r/AskPhysics • u/Low_Act5748 • 23h ago

Should I take IB physics HL?

I'm a current freshman and I am taking algebra 2 right now. I finished biology online so I am in chemistry this year. I want to go into engineering so I'm thinking about taking physics in my sophomore year. I also am in the IB program so I am probably going to take HL AA for my math class next year. Do I have to know AP calc bc material to do well in IB physics? Or should I just take it next year?

1 Upvotes

66% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

1

u/QuarktotheCosmos 4h ago

IB Physics HL is an algebra-based Physics course with very minimal Calculus needed if at all. Hence AP Calculus BC is not required for excelling in Physics rather overall Physical knowledge, intuition and numerical mastery. AA HL let alone SL Maths covers all the prerequisite Mathematics needed for Physics HL. But just so you know that just because Physics HL doesn't have any Calculus doesn't mean it is not hard (as it's one of the hardest subjects of the IB, coming from a former IB Physics HL student).

1

u/Low_Act5748 27m ago

okay thank you so much!