ADVICE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS INTERESTED IN PHYSICS OR 3/2 ENGINEERING

To major in Physics or 3/2 Engineering requires careful planning from the very beginning. If certain courses are not taken in the first year then it may become difficult or impossible to complete a Physics major in four years, or the Kalamazoo College part of the 3/2 program in three years. In some cases students may lose the opportunity for study abroad if they do not plan carefully.

FIRST-YEAR COURSES
All incoming students should take the Online Math Placement Exam and place into the Math 112-113-214 sequence (Calculus 1, 2, and 3) at the appropriate course. Math 112 must be taken in the fall, unless excused by performance on the Math Placement Exam, or covered by AP credit. Math 113 and 214 must be taken in the winter or spring terms (or earlier). Physics 150 and 152 must be taken in the winter and spring (see note below). Although CHEM 110 is not required for Physics majors, it is highly recommended and it gives students the flexibility of doing the 3/2 Engineering program. If these courses are not taken in the first year then the student may run into severe difficulties later on. Also, this way students discover early on whether or not physics or engineering is really for them.

We also strongly recommend Computer Science 108 - Scientific Computing. This class should be taken rather than Computer Science 105, which will not transfer to engineering schools.

NOTE: Any student planning on registering for PHYS 150 (offered in winter) should take the online skills check test. This test will help the student determine if they have the necessary mathematics skills to take the course. They should take this test before they meet with their advisor to plan for winter courses. This online skills check test does NOT substitute for the Match Placement Exam.

STUDY ABROAD
Physics majors can choose either one or two term study abroad options. Those students choosing the 3/2 Engineering option generally must choose the one term study abroad option in the spring of their sophomore year, unless they have enough advanced language standing or AP credits to place out of at least two courses that they normally would be taking.

OTHER USEFUL URL'S:
• Suggested course sequence for physics majors: http://www.kzoo.edu/physics/sequence.html
• Suggested course sequence for 3/2 Engineering: http://www.kzoo.edu/physics/sequence32.html
• Physics Department Home Page: http://www.kzoo.edu/physics/