Students with sufficient physics and math preparation should choose introductory physics classes based on their major:
- College Physics I and II (PHY 101/PHY 102 with labs PHY 151/PHY 152) is for most majors that require physics, but specifically MTH 141/MTH 142 (College Calculus I and II) is not required.
- General Physics I and II (PHY 107/PHY 108 with lab PHY 158) is primarily for physics, chemistry and engineering majors, where MTH 141/MTH 142 (College Calculus I and II) are co-requisites or pre-requisites of PHY 107/PHY 108.
- Honors Physics I and II (PHY 117/PHY 118 with lab PHY 158) is primarily for University Honors College students or others with instructor's permission, where MTH 141/MTH 142 (College Calculus I and II) are co-requisites of PHY 117/PHY 118.
Physics Readiness Guidelines:
- Introduction to Physics (PHY 100) is recommended for students with insufficient physics or math preparation to help prepare for PHY 101/102 or PHY 107-108. The course is typically offered in summer or winter sessions and does not count toward the UB Curriculum Scientific Literacy & Inquiry requirement.
- Placement into PHY 100 is appropriate for:
- High school graduates who are reentering college after a long absence.
- Transfer students who are concerned about their readiness for science courses at UB.
- Students who have had no high school physics or who have a weak background in math or physics.
- PHY 101 is an algebra-based introductory course designed for students who are prepared to enroll in a math class at the pre-calculus level (ULC 148 or MTH 115) or higher.
- PHY 107 is a calculus-based introductory course that requires completion of MTH 141 (College Calculus I) or concurrent registration in the course.