School of Arts and Sciences
Department of Physics and Astronomy

AP and Transfer Credit

Advanced Placement (AP) Credit

The Department of Physics and Astronomy generally offers credit for certain AP and other exams as outlined below. Authoritative requirements and policies are given in the Tufts Bulletin. For more detailed information please speak with your advisor.

AP Physics 1*

  • Score of 5 qualifies for 1.0 credit for PHY 0001 - Introductory Physics I

AP Physics 2*

  • Score of 5 qualifies for 1.0 credit for PHY 0002 - Introductory Physics II

AP Physics B*

  • Score of 5 qualifies for 1.0 credit for PHY 0001 - Introductory Physics I

AP Physics C: Mechanics

  • Score of 5 qualifies for 1.0 credit for PHY 0011 - General Physics I

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism

  • Score of 5 qualifies for 1.0 credit for PHY 0012 - General Physics II

*Note: No credit will be given for School of Engineering students for AP scores on the Physics 1, Physics 2, or Physics B exams.

 

Transfer Credit

The policy for transfer of undergraduate-level courses in Physics and Astronomy is as follows:

Introductory Physics Courses (PHY 1 and PHY 2 which are algebra-based, no calculus required)

The applicant for credit transfer must:

  • Specify the Tufts course (PHY 1 or PHY 2) for which the applicant seeks transfer of credit.
  • Provide evidence that the substitute course requires a lab. Evidence includes course description accessible from a valid URL or course syllabus.
  • If the lab is offered as a separate course (with a separate course number), then the applicant must fill out 2 requests: one for the lecture and one for the lab.

General Physics Courses (PHY 11 and PHY 12 which are calculus-based)

The applicant for credit transfer must:

  • Specify the Tufts course (PHY 11 or PHY 12) for which the applicant seeks transfer of credit.
  • Provide evidence that the substitute course is calculus-based (calculus is a pre-requisite or a co-requisite). Evidence includes course description accessible from a valid URL or course syllabus.
  • Provide evidence that the substitute course requires a lab. Evidence includes course description accessible from a valid URL or course syllabus.
  • If the lab is offered as a separate course (with a separate course number), then the applicant must fill out 2 requests: one for the lecture and one for the lab.

Upper-level Physics Courses

The applicant for credit transfer must:

  • Specify the Tufts course for which the applicant seeks transfer of credit.
  • Provide evidence that the substitute course matches the content of the Tufts course. Evidence includes course description accessible from a valid URL or course syllabus.
  • Provide evidence that the substitute course satisfies the physics major at that school. Evidence includes a valid URL where the major requirements are outlined.

Astronomy Courses (introductory or upper-level)

The applicant for credit transfer must:

  • Specify the Tufts Astronomy course for which the applicant seeks transfer of credit.
  • Apply under the "Astronomy" section (not under Physics).

Study Abroad Courses

The applicant for credit transfer must:

  • Specify the Tufts course for which the applicant seeks transfer of credit.
  • Provide evidence that the substitute course matches the content of the Tufts course. Evidence includes course description accessible from a valid URL or course syllabus.
  • Provide evidence that the substitute course satisfies the physics major at that school. Evidence includes a valid URL where the major requirements are outlined.