STANDARD COURSE OF STUDY

AP® PHYSICS

AP® Physics is offered as two separate courses: AP® Physics B and AP® Physics C. AP® Physics B includes topics in mechanics and thermal physics, waves and optics, and atomic and nuclear physics at a level appropriate for a college introductory course for majors in the natural sciences outside of the physical sciences and engineering. AP® Physics B is recommended as a second-year physics course for students interested in life, medical and/or applied science. Algebra and trigonometry are used to quantitatively study nature and describe phenomena. Inquiry is applied to the study of matter and energy and their interaction.

AP® Physics C includes mechanics, electricity and magnetism at a level appropriate for college majors in the physical sciences and engineering. Calculus is used to develop concepts. One part of the Physics C examination covers mechanics; the other part covers electricity and magnetism. Students are permitted to take either or both parts of this examination, and separate grades are reported for the two subject areas to provide greater flexibility in planning AP® courses and making advanced placement decisions. (http://apcentral.collegeboard.com)

The College Board recommends a high school physics course be taken as preparation for either Physics B or Physics C for most students.