NUAMES-Davis Physics with Mr. Anderegg

Which physics is right for me?

Whether you want to pursue credit toward a STEM career, an Associates degree, or just high school science credit, NUAMES has a physics class for you!

The WSU and UofU Physics departments require either MATH 1060 or 1080 to be completed before allowing students to take PHYS 2010. Students at NUAMES can take AP Physics 1 while concurrently taking Secondary Math 2, and if they score a 4 or 5 on the AP test, they receive credit for PHYS 2010! Students should also maintain a high-quality lab notebook as some universities will require it to receive full credit for 2010. If students score a 3 on the AP test, they receive credit for PHYS 1010.

CE 1010 - Elementary Physics

“A brief survey of physics at the introductory level. Topics covered include laws of motion, gravity, energy, light, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics, radioactivity, and relativity.” WSU course description.

A fun and interesting introduction to the field of physics designed for students who are not pursuing a STEM career or who are unsure of their career path.

Basic algebra will be used, but the course is primarily conceptual rather than numerical-based. No previous physics or math is required, but Math Secondary 1 skills will be useful. Since this is a one-semester course at WSU that is spread out over two semesters at NUAMES, students are typically able to complete all the assignments during class leaving them with little to no homework!

Fulfills three (3) credit hours of Physical Sciences (PS) needed for WSU General Education studies for undergraduate degrees.

AP Physics 1

"AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, and conservation." College Board course description

Designed for students who enjoy science and math, and who are likely to choose a STEM career - especially in the medical or health sciences. Students pursuing physical sciences or engineering but who are not yet ready for Calculus will also benefit from this course as much of the PHYS 2010 content (AP Physics 1 equivalent) is similar to that of PHYS 2210.

Algebra and trigonometry math skills from Math Secondary 2 will be needed but can be learned concurrently to achieve both a conceptual and numerical understanding of physics. Previous physics experience will be helpful, but it is not required. Students should plan to commit to at least 5 hours of homework each week.

The WSU and UofU Physics departments require either MATH 1060 or 1080 to be completed before allowing students to take PHYS 2010. Students at NUAMES can take AP Physics 1 while concurrently taking Secondary Math 2, and if they score a 4 or 5 on the AP test, they receive credit for PHYS 2010! Students should also maintain a high-quality lab notebook as some universities will require it to receive full credit for 2010. If students score a 3 on the AP test, they receive credit for PHYS 1010.

Nervous for the test?

My class is structured to help prepare you for the test. As long as you show up, participate, and do your homework, you will be well prepared to pass the test.

"But isn't AP Physics 1 supposed to be the hardest AP class and nearly impossible to pass?!" - Claire A., current NUAMES student.

Not anymore! Last year, the College Board made significant changes to AP Physics 1 making it significantly more reasonable to pass, so now is a great time to go for it!

"Why take AP when CE accomplishes the same thing?"

Ah, but it doesn't in physics! CE or PHYS 1010 is not "College Physics" - that's PHYS 2010. CE 1010 is a significantly lower level physics considered to be similar to an honors high school course - especially considering that it is a one-semester course at WSU and other colleges that is taught over a full year or two semesters at NUAMES. Regardless, it is a very valuable class to a number of students, and it is a great class to help inspire students who don't yet know how cool physics is.

Think of it like this: colleges and universities have classes that teach high-school level math to help those students who didn't do well in math when they were in high school. Yes - they are college classes, but they cover high school-level content. That's what CE Physics 1010 is: a college course that covers high school-level honors physics content.

Returning students

If you are a returning student, thanks for coming back to physics! If you took Honors Physics in the 2024-25 school year, generally, AP Physics 1 is where you belong this year 2025-26. CE Physics will largely be a repeat as it covers 80-90% of the same material - new stuff will be introduced only in the spring 2026.

Students who took CE Physics last year should either take AP Physics 1 with me or PHYS 2010 or 2210 at WSU as part of the early college program - assuming MATH 1060 is behind you.

Questions?

Please feel free to email me:

jesseanderegg@weber.edu

View my summary slides:

See you in class!