bio and CS ab and can't get credit for anything, I'd still like to know my score

LauraN · 06-29-2008, 05:52 PM

As has been mentioned, if you're interested in physics, you may want to consider 8.0x2. But my version of the story?

I got two 5s on the physics, took the credit for 8.01 and was bored out of my MIND in 8.02, and if I could do freshman year over again the one thing I would do differently would be to take the ASE for 8.02

8.01 and 8.02 EXACTLY matched the AP curriculum with the exception of one week's worth of material.

Again, if you're thinking of majoring in physics, or you just plain like it, that may not be the path for you, but it's something to keep in mind...

pebbles · 06-29-2008, 08:02 PM

Some people I know (majoring in physics) who skipped 8.01 regretted doing it because we all get there eventually, and your classmates are getting there with better foundation. Others really relished the opportunity to take grad level classes in their junior year as opposed to senior year.

kryptonsa36 · 06-29-2008, 10:48 PM

And if you DO decide you really want nothing more to do with physics for the rest of your life, and you have passed out of 8.01, definitely take the 8.02 ASE. Those three hours used up are only going to be a marginal waste if you don't pass, but if you do, they will have helped -tremendously-.

(To say nothing of how the 8.02 ASE has the highest pass rate. Around 80%, I think, when it was offered Fall 2007. That's not to say it's an indication that it's easy, of course...)

rainynightstarz · 06-29-2008, 11:07 PM

what about the 8.01 ASE passing rate and 7.012?

molliebatmit · 06-30-2008, 05:56 AM

Last year's (and 2010's) ASE results are here.

pebbles · 06-30-2008, 07:39 AM

I don't see why you would skip both 8.01 and 8.02, especially if you're going to go into physics. I think you're doing yourself a disservice by doing that. 8.01 I understand it's kind of outdated blahblahblah but E&M is still a great theory and very relevant to what you'll be doing later on in physics, where as 8.01 doesn't come up nearly as much. You can do 8.022 and 8.03 first semester if you like, and still get a year ahead in the sequence to take 8.05 sophomore year. I don't see much logic in passing out of both if you'll be taking more physics classes unless you're very confident in your high school physics offerings.

curious8582008 · 06-30-2008, 01:37 PM

I took AP physics B (not C) in high school, which doesn't use any calculus, but does cover more topics. I'm planning to major in course 1C (civil engineering), which is based on physics/structure, should I take 8.01/8.02 or 8.012/8.022? Is that extra knowledge from 8.0x2 worth it for course 1C or is 8.0x good enough?

-alternate scenario-

If I miraculously pass the ASE's for both physics (key words: if and miraculously), should I take the credit and get ahead in classes, or should I take the physics classes?

dbc9todd · 06-30-2008, 02:28 PM

Would taking physics for Junior and Senior year, both B and C, provide a strong enough foundation in physics to be safe in passing out of 8.01 and 8.02?

pebbles · 06-30-2008, 02:29 PM

What difference does that make? You can take physics for 10 years if you like, if the curriculum sucks, you'll still have a hard time in upper level classes.

Like i never took physics AP in high school but from looking at people who did, a 4 or 5 on the test guarantees nothing. It's far too easy, or something.