Minimum Competence Project

Minimum Competence Project

Woman showing positive competence growth with her arms in front of an artistic wooden growth arrow on the wall.To ensure students are adequately prepared to study University level physics and to ensure their passing of our classes indicates they have achieved a level of competence, we are examining the idea of minimum competence exams. Nationally such minimum competence standards in university physics do not yet exist.

Why are minimum competence standards necessary? Because students, future instructors and future employers have a right to know that a grade on a transcript means something. This part of our web pages will be devoted to developing minimum competence expectations coming into a course and passing a course.

Minimum Mathematical Competence Expectations for Incoming Introductory Physics Students

PHY107:  Introductory Mechanics

Our expectations are based on Regents diploma in New York State and Common Core.

Skill Review Resources for Students

https://www.ixl.com/math/geometry - Students are expected to have competence on all topics on this page.  Test yourself with the “see recommended skills” link

Regents Mathematics Exams

http://www.nysedregents.org/regents_math.html - Common Core Learning Standards for Mathematics

PHY108:  Introductory Electro Magnetism

Our expectations are based on PHY141:  Introductory Calculus offered at University at Buffalo. This is a co-requisite for PHY107, and therefore a prerequisite for PHY108.  See a typical syllabus here.

Skill Review Resources for Students: https://www.ixl.com/math/calculus 

  • Students are expected to have competence on all topics listed on this page.  Test yourself with the “see recommended skills” link.