Advanced Placement Physics is part of nationwide program based on the belief that many students are ready for college work while still in high school, and that their abilities should be recognized, encouraged, and rewarded. This course covers the first part of the college sequence that serves as the foundation in physics for students majoring in any of the physical sciences or engineering. The sequence in physics is paralleled by the one in calculus. Methods of calculus are used whenever appropriate in formulating physical principles and then applying them to physical problems. The AP Physics course is more intensive and analytic than the regular high school physics course. Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging problems, some requiring calculus, and there is emphasis on analysis in the laboratory as well as in the classroom. The subject matter of the course is principally mechanics, electricity, and magnetism. Of course, other areas such as quantum mechanics, relativity, etc. are, of necessity, covered. The first half-year is devoted to mechanics. The second half of the year is devoted to electricity and magnetism. Calculus and elementary differential equations are increasingly used throughout the year to present fundamental ideas and to solve problems. Students are strongly encouraged to take AP exam in Physics–either Parts 1 and 2, or just Part 1.