PHYS 121Mechanics
- Units
- 0.50
- Faculty
- Science
- Subject
- Physics
When it runs
- F24
- W25
- S25
- F25
- W26
- S26
- F26
- W27
- S27
Ran in 5 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 2 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.
An introductory calculus-based course in physics for students intending to concentrate their future studies in the physical sciences or mathematics; includes vectors (dot and cross products), particle kinematics and dynamics, forces in nature, work and energy, conservation of energy and linear momentum, rotational kinematics and dynamics, and conservation of angular momentum.
Prerequisites
- Must have completed the following: 4U Calculus and Vectors, 4U Advanced Functions, and 4U Physics
Corequisites
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in at least 1 of the following:
- ECE205 - Advanced Calculus 1 for Electrical and Computer Engineers (0.50)
- MATH104 - Introductory Calculus for Arts and Social Science (0.50)
- MATH116 - Calculus 1 for Engineering (0.50)
- MATH117 - Calculus 1 for Engineering (0.50)
- MATH127 - Calculus 1 for the Sciences (0.50)
- MATH137 - Calculus 1 for Honours Mathematics (0.50)
- MATH147 - Calculus 1 (Advanced Level) (0.50)
Antirequisites
Leads to
Fall 2026 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | 7014 | 165 / 220 | TTh 16:00–17:20 |
| LEC 002 | 7015 | 166 / 200 | TTh 08:30–09:50 |
| LEC 003 | 8099 | 119 / 160 | TTh 14:30–15:50 |
| TUT 101 | 8100 | 200 / 210 | F 14:30–15:50 |
| TUT 102 | 8101 | 131 / 210 | F 16:00–17:20 |
| TUT 103 | 8102 | 119 / 160 | M 14:30–15:50 |
| TST 201 | 7393 | 450 / 580 | Oct 8 19:00–20:50 Nov 12 19:00–20:50 |
Winter 2027 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 081 | 6915 | 0 / 125 | Online or by arrangement |
| LEC 701 | 2577 | 52 / 9999 | Online or by arrangement |
Resources
Around the web
Found by uwloo’s link finder, which checks that each page names PHYS 121.
- PHYS121 | Anthony Zhang Course notes · anthony-zhang.me · posted on r/uwaterloo Jul 2020 Remove
Reviewed on UW Flow
65% liked it46% easy77% useful
From 456 ratings and 95 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.
LOOK AT THE PAST SAMPLE TEST EVEN IF YOUR PROF SAID YOU DON'T HAVE TO
Jan 2015 · liked it · 5 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
The online course was good, but the final came to be disappointing. It was way more difficult than any assignments that one had to do in the course, so I didn't expect this difficulty. And the exam is 65% of the mark, and there's only the final exam in the online version of the course. In my opinion it's better to take the on-campus version.
May 2015 · liked it · 3 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
I love Richard Epp!!!!!!!!
Sep 2014 · liked it · 3 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
Final exam was one of the experiences of all time but only worth 30%. There are many mark boosting assignments n stuff so you will end up with a good mark
Mar 2025 · liked it · 2 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
Forced to have ~3 group meetings every single week, and marked almost entirely on group work. Horrible waste of time for anybody looking to take a fun physics course as an elective. Heavier course load than all my other courses—all four of them—combined. The material is easy, but assignments are tedious and unnecessarily time consuming.
Jan 2021 · didn’t like it · 2 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
Discussed on r/uwaterloo
773 posts and comments in 542 threads mention PHYS 121, June 2011 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.
Fall 2024
How cooked am I next term 33 points, 27 comments
“https://preview.redd.it/sja2uyioa4ae1.png?width=652&format=png&auto=webp&s=da6f9cb5427cd275561128caa48f6851333be88b I am probably going to regret this. Is this too big of a course load?”
u/Surprised-Egg: “… If you were decent at phys121 you should be fine, though not a lot of it carries over content-wise, just the problem solving tactics in physics.”
Where did I go wrong 44 points, 5 comments
“1A ECE. I feel so lost. I posted here previously about midterms and how I did pretty poorly on them, after your guys help I was determined to bounce back. I studied up, and worked damn hard. …”
u/ehhthing: “… Do note that ECE 105 can be replaced with PHYS 121 and 122 (https://uwaterloo.ca/engineering/undergraduate-students/first-year/approved-courses-clearing-1a-and-1b-failed-courses::text=PHYS%20121%20and%20122%20%2D%C2%A0%20no%20lab%20component%20required) which I'm told are much …”
phys 121 average exam 1 point, 1 comment
u/avistie: “so... on the course line it was stated "If you find that you passed the course, but got an average grade of less than 50% on the two midterm tests and final exam, please be aware that you may not be well prepared for PHYS 122 or PHYS 124. …”
EXAM BANKS PLS 1 point, 7 comments
u/grinds06: “I NEED some old exams, if any1 can spare 🙏🙏 I've got a math 135 final in 2 days followed by math 137 and phys 121 final. …”
Urgent: Need guidance on whether I should withdrawal or not 5 points, 5 comments
“just some background information, i am a first year biomedical student. i'm struggling a lot with physics and there's a chance i might even fail. …”
u/RobinZhang140536: “Phys 121 is evil imo”
I have too much courses want to take 4 points, 14 comments
u/Eileen1202: “… And I also founded out that honors of applied math need PHYS121 💀 My wishlist is: - science PHYS121 (If I have to take) BIOL 239 BIOL 240 BIOL 341 virology or virus related and some required courses abou applied bio/math in bio stuffs anatomy (if possible) some health courses …”
u/Constant_Reaction_94: “Applied math will no longer be requiring phys 121 next year btw!”
Looking for PHYS121 Tutor 1 point, 0 comments
u/el3B: “Hi! I’m taking PHYS121 and need help. I’m looking for upper-year students who’ve already taken the course. If you’re available to tutor, please let me know your rates and availability. Thanks!”
"By completion of the plan" meaning 3 points, 2 comments
u/Lazy_Spare137: “… For example, if I were to major in Applied Math, do I have to take PHYS 121 in my first year or do I only have to take it by the end of the plan? …”
u/Constant_Reaction_94: “You just have to take phys 121 before you graduate, though if you plan to do applied math definitely take it first year.”
Spring 2024
Easy physics course for 1A? 1 point, 1 comment
“For context I’ve already taken IB HL Physics, so any overlap would be nice to have”
u/Constant_Reaction_94: “I mean assuming you're not eng your only options are phys 111 and phys 121, if you want the easier one do 111”
how do i change my electives 5 points, 2 comments
“helppppp (im in math, took physics 121 and Engl 109 and regret it) edit: i am first year entering fall 2024”
u/NoThisIsPatrick-1671: “do NOT take phys 121 if you dont have to”
Rare pics of how UW looked 2008-2012 439 points, 43 comments
u/DSou7h: “What the fuck. I dead ass took that "Come At Me Bro" photo on Sept 26 2012. How the fuck did this random rip a photo off of my facebook.”
u/nickphys: “Man's not lying, can confirm that you did indeed post it on that date. Full pic has a professor who's so so so so so recognizable to anyone who's taken Phys 121 :P”
1A course recommendations and Co-Op 1 point, 12 comments
“I am an incoming math students and would like to know what you recommend for 1A. I am leaning towards MATH 135, MATH 136, CS 135 and still deciding my communication and non-math elective. …”
u/Icy_Environment9241: “- Take math137 instead of 136. Math135 is a pre requisite for 136, so you won’t be allowed to take 136 in 1A. - take whichever communication class seems most interesting. …”
u/Icy_Environment9241: “… Having said that, it might be best to take a more common first year elective (phys111 or phys121, for example) just so it’s a bit easier to meet other first years. …”
Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026
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