Registration Overrides

In most cases, requests for an override (such as an overload or an override of class-, major-, or prerequisite-restrictions) should be made via the web, using the automated request system found in the Registration menu of OSCAR. When considering such a request, please keep the following information in mind:

1. Major Restrictions
   With the exception of the Honors Physics sequence (see below), the School of Physics does not generally place major restrictions on any courses offered; students are free to register for any Physics course, provided the relevant prerequisites have been met.

2. Honors Physics
   PHYS 2231 and 2232 (and occasionally a section of PHYS 2213) are set aside as "honors" courses, intended primarily for Physics majors. However, outstanding students in other fields who are interested in establishing a more rigorous physics foundation are welcome (and in fact, encouraged) to request a permit for the Honors courses. Please address this request to the instructor teaching the course in question, who will have the relevant permit issued.

3. Overloads
   Space in the introductory physics laboratories is strictly limited; each lab section is capable of seating only a fixed number of students. Consequently, it is not possible to receive an overload into any lab. Note that it is not uncommon to have a lecture section which seats more students than the total number of lab spaces linked to it. This is a consequence of the Lab Exemption process. Please keep in mind that the number of seats available in lecture is irrelevant to the issue of lab overloads.

   Students who are Lab Exempt may request an overload into a lecture section, subject to the seating capacity of the lecture hall.

4. Lab Exemptions
   Lab Exemption policies are sufficiently detailed to warrant a separate web page. Please refer to Lab Exemptions for full information.

5. Prerequisite Overrides
   Students wishing prerequisite overrides for the introductory physics sequence (PHYS 2211, 2212, and 2213) should be aware of the following guidelines:

   (a) Calculus skills are crucial to success in these courses; consequently, MATH prerequisite overrides will not generally be granted. (Exception: transfer students with "non-standard" calculus credits may be considered for such overrides, if the content of those courses merit consideration.)

   (b) Students enrolled at Georgia Tech who intend to take an introductory course at another school (during a summer or Co-op term) will not be given a prerequisite override during early registration for the next course in the sequence. (In other words, you cannot request an override to take PHYS II in the Fall, based on the fact that you plan to take a PHYS I course over the Summer.) Courses taken elsewhere must be completed, and a grade issued by the other institution, before any relevant overrides will be considered.

6. PHYS 2802 Permits
   PHYS 2802 - Special Topics (Problem Solving) is an exception to the general rule regarding web-based permit requests. This course is intended as a "remedial" course for students repeating 2211, and for first-time 2211 students who are deemed to be "at risk". Invitations to enroll in this course will be sent out by the instructor during late registration; students will be asked to reply via email, and permits will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. (Note that space in this course is limited.)