Physics 1 (Adv)

[Aurelian]

I'm just wondering, what exactly is the difference between Physics 1 and Physics 1 (Adv)? Not prereq-wise, but content wise. I'm just curious, because according to the handbook subject descriptions... well they're exactly the same. Is it simply cohort strength, or are the actual assessments, such as the exam, harder/different?

Thanks!

[mark_alec]

The content is slightly different, the advanced course extends a few things past the standard course. That and different lecturers. Having only done one (the advanced stream) I can't comment on what the practical difference is.

[Elnino_Gerrard]

I did Advanced 1 and then went to normal stream second sem.
Advanced from talking to mates who did the normal stream was a bit more mathetimatically deeper and went in more detail(only slightly).but this is only noticeable in the relativity and Optics sections.
The exam doesnt test you on any of these extra bits though. But it does require more understanding than physics 1 where there is a little more number crunhing.
The relativity section of the exam is the same for both physics.The optics is the only bit which is separates the two IMO.

Its mainly just to separate the physics students to be honest and less about the content. You wont lose out on much if you do advanced or normal.

[John President]

I also did Advanced in Sem 1 and the normal stream Sem 2...although my main reason for dropping down was because the Adv 2 lectures were at 9am and I live in the outer suburbs and enjoy my sleep.

I think whether you should do advanced or not depends on what your attitude to Physics is. This is assuming that you meet the Physics/Spesh score prereqs -

If you just want to build up knowledge on Physics because you're planning to do engineering, or another course for which Physics is needed/recommended - I'd suggest the normal stream.

On the other hand, if you have a deep interest in the mathematical foundations of Physics and/or are hoping to major in it, I'd recommend Advanced. Also, from what I hear I think the exam is quite a bit harder, as are the midsemester tests.

Horses for courses (or bream for streams)