School of Arts and Sciences
Department of Physics and Astronomy

Guide to Introductory Physics Courses

We offer two sequences of introductory physics courses:

  • PHY 1 and PHY 2 are algebra-based
  • PHY 11 and PHY 12 are calculus-based

It may be difficult to understand the similarities and differences between these sequences and to figure out which course is best for you. This brief guide may help.

Comparison of PHY 1 and PHY 11

FAQs

  • Not necessarily. The mathematical level of PHY 11 is slightly higher than that of PHY 1 and that of PHY 12 is much higher than that of PHY 2, so the PHY 11/12 sequence can be challenging for students whose math backgrounds are less strong or in the distant past. On the other hand, even well-prepared first- and second-year students sometimes struggle in PHY 1 and PHY 2 because they do not yet have the study skills of the more experienced students in those classes.

  • Yes. All students in PHY 1, 2, 11, and 12 must complete the lab component.

  • It would be fine, but not necessarily better, to take PHY 11 instead of PHY 1. But take PHY 2 rather than PHY 12. PHY 12 is a more narrowly focused class intended to prepare students for more advanced work in physical sciences and engineering with considerable emphasis on the mathematical and analytical techniques that those more advanced courses require. PHY 2 covers a much broader range of topics with greater emphasis on the conceptual understanding and is better suited for a student who will not go on to more advanced study in the field.

  • PHY 1 or 11 is a prerequisite for PHY 2 and PHY 12 for very good reasons. Even though the list of topics may seem very different, the material in PHY 2 and PHY 12 draws heavily on the ideas and methods developed in PHY 1 and PHY 11. If you have not taken one of those courses or had equivalent preparation, you are likely to have trouble.

  • Please see the Tufts Bulletin and consult your advisor for the rules regarding AP credit. AP courses vary widely in quality and we have found that simply having taken one, even with a high grade, is no assurance that the material has been mastered at the necessary level. In general, it is not advisable to skip ahead unless you qualify for placement according to the rules in the Bulletin.

  • If you're considering a physics major it's best to complete PHY 12 by the end of your first year, which means taking PHY 11 in the fall unless you have advanced placement according to the rules in the Tufts Bulletin. PHY 13, which is a requirement for the major and a prerequisite for many classes, is offered only in the fall semester and sometimes in the summer session, and should be taken after completing PHY 12. If you wait until the spring semester to take PHY 11 it is still possible to complete the major, but your course choices will be more limited, especially if you are not able to take PHY 13 in the summer.

  • Call the Physics & Astronomy department office at 617-627-3029 and ask to speak with a faculty member about your individual situation.