The 120s sequence does not fulfill the introductory physics requirements for physics majors, but both the 130s and the 140s do. Dr. Abby Vieregg described the choice between the 130s and 140s as deciding when you want to "take the plunge". As you take more classes in the physics major, they will be increasingly taught in the language of physics majors and at some point you'll need to have a mental shift in order to think like this. If you take the 140s sequence, you will be "taking the plunge" first year, but if you take the 130s this will happen during second year. You should consider your high school preparation and then decide which sequence you want to take based on how much you want to challenge yourself and when.
What content does each sequence cover?
The 130s and 140s cover the same content in terms of overarching topics. The first course in each sequence will cover the basics of mechanics, the second course will cover electricity and magnetism, and the third will cover waves, optics and heat. However, the 140s physics sequence will generally delve much deeper into each of the topics, while the 130s will focus more on broader overviews.
How much of a math background do you need for each sequence?
The 130s is limited to single variable calculus including basic derivatives and integrals and will not include much math beyond this.
The 140s also uses single variable calculus including derivatives and integrals. This will be more prevalent than in the 130s and also include limits and Taylor expansions. In the later parts of this sequence, higher level math will be introduced that most students will not be expected to know. Teaching these math concepts are a part of the class and it is not a pre-resiquite to know how to do them.
Does a physics major beginning with the 130s sequence have a disadvantage to those beginning with the 140s?
Physics majors are free to start in whichever of the sequences best matches their background. There is no disadvantage to taking one sequence over another.
What does the petition process look like to move from the 130s to the 140s?
The quick way of placing students into the 130s vs. 140s is to look at AP scores or IB scores. There is no petition process to move from the 140s to the 130s. If you did not take AP physics or did not do so well on the test and were placed into the 130s, the petition process to move into the 140s is just to email your professor to talk. They will ask about your physics and math background. They want to make sure that you have the appropriate background so that you don't struggle, but they don't want you to be bored in the 130s.
Will an AP credit allow a student to place out of any courses?
AP credits can allow students to test out of courses in the 120s sequence, but not the 130s or 140s