AP Physics C - Course Overview and Requirements - Grade 11-12

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Liam

AP Physics C is described for Grade 11–12 students as a calculus-based, one-semester college-level physics track offered in two parts: Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism. Success is tied to strong prior math preparation, including Pre-Calculus Honors with concurrent enrollment in BC/AB or BC/Calculus with a B or higher. The course develops physics understanding through classroom work and hands-on labs, reinforcing science practices and preparing students for the May AP exam.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Course Placement and Prerequisites

Pre-Calculus and Calculus Requirements

Course Descriptions

Mechanics

Electricity and Magnetism

Learning Objectives and Preparation

Science Practices and AP Exam Readiness

Workload and Assignments

Homework Load and Summer Assignment

Program Structure at Cupertino High School

Semester Rotation and Pacing Considerations

AP Physics C Grade Level: 11-12 Note that this course is incredibly math-heavy. A grade of B or higher in Pre-Calculus Honors with concurrent enrollment in BC calculus OR a grade of B or higher in AB Calculus or BC Calculus is essential to success in the course. Course Description: AP Physics C: Mechanics is a one-semester, calculus-based, college-level physics course, especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in one of the physical sciences or engineering. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study and activities as well as hands-on laboratory work as they explore concepts like change, force interactions, fields, and conservation. AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism is a one-semester, calculus-based, college-level physics course, especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in one of the physical sciences or engineering. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study and activities as well as hands-on laboratory work as they explore concepts like change, force interactions, fields, and conservation. The objectives of the course are to: ● Increase student understanding of Physics . ● Emphasize the “Science Practices” provided by the College Board. ● Prepare students for the AP exam offered by The College Board in May. ● Prepare students for the study of advanced topics in subsequent AP Science courses and/or college introductory science courses. ● Emphasize the development of college level study habits, time management, and collaborative skills. Homework Load: approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour per night; 2–6 hours on weekend; A summer assignment that covers Kinematics, Dynamics, and Energy will be assigned. Important information to consider AP Physics C at Cupertino High School includes both AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism. Each of these two courses can be either taught as a year long course or a semester long course. Because of the rigorous nature of the course, some schools choose to offer only AP Physics C: Mechanics and teach it over the course of one year. CHS combines both into a year long course, with one semester dedicated to each. While the rewards for taking this course are many, please consider that the pace will be quick, the workload will be intense, and this course will consume a large amount of your time.

FAQs

What prerequisite math performance is required to succeed in AP Physics C?

A grade of B or higher is required in Pre-Calculus Honors with concurrent enrollment in BC calculus, or a grade of B or higher in AB Calculus or BC Calculus.

What topics are covered in AP Physics C Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism?

Mechanics focuses on concepts such as change, force interactions, fields, and conservation. Electricity & Magnetism addresses the same physics thinking while centered on the electric and magnetic domain.

How heavy is the homework load and what summer work is assigned?

Homework is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour per night and 2–6 hours on weekends. A summer assignment covering Kinematics, Dynamics, and Energy is assigned.

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Liam