Introductory physics, one of the most widely feared course sequences at the University, will undergo a major facelift in coming semesters.
Beginning with the introductory engineering sequence, each of physics 51/52, 53/54 and 41/42 will alter their material to cater more specifically to the needs of engineering, pre-med and physics majors, respectively. The changes are unlikely to make the overall content of the courses any easier, but will benefit students by ensuring that the skills they attain will lay the proper groundwork for future study within their particular majors.
This is a wise move by the Department of Physics, and will allow professors to integrate a wide range of new major-specific components to their courses. For example, Pratt students who enroll in the engineering sequence will be asked to do assignments using MATLAB, a program that will become integral in many other courses throughout their academic careers.
Further, the Physics department prudently decided to implement a pilot program in the spring, where one section of engineering physics will be taught under the new specifications. This will give students and professors time to gauge the merits of the proposed changes before they are implemented across the board.
While the core physics skills required for physics, engineering and pre-med majors is largely the same, relevant supplementary material can be widely divergent. The physics department should be applaued for recognizing this, and changing the system.
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