FAQs
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Who do I contact to get an override to add a course or add/change a lab section?
Contact the Physics associate chairperson for overrides and changes to your lab section.
For course overrides once the semester has begun, you can also bring an add-drop form to a meeting of the lecture.
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Must I take lab courses PHY 2131/41 at the same time as the lectures PHY 2130/40?
Yes. You must enroll in both courses together. If circumstances force you to drop either the lab or the lecture, you may add the relevant section later with the approval of the Physics associate chairperson. But this is highly discouraged.
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I'm required to take introductory Physics PHY 2130, but I'm not sure if my math preparation is adequate.
Mathematical preparation is very important for success in the algebra-based physics courses. We recommend that students take the mathematics placement exam including the level for placement in MAT 2010.
We discourage students from taking PHY 2130 if they are not at least qualified to take calculus.
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I'm required to take introductory Physics PHY 2130 or PHY 2170, but I'm not sure if my high school preparation is adequate.
You may benefit from taking PHY 1020 Conceptual Physics if your physics background is insufficient. This may also help If you feel you might not be ready for the rapid pace of college-level science courses.
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I have taken algebra-based physics PHY 2130 and PHY 2140 and I've switched majors. My new major requires calculus based physics. Do I need to retake calculus-based intro physics?
The Physics department generally allows general or applied physics majors who have taken 2130/40 to continue to higher level physics courses. Calculus-based PHY 2170/80 is strongly suggested, but not required.
Other departments may require calculus-based physics and may advise their students differently. Please check with your advisor and the undergraduate physics advisor if there are further questions.
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How can I participate in research?
Start by speaking with your undergraduate physics advisor. Most of our faculty are interested in recruiting serious undergraduates for cutting-edge research. Once you identify a faculty member you would like to work with, you have two possibilities. You can do research for credit by taking PHY 5990. The faculty member may also be able to support you financially if funds are available.
Other research opportunities: