Students considering physics 201 must have taken math 221. A good representation of the calculus used in physics 201 can be seen in this calculus review. This material is often reviewed (with great rapidity) in the first day of 201. Both physics 201 and 202 use integration, 201 requires students to perform line-integrals at the mid-semester point. A review of integration techniques used in 201 and 202 is here.
Physics 202 requires significant calculus background. There is no acceptable substitute for a full year of university-level calculus (221 and 222). Advisors and program directors; there is no "consent of instructor" that over-rides this prerequisite. Make sure that advisees are properly prepared with prerequisite courses before directing them into physics courses. It is a good idea to look over the two calculus links above with advisees.
| Major | Recommended Course (f=fall, s=spring) | Requirements |
| Computer Science | 201(f), 202(s) | Math 221, 222 |
| Mathematics | 201(f), 202(s) | Math 221, 222 |
| Physics | 201(f), 202(s) | Math 221, 222 |
| Biology | 105(f), 106(s) | Math 111, 112 or 114 |
| Chemistry | 201(f), 202(s) | Math 221, 222 |
| Pre-Med | 201(f), 202(s)* | Math 221, 222 |
| Molec. Biology* | 201(f), 202(s) | Math 221, 222 |
| Sociology | 101(f,s), 110(f,s) | Math 111 |
| English | 101(f,s), 110(f,s) | Math 111 |
| History | 101, 110 | Math 111 |
| Education (emphasis on Math and Sci)* | 201(f,s), 202(f,s) | Math 221, 222 |
| Nursing | 102(f,s) | Math 111 |
| Pre-Health** | 105(f), 106(s) | Math 111, 112 |
** Other than Nursing (for example Pre-OT, PT, PHARM...)
We also highly recommend that Pre-Med students take the Physics 201-202 sequence rather than 105-106, but all other pre-health students should stick with 105-106. Members of the Biology faculty should be consulted as to their recommendations on this matter.
Physics 101 and 110 (Astronomy) are B.O.K. courses that are open to everyone, regardless of math background, although algebra is again highly recommended.
These are the recommendations of the Physics faculty who teach these courses. Students should also consult their major advisors or faculty in the department in which they are majoring. We want to see students meet with success in their courses, and proper placement into the most appropriate courses that best fulfill the needs of the students major is the first step to this success.