MnSCU Physics
Course Name Change
A representative group of MnSCU physics faculty have met three times between April 2003 and April 2004 to identify issues of concern for students and instructors of physics in our institutions and to develop solutions. The biggest identified concern for students was the confusion in the current naming system of physics courses. At present, these courses have a wide variety of conflicting names among MnSCU institutions (eg. General Physics at one college refers to the algebra-based sequence whereas it refers to the calculus-based sequence at another.).
In an effort to minimize confusion for students transferring between MnSCU institutions, it is recommended:
1. The two-semester algebra-based physics sequence of courses which typically consist of topics ranging from mechanics through optics be named:
College Physics I and II
2. The two-semester calculus-based physics sequence of courses which typically consist of topics ranging from mechanics through optics be named:
Calculus Physics I and II
or
University Physics I and II
This recommendation to change course names is not a
mandate, rather a strongly encouraged suggestion to help students and
those people who assist them in transfer. The recommendation was made
by a group of nine two-year college faculty and eight state university
faculty on
Any questions you may have can be addressed to the
physics faculty facilitator, Ron Ulseth at
Thank you for your consideration of this proposal. You will be contacted to determine the intent of your department to make the changes and a predicted timeline.