MTU Physics Transition Issues

Individual Course "Equivalents"

Physics Sequences

The flexibility listed below is available for those students who cannot complete their sequences entirely before or entirely after the transition without delaying their graduation. Each student, working with an advisor, will have to determine whether or not taking advantage of this flexibility will be in his or her best interest.

Algebra-based Introductory Physics
(PH201, PH202, PH203) -> (PH1110, PH1210)

Students required to take one or more of these courses for their major should complete their sequence before the transition or delay the entire sequence until after the transition. Students who try to split the sequence over the transition will end up retaking some material, which may delay graduation. See also the comments on the lab courses below. PH201 will not, by itself, be an acceptible prerequisite for PH1210.

Calculus-based Sequence
(PH204, PH205, PH206/PH310) -> (PH2100, PH2200, PH2300, PH2400)

For students who cannot complete their required sequence for these courses: PH204 will be accepted as a prerequisite for PH2200 and for PH2300; PH205 will be accepted as a prerequisite for PH2400. Whether or not this will result in a delay in graduation will depend on the student's particular circumstances, which need to be carefully considered in advance. See also the comments about the lab courses below.

Students who will only need PH206 (and PH183 lab) to complete their required sequence should complete this before the transition as there is no single equivalent under semesters. If this is not possible, then the student will need to negotiate with their major department to find a satisfactory substitute to meet their requirements. Possibilities include PH2300 and/or PH2400, especially if the student has completed PH183 under quarters.

Intro Lab Courses
(PH181, PH182, PH183) -> (PH1100, PH1200)

As stated in the current MTU course catalog, the discovery-based lab courses will be accepted only as a prerequisite for the corresponding courses starting in Fall of 2000. Currently they are also allowed (with special permission) as co-requisites. Obtain a signed card from the Physics department. For those students who would otherwise be delayed, PH181 will be accepted as a prerequisite for PH1110, PH1200 and PH2100. Also, PH182 will be accepted as a prerequisite for PH1210 and PH2200. Students who use PH181 or PH182 as prerequisites for PH1110 or PH1210 respectively should be advised that they will not see the full complement of labs and may be at a disadvantage in the course.

Math Prerequisites

In all cases, math pre- and co-requisites will be considered to be statisfied for the semester Physics courses by the most closely corresponding Math course(s) under quarters. (e.g. for a semester course with a prerequisite of MA1150, MA150 would be accepted during the transition, for a course requiring MA2150, MA151 would be acceptible).