Selecting A First-Year Course

Flowchart for selecting first year physics course

Flowchart Alt-Text

Physics 1101 - Primarily for students in programs other than Science and Medical Sciences. No grade 11 physics or calculus and vectors requirement. Leads to Physics 1102, or other physics courses if a mark of 80% is achieved.

Physics 1201 - Appropriate for most Science and BMSc students. No grade 12 physics requirement. Requires either grade 12 calculus and vectors or Western Math 011A as a pre- or corequisite. Typically leads to Physics 1202 if taken with, or followed by, Calculus 1000.

Physics 1401 - Required course for Engineering students. Typically leads to Physics 1402.

Physics 1501 - Targeted towards science students who enjoy physics. Requires grade 12 physics and calculus and vectors. Calculus 1000A is a co-requisite. Typically leads to Physics 1502 or IS1001X.

First-year courses at a glance:

Western University first-year, first-term physics courses, 2023-24
Course Who it's for Requires grade 12 physics? Requires grade 12 calculus & vectors or Western Math 0110A? Leads to further physics courses?
Physics 1101A Students needing non-calculus based Physics (e.g. for Dentistry) No No Yes, usually 1102
Physics 1201A Most students in Science, Medical Sciences, Neuroscience No Yes (co-req) Yes, usually 1202
Physics 1401A Engineering students No Yes Yes, usually 1402
Physics 1501A Science students who enjoy physics Yes Yes; Calculus 1000A or 1500A is a co-requisite Yes, usually 1502 or IS1001X

 *Biology requires  either Physics 1101 with mark of 80%, or Physics 1201