University Enhancement Physics

[ECheong]

Okay, so. I'm a Year 10 student right now and I'm still quite undecided about my future pathways but I have decided that I want to go into the sciences.

I'd just like to know what Uni enhancement physics encompasses and if it is a good idea to do it (in your opinion).

I'm currently leaning towards doing Chem, Math Methods, English Language, Physics, Chinese SL.

For my sixth subject I'm weighing up specialist maths, business man or uni physics.

But yeah, I do love physics (which is why I'm considering doing the uni enhancement) but am I better served doing uni physics now or just leaving it, potentially to do it later in life.   

opinions?

[Lasercookie]

You can only do uni extension subjects in your final year of high school (when you're in year 12). You can't do uni extension while you're in year 11.

[paulsterio]

Do specialist maths, I think it'll be the most complementary to the subjects you're doing

[ECheong]

yeah sorry I wasn't clear. those are the subjects I hope to eventually end up doing

and yeah, specialist seems to be the most simple option as well but I'm not sure how well I'll do. The stuff looks pretty confronting LOL

[paulsterio]

yeah sorry I wasn't clear. those are the subjects I hope to eventually end up doing

and yeah, specialist seems to be the most simple option as well but I'm not sure how well I'll do. The stuff looks pretty confronting LOL

In all honesty, if you're up for Uni Physics, you should be up for Specialist Maths -

[Lasercookie]

You need specialist for uni physics. It's one of the pre-requisites. Edit: Just noticed I confused Uni Physics with Uni Maths... oops :/ (sorry).

VCE requirements: Completion of Mathematical Methods 3/4 in Year 11 and enrolment in Specialist Mathematics 3/4 in Year 12; or concurrent enrolment in Mathematical Methods 3/4 and Specialist Mathematics 3/4 after completion of Mathematical Methods 1/2 and General Mathematics* (Specialist Mathematics orientation) 1/2.

* Applicants with a B+ average in General Mathematics will be considered. Other prerequisite subjects require A/A+ average.

Also note: http://www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/174904/UMEP_Physics_for_2010.pdf

In general it is not possible to go on to second-year physics subjects directly from Extension Program Physics, as first-year Maths is also required to continue with those subjects.

You're going to end up learning that specialist maths stuff (and more) anyway if you go and study physics/maths at uni level anyway.

I went and looked over the basic gist of stuff in specialist over the year and I honestly don't think it looks that bad. I reckon it would definitely complement VCE Physics, there's a fair few of the formulas that are derived using stuff you learn in specialist.

[paulsterio]

Well there you go, you have to do specialist, so that's the path I would recommend. Also, VCE Physics is very different to Uni Physics. VCE Physics is a qualitative (explaining) subject much more than a quantitative (measurement) subject. The calculations you'll do are of a year 10 standard

[Lasercookie]

Well there you go, you have to do specialist, so that's the path I would recommend. Also, VCE Physics is very different to Uni Physics. VCE Physics is a qualitative (explaining) subject much more than a quantitative (measurement) subject. The calculations you'll do are of a year 10 standard

+1

Please ensure that you survive VCE Physics with your interest in physics intact. VCE Physics is like a machine for killing joy and curiosity, many have been wounded before, not all survive. (I don't think that makes any sense but it sounds cool). 

[appianway]

I did UMEP physics back in the day, so feel free to ask me questions. You definitely do NOT need specialist for the course; there were two of us out of 6 who were not taking it, and I got a HD, and I think he got a D. Just make sure you can integrate.

Also, don't base your interest in physics off VCE physics. Once you get out of VCE physics, you can finally start using calculus, although the math in UMEP certainly isn't difficult. You can probably ask the teacher if you need help.

If the prereqs haven't changed, you need a 40 in methods and a 40 in physics in year 11 to take the subject, and otherwise, you have to sit a test. My friends said the test was pretty easy - I got around it another way by having a High Distinction in the National Qualifying Exam for the Physics Olympiad, which is definitely something you should consider taking if you're interested in physics. In my year, Melbourne asked for photocopies of any olympiad results, so yes, it's a valid way of circumventing the requirements.

[appianway]

Also, thought I'd add that you'll probably find University Physics more interesting than another simplified VCE course.

[Lasercookie]

If the prereqs haven't changed, you need a 40 in methods and a 40 in physics in year 11 to take the subject, and otherwise, you have to sit a test. My friends said the test was pretty easy - I got around it another way by having a High Distinction in the National Qualifying Exam for the Physics Olympiad, which is definitely something you should consider taking if you're interested in physics. In my year, Melbourne asked for photocopies of any olympiad results, so yes, it's a valid way of circumventing the requirements.

It does look like the prerequisites have changed - I was told at the open day that you must do specialist (either in year 11 or concurrently). They still have all the work-around ways like the test and stuff like you said etc.

[ECheong]

Thanks guys, looks like I'm gonna have to man up and do specialist as well, I'm just concerned about doing spesh, chem and uni physics all in the same year LOL. Anyway, I've never heard of the physics olympiad, sounds interesting, might get my physics teacher to help me look into it.

[sunintherain]

do business management, you'll stress your self out too much doing all that

[aes_999]

^Agree with sun, but ONLY if you like
the idea of getting some commerce to your studies.
BM is definitely an easy subject if you study
(I know most people underestimate BM).

But if you're passionate about science,
go for the spesh and uni phys, mind you
stress levels will be a lot higher.

[BakaNeko]

If the prereqs haven't changed, you need a 40 in methods and a 40 in physics in year 11 to take the subject, and otherwise, you have to sit a test. My friends said the test was pretty easy - I got around it another way by having a High Distinction in the National Qualifying Exam for the Physics Olympiad, which is definitely something you should consider taking if you're interested in physics. In my year, Melbourne asked for photocopies of any olympiad results, so yes, it's a valid way of circumventing the requirements.

It does look like the prerequisites have changed - I was told at the open day that you must do specialist (either in year 11 or concurrently). They still have all the work-around ways like the test and stuff like you said etc.

As a person who didn't get 40+ in Physics and hasn't done Methods 3/4 yet, apparently, according to what the woman in the Melb Uni office told me over the phone, it was fine.

If you do the National Qualifying Exam for the olympiad summer schooly stuff, and receive a distinction or above, they deem that as proficient in terms of not having to do the test (if you haven't done the 3/4s) so I recommend giving it a shot. It may sound crazy, and it is, but if you make most of it up, they like that Sort of.

They also said that they were only really looking for about 37+ in terms of study scores, although we'll find out how truthful that was whenever we find out about acceptance and the like. Just make sure you have a relatively high average across your 1/2s  (around B+ - A).

I haven't been told anything about having to do spesh as well :S I don't think they force that though... Probably more a it's a good idea to have it because it may enhance/assist your learning etc.