Petition Letter
Hello,
I am seeking to change the level of physics I am enrolled in as I am interested in pursuing physics as a major, minor, or specialization. In order to achieve this goal, I would like to formally drop PHYS 115 as a course and enrol in PHYS 106.
I am currently enrolled as a direct-entry Life Sciences/Biochemistry student. I excelled in mathematics and physics in high school but did not consider either of these subjects as majors until after university applications had concluded. Though I was interested in these subjects on a more advanced level, I remained in my pre-enrolled Life Science courses. Entering university, I could not fully grasp the workload that would come with each course and was apprehensive to assign myself a harder course. Shortly after reading week, though, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to pursue mathematics and physics further, rather than ending the experience after only one semester.
Towards the end of October, I reached out to the undergraduate chairs of the mathematics and physics departments to discuss a possible transfer into related specializations. It was discussed then that I would need to complete my fall semester courses, PHYS 115 and MATH 130, with great achievement in order for them to entertain the switch. Once receiving my final grades in both courses and therefore confirming that I met these expectations, I resumed my discussion with the undergraduate chair, Dr. Ryan Martin. It was then clarified that I could continue with great achievement in PHYS 116, though it was his recommendation that I enrol in PHYS 106 as better preparation for future courses. After meeting with Dr. Martin and attending his PHYS 106 lectures, it is abundantly clear to me that PHYS 106 is the best choice for my situation.
After completing the first semester and excelling in all of my courses, I am confident now in my abilities to handle a more advanced workload. I believe that such a challenge will prove to be beneficial to me, as it will encourage me to grow even more as a student and advance my education. On top of this, I love physics as a subject and have no doubt that Dr. Martin’s class will allow me to explore the content on a deeper level than if I were to continue with PHYS 116.
It is my plan to eventually pursue physics as a major, minor, or as a specialization. I am aware that 200-level physics courses build upon PHYS 104/106, and I therefore believe that making this change now will better prepare me for future physics courses. I understand that there will be a learning curve as I enter a different-level course, but I believe it is better for me to experience this now as opposed to in future years.
Thank you,
Katana Parker
I am seeking to change the level of physics I am enrolled in as I am interested in pursuing physics as a major, minor, or specialization. In order to achieve this goal, I would like to formally drop PHYS 115 as a course and enrol in PHYS 106.
I am currently enrolled as a direct-entry Life Sciences/Biochemistry student. I excelled in mathematics and physics in high school but did not consider either of these subjects as majors until after university applications had concluded. Though I was interested in these subjects on a more advanced level, I remained in my pre-enrolled Life Science courses. Entering university, I could not fully grasp the workload that would come with each course and was apprehensive to assign myself a harder course. Shortly after reading week, though, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to pursue mathematics and physics further, rather than ending the experience after only one semester.
Towards the end of October, I reached out to the undergraduate chairs of the mathematics and physics departments to discuss a possible transfer into related specializations. It was discussed then that I would need to complete my fall semester courses, PHYS 115 and MATH 130, with great achievement in order for them to entertain the switch. Once receiving my final grades in both courses and therefore confirming that I met these expectations, I resumed my discussion with the undergraduate chair, Dr. Ryan Martin. It was then clarified that I could continue with great achievement in PHYS 116, though it was his recommendation that I enrol in PHYS 106 as better preparation for future courses. After meeting with Dr. Martin and attending his PHYS 106 lectures, it is abundantly clear to me that PHYS 106 is the best choice for my situation.
After completing the first semester and excelling in all of my courses, I am confident now in my abilities to handle a more advanced workload. I believe that such a challenge will prove to be beneficial to me, as it will encourage me to grow even more as a student and advance my education. On top of this, I love physics as a subject and have no doubt that Dr. Martin’s class will allow me to explore the content on a deeper level than if I were to continue with PHYS 116.
It is my plan to eventually pursue physics as a major, minor, or as a specialization. I am aware that 200-level physics courses build upon PHYS 104/106, and I therefore believe that making this change now will better prepare me for future physics courses. I understand that there will be a learning curve as I enter a different-level course, but I believe it is better for me to experience this now as opposed to in future years.
Thank you,
Katana Parker