PHYSICS 2 PLACEMENT TEST (ENGINEERING MAJORS)

What is the purpose of the Physics 2 Placement Test?

ALL Engineering majors must take the placement test for Physics 2.  The Physics 2 placement test will assess your preparation for university-level physics coursework, and covers topics in both physics and calculus. Reviewing your notes and study guides from high school for physics and calculus will be very useful!

If you score 80% or better on the Physics 2 placement test, you will be eligible to enroll in Physics 7C (offered winter quarter). NOTE: Mathematics 2A is a prerequisite for Physics 7C.

If you score less than 80%, you will be eligible for one of the following courses:

Both Physics 2 and Physics 7A will offered fall quarter. NOTE: Mathematics 2A is a corequisite for either Physics 2 or Physics 7A.

Who is exempt?

You are exempt from this placement test if you earned a score of 4 or 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Physics Examination, Exam C, Part I (Mechanics) or Exam C, Part II (Electricity and Magnetism). You may enroll directly into Physics 7C.

You should take the placement test if you have taken the AP Physics Examination but have not yet received the result.


How can I prepare for the examination?

The Academic Testing Center has a small reference library to help you with your test preparation. Click here to learn about the check-out and return policies and procedures.

Review materials:

  1. Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Sixth Edition, by Serway & Jewett (Thomson,
    Brookes/Cole publishers).
  2. Physics textbook - Halliday, D. et al., Fundamentals of Physics (5th ed., ex.), New York: J. Wiley & Sons, 1997
  3. High School Course - Before taking the test, you should review your high school physics material.
How long is the test?

You will have 90 minutes to answer 34 multiple-choice questions.

Is test registration required?

Test registration is always required. You may register online, by phone or email.

Do I need an I.D. to take a placement test?

Yes. To be admitted to any test administered by the Academic Testing Center, you must present two forms of valid photo I.D. This requirement is strictly enforced.

The following are examples of acceptable forms of I.D.:

UCI or other school photo I.D. card AND a government-issued photo I.D. card. (e.g., a photo-bearing driver's license, a photo-bearing DMV-issued identification card, a photo-bearing military I.D. card, a passport featuring a current photograph, a Permanent Resident Card- commonly know as a Green Card- featuring a current photograph).


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