In a previous issue of The Physics Teacher, John Hubisz explained how a mathematics background check has been used at three different colleges to determine the appropriate physics sequence for incoming students.1 Based on their performance, students are placed into either calculus-based physics (CBP), algebra-trig physics (ATP), or a year of conceptual physics (CP). By placing the mathematically less-prepared students into either ATP or CP, Hubisz notes, higher success rates in CBP have been observed.
REFERENCES
1.
John
Hubisz
, “A ‘mathematics background check,’
“ Phys. Teach.
47
, 282
–283
(May 2009
).2.
The math course we generally recommend is called Mathematical Methods in the Natural Sciences. The course covers dimensional analysis, analytical geometry, trigonometry, and vectors. Many of the homework and test problems include some rudimentary physics (mechanics) situations.
3.
A great program for self-study is mathtv.com. These short videos walk students through algebra, trigonometry, vectors (from both a geometric and algebraic approach), and even calculus.
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© 2010 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2010
American Association of Physics Teachers
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