Why take Physics? Which course is right for you?
Did you know you can take physics BEFORE you take chemistry?
Physics - course number 247 - 1st year course
The focus of this course will be to develop a better understanding of the physical laws that govern nature through conceptual and mathematical processes and an inquiry-based laboratory approach. Topics, from the Ohio Model Curriculum, include kinematics (position, velocity and acceleration of objects), as well as forces, energy and its conservation, electricity, and magnetism.
Laboratory skills will be designed to encourage problem solving and independent thought, and a variety of tools and technology will be used for collecting and analyzing data. This course is designed to prepare students for a college major that requires science..
AP Physics 1 - course number 256 - 1st year course
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college- level physics course that may be taken with no prior physics coursework. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics such as Newtonian mechanics including rotational motion and torque, momentum and impulse, work, energy and its conservation. In addition to Newtonian mechanics topics of mechanical waves and sound, electrostatics, and direct current (DC) circuits with resistors will be developed. Instruction will focus on the big ideas typically included in the first semester of an algebra- based, introductory college-level physics sequence and provide students with enduring understandings to support future advanced course work in the sciences. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop critical thinking and reasoning skills, as defined by the AP Science Practices.
At least twenty-five percent of instructional time is devoted to hands-on laboratory work with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations and design projects. Investigations will require students to ask questions, make observations and predictions, design experiments, analyze data, and construct arguments in a collaborative setting, where they direct and monitor their progress.
Frequently asked questions about AP Physics 1
AP Physics 2 - 2nd year course -
If you are planning on a pre-med, geology, or life sciences major in college the College Board recommends taking this course. Calculus not needed for class.AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: uids; thermodynamics; electrical force, eld, and potential; electric circuits; magnetism and electromagnetic induction; geometric and physical optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics.
Frequently asked questions about AP Physics 2
AP Physics C - course number 250AP - 2nd year course
If you are planning on a science or engineering major in college the College Board recommends taking this course. You should have completed or be taking at least Calculus AB for this class.
This course is the equivalent of college calculus-based physics courses in both Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism following the prescribed curriculum as published by the College Board. Engineering and pure science majors may use this course to deepen their understanding of college physics principles and procedures. AP Physics will emphasize higher order thinking and problem solving skills in the laboratory and theoretical settings. Students will need to be highly motivated and self-directed in both individual and team based work. Advanced Placement courses are demanding and require daily work outside of class. Topics in the Mechanics part of the course include advanced study of kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion and forces; work, energy and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation along with moment of inertia; and oscillations and gravitation.
The Electricity & Magnetism part of the course will highlight an advanced study of electrostatics and electric fields; conductors, capacitors and dielectrics; electric circuits (both DC and AC); magnetic fields and forces; and electromagnetism including RLC circuits and Lenz’s Law. Students will take an AP exam for each of the two topics (Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism) and those who attain a passing score on the respective AP exams (normally a 3 or higher) should receive college credit entering most fields requiring physics, including engineering or pre-medicine.
Frequently asked questions about AP Physics C: Mechanics (1st semester)
Frequently asked questions about AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism (2nd Semester)
AP Credit Policy Search
Find colleges and universities that offer credit or placement for AP scores. Begin your search by entering the name of the institution below. For the most up-to-date AP credit policy information, be sure to check the institution's website.
66 Careers that Physics helps you get:
Careers using Physics from Physics.org