REGISTRATION FAQ FOR PHYSICS MAJORS
We receive a large volume of emails during the course registration period, and we have created this page to help with frequently asked questions (FAQ).
Please contact the department office at physics@tcnj.edu if the answer to your question is not provided on this page.
Special information for students interested in PHY 201/202, PHY 120, and PHY 162/163– Please note that the waitlist procedure has changed, and all waitlists will now be hosted directly on PAWS. Please see the below message from the Records and Registration office regarding the new waitlist procedure.
The new Class Waitlist pilot is now available in PAWS. Previous methods for waitlisting classes have been discontinued and students can now place themselves on a waitlist. For more information about waitlists, please visit the Waitlist website where step-by-step instructions are provided to students.
Important Wailtist Information:
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Waitlisting a class does not guarantee enrollment.
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There are a limited number of spots available for classes with a waitlist option. Getting on a class waitlist is not a guarantee.
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Not all classes will have a waitlist option. Having a waitlist available to students is at the discretion of the academic department.
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Students are limited to the number of waitlists they can join depending on their academic program.
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Waitlisted sections will appear in a student’s class schedule, but will be noted as “Waiting”
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When students attempt to waitlist a class, the following is checked. Students will not be able to put themselves on a waitlist if the following criteria is not met:
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Appointment
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Holds
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Department Consent
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Career
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Unit Load
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Requisites
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If students enroll in one section and wish to waitlist another section, use the SWAP function. This will retain the enrolled section and only enroll students in the waitlisted section if a spot becomes available.
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If students waitlist one section of a class and enrolls in another section of the class, the waitlisted section will automatically be removed from their schedule.
PHY122 and PHY202 enrollments for BIO, KHS, and CompSci students:
Principles of Physics II (PHY122) or General Physics II (PHY202) can be used to help prepare for the MCAT exam and to satisfy medical school & physical therapy graduate program requirements. PHY122 (algebra-based) can be taken following either PHY121 or PHY201. PHY202 should only be taken following PHY201.
PHY202 does include integral calculus in solving physics problems, so MAT128 (Calc. B) is the recommended pre or co-requisite Math class. MAT128 is the required pre/co-req. for all majors outside BIO, CompSci, and KHS due to department and accreditation standards. For BIO, KHS, and CompSci students who can’t fit MAT128 into their schedule, enrollment in PHY202 will be permitted if the following three conditions are met***:
- Minimum prior or current grade of B in MAT127 (or equivalent transfer credit)
- Minimum prior or current grade of B in PHY201 (or equivalent transfer credit)
- Acknowledgement of responsibility to learn and apply integral calculus in PHY202
***Students wishing to enroll in PHY202 without MAT128 & meeting all 3 conditions above should fill out the Google Form linked below by Monday, November 4th:
Form for KHS/BIO/CompSci Students Needing PHY 202 in Spring 2025
Why can’t I get into PHY 103?
Physical, Earth and Space Science (PHY 103) is reserved for Elementary Education majors. This course is open to all majors in the summer sessions.
Information for students seeking transfer credit for Physics courses not taken at TCNJ:
If the course is listed on NJ Transfer, there is nothing else you need to do.
If the course is not listed on NJ Transfer, fill out a Course Authorization Form. Forward the form and a copy of the course syllabus to the physics program assistant at physics@tcnj.edu.
Note: Eligible equivalent courses for TCNJ’s PHY 201/202 must be calculus-based, and must include a laboratory experience.
Special information for courses taken at Rutgers: Rutgers physics courses 201/203 (lecture/lab) and 202/204 (lecture/lab) are equivalent to TCNJ’s PHY 201 and PHY 202.