Placement for Physics
Biola offers two types of general physics courses – an algebra-based physics course and a calculus-based physics course. For undergraduate students in the School of Science, Technology & Health, this page includes information on the major requirements for physics, how students test into and register for their required physics course, and important placement deadlines.
Majors Requiring Physics
The following majors are required to take PHSC 111/117: Physics I + Lab (algebra-based physics):
- Allied Health, B.S. General Health*
- Biological Science, B.S. General Biology
- Biological Science, B.S. Pre-Med/Pre-Health Care Professional
- Biological Science, B.S. Secondary Instruction
- Biochemistry, B.S.
- Biochemistry, B.S. Pre-Medical Studies
- Health Sciences, B.S. Pre-Health Care Professional
- Human Biology, B.S. Pre-Health Care Professional (21-22 catalog and prior)
- Kinesiology, B.S. Health and Human Performance
- Kinesiology, B.S. Exercise Science
- Public Health, B.S. Pre-Health Professions
*Please note: Allied Health, B.S. General Health majors may opt to take PHSC 111/117 as a major elective, but it is not required for graduation.
The following majors are required to take PHSC 132/134: General Physics I: Mechanics and Heat + Lab (calculus-based physics):
- Applied Physics, B.S.
- Biochemistry, B.S.
- Biochemistry, B.S. Pre-Medical Studies
- Chemistry, B.S.
- Engineering, B.S.
- Engineering Physics, B.S.
- Physical Science, B.S.
- Physical Science, B.S. Secondary Instruction
- Physics, B.S.
- Robotics, B.S.
Placement Options for Physics
There are several ways to place into PHSC 111/117 and PHSC 132/134. Review the following options for placement and select your path by completing the form below. The Chemistry, Physics, Engineering (CPE) department will send further placement instructions based on your chosen path.
Incoming students are encouraged to complete the physics placement by August 15, 2023 for the most accurate class schedule.
| Placement Options | PHSC 111/117 Placement Algebra-based physics class |
PHSC 132/134 Placement Calculus-based physics class |
|---|---|---|
| Path 1 | Verified AP Physics exam score of 3 or higher | Verified AP Physics exam score of 4 or 5 |
| Path 2 | Online placement exam with a score of 25 or higher. Requires a webcam and Lockdown Browser Can be attempted one month later if not passed on the first attempt | Online placement exam with a score of 25 or higher. Requires a webcam and Lockdown Browser Can be attempted one month later if not passed on the first attempt |
| Path 3 | Completion of PHSC 092: Introduction to Physics or equivalent transfer course with a C or higher grade. | Completion of PHSC 092: Introduction to Physics or equivalent transfer course with a B or higher grade. |
| Additional Prerequisites | None | MATH 150: Calculus (can be taken the same semester as PHSC 132/134) OR Verified AP Calculus AB score of 5 or AP Calculus BC 4 or 5 |
Once you successfully finish a path, the CPE department will provide your scores to your academic advisor in the Advising Center so they can determine your class schedule (incoming students) or will give you instructions for adding the course (continuing students).
Study Guide
- Basic Physics Placement Exam Study Guide
- Physics for Dummies, or the newer Physics I for Dummies and Physics II for Dummies are good texts. It is especially helpful to get the Physics Workbook for Dummies in order to build your math and problem-solving skills.
- Precalculus for Dummies and its companion workbook are also helpful if you are math-challenged.
- You may also find the following online resources helpful:
These resources cover much more material than the test does, so please focus your studying on only the topics listed above. This exam mainly tests your math proficiency, not your specific knowledge of physics.
How to Register for Physics
Incoming Students
Incoming students are registered into their first semester courses by the Advising Center.
Generally, students whose major requires PHSC 132/134 will take this class during their first semester. Your academic advisor will register you for the class once you complete your physics path and notify you via your @biola.edu email when the course is added. (Chemistry and Biochemistry majors will take this class during their second or third year).
For those whose major requires PHSC 111/117, you will likely take this class during your second or third year at Biola. When you finish your selected path, your academic advisor in the Advising Center will contact you via your @biola.edu email if you need to be registered for the class during your first year.
Current Students
Once a current student completes one of the placement paths, the CPE department will verify your placement and email instructions to your @biola.edu email for how to register for PHSC 111/117 or PHSC 132/134.
Questions?
Email the Chemistry, Physics and Engineering Department at cpedept@biola.edu. Please include your student ID and use your Biola email address when reaching out for support.