I'm a freshman doing a B.A. in Architecture and, assuming all goes well, plan to apply to MArch graduate programs in a few years. I'm looking to get the basic prerequisites out of the way and have already taken calculus (through Calculus II), but haven't taken any physics yet. Do most MArch programs accept algebra based physics, or do I need to take the calc based version? I have the math experience to do calc based but, quite frankly, would prefer not to if it isn't necessary; the class is supposed to be unnecessarily difficult at my school. I've checked the websites for several different programs, but none of them seem to specify exactly what kind of physics they require.
Thanks!
SpontaneousCombustion
Apr 8, 18 4:05 pm
Any basic physics course from an accredited college will do. It doesn't matter if it's calculus-based or algebra-based or 5th-grade-arithmetic-based - as long as it's called Physics on your transcript! Some M.Arch programs don't require it as a pre-req at all.
curtkram
Apr 8, 18 7:05 pm
remember, gravity goes down. you would be surprised how many architects don't seem to understand that. a good physics class would probably be helpful.
Riseshot
Apr 8, 18 7:58 pm
Some schools require a comprehensive physics course: "To be admitted without conditions to the three-year Master of Architecture program, an applicant is required to possess the following: an understanding of mechanics, heat, light, sound, and electricity as demonstrated, for example, through the successful completion of not less than one college-level physics course" (from UPenn's website). So the physics course needs to cover all 5 topics of mechanics, heat, light, sound, AND electricity. This is usually fulfilled with 2 general physics survey courses during your undergrad (like physics 1 and physics 2 at most schools).
Flatfish
Apr 9, 18 2:19 pm
My undergrad program was at an arts college and didn't offer any science courses, so I took one semester of physics as an evening continuing ed course at another local liberal arts college - it was a very basic course, no labs, and the math was fairly elementary. I was accepted to all but one of the M.Arch programs to which I applied, including Penn, though I chose to attend a different university. None of them asked for syllabi for their pre-reqs - just transcripts showing a grade of C or better. And none admitted me with any conditions attached. I would say any general survey course should do, as long as it's for-credit at a degree-granting college.
I'm a freshman doing a B.A. in Architecture and, assuming all goes well, plan to apply to MArch graduate programs in a few years. I'm looking to get the basic prerequisites out of the way and have already taken calculus (through Calculus II), but haven't taken any physics yet. Do most MArch programs accept algebra based physics, or do I need to take the calc based version? I have the math experience to do calc based but, quite frankly, would prefer not to if it isn't necessary; the class is supposed to be unnecessarily difficult at my school. I've checked the websites for several different programs, but none of them seem to specify exactly what kind of physics they require.
Thanks!
Any basic physics course from an accredited college will do. It doesn't matter if it's calculus-based or algebra-based or 5th-grade-arithmetic-based - as long as it's called Physics on your transcript! Some M.Arch programs don't require it as a pre-req at all.
remember, gravity goes down. you would be surprised how many architects don't seem to understand that. a good physics class would probably be helpful.
Some schools require a comprehensive physics course: "To be admitted without conditions to the three-year Master of Architecture program, an applicant is required to possess the following: an understanding of mechanics, heat, light, sound, and electricity as demonstrated, for example, through the successful completion of not less than one college-level physics course" (from UPenn's website). So the physics course needs to cover all 5 topics of mechanics, heat, light, sound, AND electricity. This is usually fulfilled with 2 general physics survey courses during your undergrad (like physics 1 and physics 2 at most schools).
My undergrad program was at an arts college and didn't offer any science courses, so I took one semester of physics as an evening continuing ed course at another local liberal arts college - it was a very basic course, no labs, and the math was fairly elementary. I was accepted to all but one of the M.Arch programs to which I applied, including Penn, though I chose to attend a different university. None of them asked for syllabi for their pre-reqs - just transcripts showing a grade of C or better. And none admitted me with any conditions attached. I would say any general survey course should do, as long as it's for-credit at a degree-granting college.