Course Sequence
Physics is one of the most important subjects for a student interested in Health Careers. First and foremost, physics is about quantitatively modeling the world around us. Developing these skills will be key to your future success. Secondly, from biomechanics to neuroscience, understanding how living things function requires a strong foundation in physics. Thirdly, one needs to understand physics to understand the diagnostic and treatment tools commonly used in medicine: blood pressure, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetoencephalography, positron emission tomography, ultrasound, radiotherapy…
Most medical schools require applicants to complete one of the following sequences:
(A) PHYS 2207-2208 (2207 is offered only in fall; 2208 is offered only in spring.)
or
(B) PHYS 1112-2213-2214 (PHYS 1110 is required as a co-requisite with PHYS 1112 or PHYS 1116).
or
(C) PHYS 1116-2217-2218 (PHYS 1110 is required as a co-requisite with PHYS 1112 or PHYS 1116. PHYS 2210 is required as a co-requisite with PHYS 2218).
The most common sequences for Arts and Science or CALS students are (A). The most common sequence for Engineering students is (B). Sequence (C) is the Honors version of (B), and is very challenging.
Students with an interest in Health Careers who want a deeper understanding of Biophysics may be interested in the Physics Minor, Biomedical Engineering Minor, or the Physics Major with an Outside Concentration. One particular course worth considering is AEP 2520 (The Physics of Life).
FAQs
When should I take Physics?
There are many thoughts on this. Some see Physics as a “capstone science” which should be taken as a Junior. This lets you bring much of your experience as a scholar. It also means that there will be less of a delay between learning Physics and taking the MCAT (or other standardized exams). Others see Physics as a “foundation science” which should be taken in the first two years. This gives you a set of tools early in your career which you can use in your further science courses. In the end, you may find that scheduling ends up determining when you take Physics. A course like PHYS 2207 has three hours per week of lecture, one hour per week of recitation, and two hour labs. Fitting it in with your other courses can be challenging.