PHYS 1710

If you've taken AP C Mechanics, this course will be a breeze. If you haven't, it's going to be a little rougher. Group is trying to weed you out, and while this isn't the hardest class in the physics major, it also isn't easy.

This class was very difficult and a lot of work. Luckily, Professor Group is very helpful and makes himself accessible to students. I found that he grades very fairly--even if you fail a couple exams (which is honestly quite likely), you can still get a respectable grade in the class. Still, don't take this class unless you are sure you want to major in physics. I overall enjoyed the class and got a lot out of it, but regret not taking the more reasonable 1425 track.

I came into this class thinking "high school physics was fun, I should dip my toe in the water and see if I should be a physics major!" I had taken Honors Physics and done well in high school. I got to class and it seemed like everyone around me had taken AP Physics and had planned their majors out and everything. If you're going to take this class, find a study group early on, because you're going to need to work together on the webassign. There is a lot of homework. The discussion sections are useless because they're taken up the whole time by quizzes. This is a 5 unit class, and Group was very clear to remind us that. From day 1, he said to make sure you have 17 credits so that you'll still technically be a full time student if you withdraw from the class. It took a lot of effort, but I managed to get an A-, so I would say as hard as the class is, he still grades relatively fairly and wants you to get an A. You have to show up to class for the Learning Catalytics online questions. I learned much more from my study group than from the teacher. If you're serious about being a Physics major, take it. However, I will not be continuing with 1720.