advanced placement in physics
The table below is designed for first-year students interested in taking their first course in the Physics Department. The AP Physics exam type, along with the score will determine the appropriate course. There are three types of AP Physics exam as listed below. Most students take either the B exam or the C: Mechanics exam, while some students take both C exams, as indicated in the Table.
| AP Exam Type | Score | Appropriate Course |
| None | - | Phys 113 |
| B | 1 or 2 | Phys 113 |
| B | 3 | Phys 113 or Placement Exam |
| B | 4 or 5 | Phys 115/116 |
| C: Mechanics | 1, 2, or 3 | Phys 113 |
| C: Mechanics | 4 or 5 | Phys 116 (2nd 6 weeks Fall) Phys 114 (Spring semester) |
| C: Mechanics / C: Electricity and Magnetics | 2/3 or lower | Phys 113 |
| C: Mechanics / C: Electricity and Magnetics | 4/3, 3/4, or 3/3 | Phys 115/116 |
| C: Mechanics / C: Electricity and Magnetics | 5/4, 4/5, or 4/4 | Phys 115/116 or Placement Exam |
| C: Mechanics / C: Electricity and Magnetics | 5/5 | Phys 200 |
| Other | - | Contact the Physics + Astronomy Dept. Chair |
The placement exam is administered by the Vassar Physics Department, and is used to better gauge the student’s aptitude for the introductory course material. The exam will be given on Thursday, August 27, 2009 from 11:30am – 12:30pm in the Sanders Physics Room 100. In general, all international students interested in physics who have not taken an AP Physics exam should take the placement exam.
First-Year Physics Placement Exam
Date: Thursday, August 27, 2009
Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm
Location: Sanders Physics Room 100