For Other Majors: PHYSICS 141L and 142L
The courses PHYSICS 141L General Physics I: Mechanics and PHYSICS 142L General Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism sequence is intended for students who are taking calculus for the first time or who are not planning to major in physics or engineering. About three quarters of 141L/142L students are interested in the life sciences (for example, biology, psychology, and neurobiology), and many of these students in turn are premeds. The remaining quarter is a mix of students from chemistry, environmental science, mathematics, computer science, and other disciplines.
The 141L and 142L courses differ from the other introductory physics courses primarily by emphasizing examples and applications over derivations. Some instructors do discuss examples related to the life sciences but students should understand that 141L and 142L are physics courses first, with the goal of giving students a broad and useful understanding of the principles and applications of physics. The sequence does cover most physics topics of the MCAT exam, although often in greater detail and with deeper insight than what is required for the MCAT.