Transferring Credits
Introductory physics involves the study of fundamental principles that underlie all aspects of science and engineering. Physics provides the foundation for every feature of modern technology, from microelectronics to off-shore oil exploration. The basic constraints for geological evolution, chemical reactions, and biological phenomena are established through the laws of physics. It’s important for every Mines graduate to have a sound grasp of these principles, because the guidelines of today will be replaced by new paradigms of thought in tomorrow’s world. Those who lead the way will do so through their understanding of basic concepts such as are encountered in physics.
All students at Mines must complete one semester of introductory calculus-based physics. Nearly all students must also complete a second semester of introductory calculus-based physics. Each of these courses carries 4.0 hours of academic credit. The sequence is designed to provide a solid background on which advanced courses in all departments rely. The course descriptions and prerequisites are published in the Undergraduate Bulletin (select Courses).
Please note that both of the introductory physics courses at Mines are calculus-based. This classification has a variety of meanings at different institutions. At Mines it means that all students must use the principles and methods of calculus in the analysis of situations that appear in classtime exercises, homework assignments, and exams. It does not mean that calculus is used only in the lectures to justify simple “rule of thumb” equations.
Also note that a primary learning objective in both Physics I and Physics II is for students to acquire a sound understanding of the qualitative aspects of physics. This is taught through an extensive agenda of thought-provoking exercises that promote a robust understanding of how the physical world works.
- You received a score below 4: You must take PHGN100 at Mines
- You received a score of 4: You will be invited to take the Physics I Challenge Exam (See Physics Challenge Exams below).
- You received a score of 5: You will receive credit for PHGN100
- You received a score below 4: You must take PHGN200 at Mines
- You received a score of 4 or 5: You will be invited to take the Physics II Challenge Exam (See Physics Challenge Exams below).
If you have taken a gtPathways calculus-based Physics I or II course with a lab at another Colorado institution, you will receive transfer credit for that course when you enroll at Mines.
If you took a calculus-based course at another college or university before enrolling at Mines you may apply for transfer credit by submitting a written request. As part of your request, please include a packet of information that describes the course(s) that you took at the other institution.
We will evaluate the transfer course(s) and provide you with advice about whether your preparation is adequate. We may require that you take the Challenge Exam(s), to verify that you have learned introductory physics at the appropriate level. Alternatively, we may require that you take our introductory physics course(s).
Please understand that we are not trying to make your college life difficult. On the contrary, we are trying to ensure that you have the highest probability for success at Mines.
The Undergraduate Bulletin contains the following language dealing with transfer of courses taken by students after they are already enrolled at Mines:
Monetary issues, including the difference in tuition between Mines and another institution, are not extenuating. If you fall into this category, then you should discuss your situation with the Office of Financial Aid. Students who are living in the Denver metropolitan region (including Boulder) are expected to attend classes at Mines. This includes classes during the summer session. However, if you are going to be living outside of the Denver metropolitan region during the summer, and need to take an introductory physics course to catch up (for example) you can submit a request for prior approval. “Scheduling conflicts” are generally not considered extenuating circumstances. You, in conjunction with your advisor, are responsible for planning your academic career. Every program at Mines has a flowchart or spreadsheet in which Physics I and Physics II are accommodated. Both Physics I and II are offered with at least two lecture times and four studio times each semester, in addition to being offered during the summer session. It is anticipated that Mines students can work within the schedule of classes provided. Requests for course substitution based upon unusual personal hardship or individual handicaps will always be reviewed. Examples of extenuating circumstances that have been approved in the past include:
- Personal injury resulting in withdrawal from school for a semester, and wanting to catch up while living with parents out of state for the summer
- Student did not pass the first semester of Calculus, passed in the second semester, and wants to catch up. Student will be living with parents out of state for the summer, but there is an appropriate course taught at an institution fairly close to parents’ house.
In cases where a student has completed a calculus-based course in physics which covers most of the topics taught in the same course at Mines, but in which there is some question about the technical rigor, mathematical level, or extent of individual assessment, then the student may be required to demonstrate their understanding and competence by passing a Challenge Exam.
The Challenge Exam is not an option for students who have not received an invitation to take it. Invitations are automatic for entering Freshmen who qualify, or are issued as part of the review of a formal application for transfer credit.
All students who qualify will be invited to register for the challenge exams. See the Mines Registrar Challenge Exams Page for more information and official campus policy.
A List of Principles will be supplied as part of the exam packet during the Physics I Challenge Exam. You will also be provided with a TI-30XIIS scientific calculator. Personally-owned calculators or hand-held computers are not allowed. You need only bring a pencil (or pencils), and an eraser.
The challenge exam covers the same material in a multiple-choice format as the sample exam linked below. The challenge exam is two hours long, and is equivalent to a comprehensive final exam. While a conceptual understanding is essential to doing well on the exam, the exam does emphasize the application of calculus to physical situations. The Sample Physics 100 Exam is provided to give you an example of what could be expected. We will not provide answers or solutions for the sample exam.
The following link shows the expected learning outcomes of the Mines’ PHGN100 course and should serve as a study guide for the Challenge Exam.
PHGN100 Topic Learning Outcomes
A List of Principles will be supplied as part of the exam packet during the Physics II Challenge Exam. You will also be provided with a TI-30XIIS scientific calculator. Personally-owned calculators or hand-held computers are not allowed. You need only bring a pencil (or pencils), and an eraser.
The challenge exam covers the same material in a multiple-choice format as the sample exam linked below. The challenge exam is two hours long, and is equivalent to a comprehensive final exam. While a conceptual understanding is essential to doing well on the exam, the exam does emphasize the application of calculus to physical situations. The Sample Physics 200 Exam is provided to give you an example of what could be expected. We will not provide answers or solutions for the sample exam.
The following link shows the topics covered by the Mines’ PHGN200 course and should serve as a study guide for the Challenge Exam.
Introductory physics
Introductory physics involves the study of fundamental principles that underlie all aspects of science and engineering. Physics provides the foundation for every feature of modern technology, from microelectronics to off-shore oil exploration. The basic constraints for geological evolution, chemical reactions, and biological phenomena are established through the laws of physics. It’s important for every Mines graduate to have a sound grasp of these principles, because the guidelines of today will be replaced by new paradigms of thought in tomorrow’s world. Those who lead the way will do so through their understanding of basic concepts such as are encountered in physics.
All students at Mines must complete one semester of introductory calculus-based physics. Nearly all students must also complete a second semester of introductory calculus-based physics. Each of these courses carries 4.0 hours of academic credit. The sequence is designed to provide a solid background on which advanced courses in all departments rely. The course descriptions and prerequisites are published in the Undergraduate Bulletin (select Courses).
Please note that both of the introductory physics courses at Mines are calculus-based. This classification has a variety of meanings at different institutions. At Mines it means that all students must use the principles and methods of calculus in the analysis of situations that appear in classtime exercises, homework assignments, and exams. It does not mean that calculus is used only in the lectures to justify simple “rule of thumb” equations.
Also note that a primary learning objective in both Physics I and Physics II is for students to acquire a sound understanding of the qualitative aspects of physics. This is taught through an extensive agenda of thought-provoking exercises that promote a robust understanding of how the physical world works.
Entering Freshmen
Advanced Placement
- You received a score below 4: You must take PHGN100 at Mines
- You received a score of 4: You will be invited to take the Physics I Challenge Exam (See Physics Challenge Exams below).
- You received a score of 5: You will receive credit for PHGN100
- You received a score below 4: You must take PHGN200 at Mines
- You received a score of 4 or 5: You will be invited to take the Physics II Challenge Exam (See Physics Challenge Exams below).
Transfers From Another College
Colorado Public Institutions
If you have taken a gtPathways calculus-based Physics I or II course with a lab at another Colorado institution, you will receive transfer credit for that course when you enroll at Mines.
Private and Out-of-State Institutions
If you took a calculus-based course at another college or university before enrolling at Mines you may apply for transfer credit by submitting a written request. As part of your request, please include a packet of information that describes the course(s) that you took at the other institution.
We will evaluate the transfer course(s) and provide you with advice about whether your preparation is adequate. We may require that you take the Challenge Exam(s), to verify that you have learned introductory physics at the appropriate level. Alternatively, we may require that you take our introductory physics course(s).
Please understand that we are not trying to make your college life difficult. On the contrary, we are trying to ensure that you have the highest probability for success at Mines.
Current Mines Students
The Undergraduate Bulletin contains the following language dealing with transfer of courses taken by students after they are already enrolled at Mines:
Monetary issues, including the difference in tuition between Mines and another institution, are not extenuating. If you fall into this category, then you should discuss your situation with the Office of Financial Aid. Students who are living in the Denver metropolitan region (including Boulder) are expected to attend classes at Mines. This includes classes during the summer session. However, if you are going to be living outside of the Denver metropolitan region during the summer, and need to take an introductory physics course to catch up (for example) you can submit a request for prior approval. “Scheduling conflicts” are generally not considered extenuating circumstances. You, in conjunction with your advisor, are responsible for planning your academic career. Every program at Mines has a flowchart or spreadsheet in which Physics I and Physics II are accommodated. Both Physics I and II are offered with at least two lecture times and four studio times each semester, in addition to being offered during the summer session. It is anticipated that Mines students can work within the schedule of classes provided. Requests for course substitution based upon unusual personal hardship or individual handicaps will always be reviewed. Examples of extenuating circumstances that have been approved in the past include:
- Personal injury resulting in withdrawal from school for a semester, and wanting to catch up while living with parents out of state for the summer
- Student did not pass the first semester of Calculus, passed in the second semester, and wants to catch up. Student will be living with parents out of state for the summer, but there is an appropriate course taught at an institution fairly close to parents’ house.
Physics Challenge Exams
In cases where a student has completed a calculus-based course in physics which covers most of the topics taught in the same course at Mines, but in which there is some question about the technical rigor, mathematical level, or extent of individual assessment, then the student may be required to demonstrate their understanding and competence by passing a Challenge Exam.
The Challenge Exam is not an option for students who have not received an invitation to take it. Invitations are automatic for entering Freshmen who qualify, or are issued as part of the review of a formal application for transfer credit.
All students who qualify will be invited to register for the challenge exams. See the Mines Registrar Challenge Exams Page for more information and official campus policy.
Physics I Challenge Exam
A List of Principles will be supplied as part of the exam packet during the Physics I Challenge Exam. You will also be provided with a TI-30XIIS scientific calculator. Personally-owned calculators or hand-held computers are not allowed. You need only bring a pencil (or pencils), and an eraser.
The challenge exam covers the same material in a multiple-choice format as the sample exam linked below. The challenge exam is two hours long, and is equivalent to a comprehensive final exam. While a conceptual understanding is essential to doing well on the exam, the exam does emphasize the application of calculus to physical situations. The Sample Physics 100 Exam is provided to give you an example of what could be expected. We will not provide answers or solutions for the sample exam.
The following link shows the expected learning outcomes of the Mines’ PHGN100 course and should serve as a study guide for the Challenge Exam.
PHGN100 Topic Learning Outcomes
Physics II Challenge Exam
A List of Principles will be supplied as part of the exam packet during the Physics II Challenge Exam. You will also be provided with a TI-30XIIS scientific calculator. Personally-owned calculators or hand-held computers are not allowed. You need only bring a pencil (or pencils), and an eraser.
The challenge exam covers the same material in a multiple-choice format as the sample exam linked below. The challenge exam is two hours long, and is equivalent to a comprehensive final exam. While a conceptual understanding is essential to doing well on the exam, the exam does emphasize the application of calculus to physical situations. The Sample Physics 200 Exam is provided to give you an example of what could be expected. We will not provide answers or solutions for the sample exam.
The following link shows the topics covered by the Mines’ PHGN200 course and should serve as a study guide for the Challenge Exam.