Physics 15A and 15C

PHYS 15A and 15C are honors versions of PHYS 5A (Mechanics) and PHYS 5C (Electromagnetism) respectively. The broad topics taught are the same in both the series, but Physics 15 goes into greater depth and uses more sophisticated techniques. PHYS 15A can be used as a substitute for PHYS 5A and PHYS 15C as a substitute for PHYS 5C. 

These courses should only be taken by students who wish to take physics courses that are more challenging than PHYS 5A and 5C. Students should consult with the instructor and (for engineering students) their undergraduate program advising office to determine if the course is appropriate. 

There will also be a pre-course math skills assessment to assist students with their course selection. PHYS 5A and 15A are scheduled in the same time block in the Fall, and PHYS 5C and 15C are scheduled in the same time block in the Winter. This makes it easier for students to move between the courses at the beginning of the term if they feel that they should be in the other course. 

The associated lab courses are the same as for PHYS 5A and 5C: PHYS 5L for PHYS 15A, and PHYS 5N for PHYS 15C. Students who take PHYS 15A & 5L in the Fall can move to PHYS 5C & 5N in the Winter, or continue in PHYS 15C & 5N. Students who wish to take the full introductory physics sequence will then enroll in PHYS 5B & 5M in the Spring; at the moment, there is no honors version of PHYS 5B.