Physics, Astronomy & Meteorology

Physics Placement Test Schedule

Dr. Alice Chance
Higgins 208, (203) 837-8667

Tuesday April 8 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Wednesday April 9 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Thursday April 10 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tuesday April 15 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Place:  SB 164

What to bring?
A scientific calculator and a pen or pencil

Required time for test?
45 minutes

How to sign up for the test?
Any student who wishes to take the test must sign up AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN             ADVANCE OF THE TEST by calling Ms. Nancy Diana (203-837-8669) to sign up.

Who needs to take the test?
Students wishing to register for PHY 110

How do I prepare for the test?
The examination consists of 50 multiple choice questions from the following areas:

Part Items Points
I. Arithmetic and Algebra 15 15
II. Physics Knowledge 25 25
III. Pre-Calculus Mathematics 10 40

Appropriate preparation for examination:

  • High school algebra
  • Proportion and equations
  • Solving equations
  • Simultaneous equations
  • The quadric formula
  • Exponents and logarithms
  • Geometry and trigonometry
  • Pre-calculus mathematics
  • Basic concepts of physics

What happens if I do not do sufficiently well on the placement test?
This test is designed for students with one full year of high school algebra and one full year of college preparatory high school physics.  Students who do not receive a passing grade on this examination will be advised to register for “Fundamentals of Physics” (PHY 103).  The latter course is a one semester course designed for the student who is under prepared to take PHY 110, General Physics (Calculus based).

PHY 103, Fundamentals of Physics will be offered Summer II, 2008.


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