Physics AP Policy

There is a college wide policy that a student may not receive credit toward a degree solely on the basis of a score on an Advanced Placement Test. Students with scores of 4 or 5 can receive one or more credits upon passing a Hamilton physics course. Information about the amount of credit and the appropriate course will be found below. The award of credit is separate from placement, that is, from deciding whether you can skip a lower level Hamilton physics course and go straight into a higher level course. The list below indicates some possible placements but these are only illustrative. We strongly recommend that you talk to the chair to determine a starting point appropriate for your own background. As you plan your first year of studies, be aware that courses 100, 190, and 290 are all taught only in the fall; 195 is taught in the spring.

Physics B (Non-calculus based)

Score of 5
Will receive 1 semester credit upon successful completion of a physics course. Students with this score and a background in calculus may want to start further study in physics with 290; to decide if this option is appropriate consultation with the chair is required.

In either case we usually advise a student in this situation, who has an interest in continuing with physics, to begin with 190 but recommend that all students consult with the chair before signing up.

Physics C (Calculus based)

Mechanics only

Score of 5
Will receive 1 semester credit upon successful completion of a physics course and should start with 290.

E&M only

Score of 5
Will receive1 semester credit upon successful completion of a physics course.

Both Mechanics and E&M

Scores of 4 and 5
Will receive 1 semester credit upon successful completion of a physics course; a second credit will be awarded upon passing 290.

Scores of 5's
Will receive 2 semester credits upon successful completion of a physics course; should almost certainly start with 290.

Again, we want to emphasize that the course numbers are only guidelines and that you should discuss your situation with the chair to find the plan that best fits your needs.