Q: The physics lab class I want has 24 students enrolled! Can I petition someone to be let in anyway?
A: Absolutely not. There are only 24 seats in the lab room, and so it is a safety hazard to put more students in. Laboratory classes cannot be overloaded for ANY reason. There are no exceptions to this rule!
Q: I already have credit for the lab portion of a Physics course! Can I take the lecture portion separately?
A: No. At ACC, we teach integrated lecture and lab. The lecture and the lab portion have the same instructor and the lab meets right after the lecture. Students receive one grade for the four credits of lecture and lab. They cannot be taken separately.
Q: I already have credit for the lecture portion of a Physics course! Can I take the lab portion separately?
A: No. At ACC, we teach integrated lecture and lab. The lecture and the lab portion have the same instructor and the lab meets right after the lecture. Students receive one grade for the four credits of lecture and lab. They cannot be taken separately.
Q: Can I take a Physics I class and a Physics II class in the same semester?
A: Absolutely not. In the first place, Physics I is a state-mandated prerequisite for Physics II. Second, there are many concepts in Physics II that are introduced in Physics I, and Physics II instructors reasonably expect students to be familiar with those ideas.
Q: I don’t have credit for a College Algebra course! Can I still take PHYS 1401 or PHYS 1410?
A: No. College Algebra is a state requirement for PHYS 1401 and PHYS 1410, and we are not in a position to make exceptions.
Q: I don’t have credit for a Trigonometry course! Can I still take PHYS 1401?
A: No. Trigonometry is a state requirement for PHYS 1401, and we are not in a position to make exceptions.
Q: I have credit for a Calculus course! Does that satisfy the prerequisite for PHYS 1401 or PHYS 1410?
A: Yes! A grade of C or better in Calculus I or above meets the requirement for PHYS 1401 and PHYS 1410.
Q: I don’t have credit for a Calculus course! Can I still take PHYS 2425?
A: No. Calculus I is a state requirement prerequisite for PHYS 2425, and we are not in a position to make exceptions.
Q: Can I take my Calculus II class after I take PHYS 2425?
A: No. Calculus II is a state requirement co-requisite for PHYS 2425, and we are not in a position to make exceptions.
Q: I already have credit for Calculus II! Do I have to take it again while I take PHYS 2425?
A: No, you’re in good shape!
Q: I have taken (Math class or placement exam)! Can it serve as the prerequisite for (Physics course)?
A: Such questions should be directed to the Chair of the ACC Mathematics Department. If they can certify to the Chair of the Physics, Astronomy, and Engineering Department (typically via email) that the math course you took is equivalent to or exceeds the prerequisite for the physics class, there should be no problem.
Q: I have taken a Physics I class at the University of Texas! Can it satisfy the prerequisite for PHYS 2426?
A: The following classes at UT can serve as a substitute for PHYS 2425: PHY 301 (with the corresponding lab), PHY 137K (with the corresponding lab), and PHY 303K (with the corresponding lab).
Q: I have a question about a Geology, Geography, or Environmental Science course!
A: Geology and Environmental Science are no longer a part of the Physics, Astronomy, and Engineering Department. Geography never has been. Please address all Geology and Environmental Science requests to the Chair of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
Q: Can I talk to the Chair of the Department about your answers to these questions?
A: You are certainly entitled to do so. However, since the Chair of the Department is the one who created this FAQ, you will get the same answers.
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