Already mentioned is the fact that quite a few students come in needing
pre-calculus... and this puts calculus-1 in spring semester for them.
Not mentioned is that some places (like Bluffton College) use the same
physics course for physics majors, pre-engineering, chemistry majors,
biology majors, computer science majors, and pre-med majors. (Although a
few biology majors and pre-meds think this is unfair, the biology professors
support this... they want the biology students and pre-meds to have
calculus-based physics).
Therefore, at Bluffton College, most students take Intro Physics in the
sophomore year. It is open to freshmen, but very few freshmen take it. Our
physics major also requires general chemistry. So our physics majors take
calculus-1, calculus-2 (or pre-calculus/calculus-1) and general chemistry
(for majors) as freshman.
The problem with 2-2 or 3-2 engineering has somewhat disappeared for us in
recent years because it is becoming more popular for a student to stay here
4 years and major in physics (or chemistry or math) and pursue an MS in
engineering. Some Ohio engineering schools have actively pursued
liberal-arts science/math graduates for their MS engineering programs. This
means students can do a 4-2 program and end up with a BS degree in
math/science and an MS in engineering.
Michael D. Edmiston, Ph.D. Phone/voice-mail: 419-358-3270
Professor of Chemistry & Physics FAX: 419-358-3323
Chairman, Science Department E-Mail edmiston@bluffton.edu
Bluffton College
280 West College Avenue
Bluffton, OH 45817