swimmy

It sounds like people who make it through the class think it was really worthwhile, and I don't really mind what grade I get, but I am worried I wouldn't be able to pass since I have never had a rigorous preparation in physics.

Is this class possible for someone who hasn't already taken AP Physics C in high school?
In fact, I've never actually taken an actual lecture-based physics class - I self-studied Physics B and SAT II (5 and 790). So, I really don't know physics that well since an 800 is basically a given for knowledgeable students :P.

(If it makes a difference, I have a good understanding of BC Calc, and our teacher spent the time after the AP introducing differential equations and a little bit of multivariable. I think the main issue might be that I have very little experience with physics and my friends who have more say that the biggest factor affecting problem-solving is just practice.)

Thanks

If I do decide to take the class (assuming that's even an option depending on my performance on the math diagnostic) and it turns out to be too much, is it easy to drop down to 8.01 with little consequences?

I am interested in taking more physics classes past the GIRs, so I thought 8.012 might provide a better foundation for those, and also be a good way to see whether I actually like rigorous physics, but I would not like to fail. Or get a C, if possible, since I - might - want to apply for MD/PhD.

kryptonsa36

It is always easy to drop down to an easier class with little consequences.

And assuming your plan is to take 8.012 first semester, neither failing nor getting a C will interfere with your MD/PhD plans because of pass/no record.

The math diagnostic can only be used to make a suggestion about what level course is most appropriate for you. The option to take the most challenging version of physics is always an option despite your score on the diagnostic.

la montagne

I know a someone who took 8.012 with absolutely no prior background in physics (as in, *nothing*) and got an A. Not to say that that's the norm, but it's definitely possible.

Vivi

I'm one of those people that took 8.012 with a very shaky math and physics background. I will not even mention my math diagnostic test, because it was -that- bad.

I'm not going to sugarcoat things - I failed 8.012 by four points*. It was one of the toughest blows in my life, but it was also one of the most worthwhile. Every single person, whether they failed or passed, believed that the class was an excellent experience into the collaborative spirit of MIT, and the professors/TA's are always superb.

If you have knowledge in BC Calc and some multivariable, you are set. One of the main differences between 8.01 and 8.012 is the amount of math you use, and for a student like me with rudimentary AB Calc knowledge, it was a bit of a struggle (you delve into some multivariable in some units, like the rocket equations). I wouldn't worry too much about the math diagnostic - it pretty much doesn't mean anything =p

If for some reason you join 8.012 and decide it's too hard, then dropping down to 8.01 is easy. In fact, you'll probably find that you're already ahead of your 8.01 classmates

This semester, Prof. Zwierlein is doing lectures. I'm not sure if Tim Chen and some of the others are reprising their roles as TA's, but either way, the entire 8.012 team has been known to be spectacular - they're super helpful and are willing to help you succeed in the class.

* I failed by four points because I:
1) entered the class late - there was a test the week immediately after I joined, and I hadn't learned any of the material yet! Needless to say, I failed terribly, and since there are three exams, that was a significant chunk of my grade gone.
2) took a little -too- much advantage of pass/no record. Heed my words: have fun, but don't forget that you still need to pass your classes!

PiperXP

I know someone who failed 3.091 (50% strict cutoff) by 1%.

faraday

Honestly the best prep for 8.012 is actually not AP physics C mechanics *although it does help somewhat*. THe level of physics is just so different.

The best prep would be a solid calculus preparation, and as much multivariate as it is healthy for you to self-study (vector valued functions, multiple integrals, line integrals...) and a love for hardcore problem solving.

oasis

Unless you want to go to JHU =p

kryptonsa36

Why would anyone want to go to JHU if it doesn't honor a school's policy or its justification for it?

Vivi

Ouch, that's harsh. I also missed getting an A in 8.011 by 0.4%. That was also harsh.

la montagne

Just to make it even stupider, JHU's undergrads ALSO do first semester freshman year pass/fail.