Re: Introductory Undergraduate Physics Sequence

[Richard Tarara <rtarara@SAINTMARYS.EDU>]

Our premed students have been saying that many med-schools are now asking
for Calculus-based physics.  My assumption has been that this is to get
students into more 'rigorous' physics courses rather than a need for physics
at a calculus level.  I'm not the pre-med advisor so I don't know if the
students are actually mistaken about the med-school expectations.  Anybody
else out there with definitive knowledge--one way or the other?

Rick

----- Original Message -----
From: Karl Trappe <trappe@PHYSICS.UTEXAS.EDU>
To: <PHYS-L@LISTS.NAU.EDU>
Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 1999 1:44 PM
Subject: Re: Introductory Undergraduate Physics Sequence


> Sam:  Reread my post.  Most med schools require **Calculus**, not calculus
> based physics.  In fact very few universities put the pre-meds in calculus
> based physics, and that is my point.  The premeds are smarter than many,
if
> not most, of the students enrolled in calculus based physics. But, because
> so many of them are from the biological sciences, with weak math
> backgrounds, we continue the trend.  Karl
>
> > I will chime here because I teach MCAT review of Physics and see the
> > materials they are tested over.  Since most algebra based courses are
> > geared twoard pre-med this seems appropriate.  Also, the comment on med
> > schools now requiring calculus based physics has at least not trickled
> > down to the College of Arts and Sciences at different universities or to
> > the MCAT writers who just revamped their set of things to know for the
> > test.
>
> Dr. Karl I. Trappe                              Desk Phone:  (512)
471-4152
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471-5411
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