I’m a senior who applied to COC Chem and DE Conceptual Physics was the only physics class I was able to take. Is it okay if this is my only physics class? Cuz it seems to place less of an emphasis on the math and rather focuses on physics concepts. For context I did 2 years of Bio and 2 years of Chem, and I did math through Calc BC.
Would this be alright for a Chem major, especially since Berkeley COC “recommends” a physics class. Because I can’t tell if this class would count as a “real” physics class.
On assist.org its classified as IGETC-5A and UC category S (Biological and Physical Sciences)
Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!
To my knowledge, Conceptual Physics in college is usually roughly equivalent to a 9th grade Physics 1 course in HS. You are definitely not expected to know Calculus, but there may be some concepts from early Algebra (in HS, you might be taking Algebra concurrently). It is distinguished from the sort of non-Calc/non-STEM-major Introductory Physics that requires more Algebra, and is more equivalent to what some high schools teach as 11th grade Physics 1. And then all that is distinguished from Calc-based Basic Physics 1, which is a third alternative introductory sequence usually recommended for STEM majors, and roughly equivalent to the Physics C sequence in high school.
OK, so on the one hand, it is a little strange for someone who has taken Calc BC to be going all the way back to 9th grade/Conceptual Physics.
But on the other hand, if this is really your only option–better than nothing, and it will prepare you better for Calc-based Physics in college.
Why not ask UC Berkeley itself? Ask admissions.
But if you are truly concerned, take it- because at least it shows you’re taking something. And they recommend you take physics - and this is.
But you might ask them - they’ll likely have a yes/no answer on this one.
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It is a real physics class, but it is not a very rigorous physics class. But since it’s DE it will still get the +1 UC weighted GPA bump as an AP class would. It’s good you worked in a physics class, even if it’s not the toughest one. Personally, I don’t think this one class is going to make or break your application. Berkeley admissions almost never comes down to one single class or one grade (or any one single thing). It’s more complex than that.
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