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Easiest physics course in a community college?

Hey! I'm considering attending a community college next fall, and I was wondering if any folks out there have taken physics in community college. If so, do you have any recommendations for which physics class might be the easiest? I'd appreciate the help!

a year ago

While I can't point to a specific community college physics course, I can give some general advice. Physics courses at the introductory level usually come in two forms: algebra-based and calculus-based physics. Algebra-based, often labelled as "Physics I" or "General Physics,” is typically the easier of the two because it doesn't require a strong math background beyond algebra and trigonometry. It's commonly taken by students in the life sciences or those who need a general science credit.

On the other hand, Calculus-based physics, often labelled as "Physics C" or "Engineering Physics", is usually more rigorous since it incorporates calculus in solving physical problems. This course is typically taken by physics, math, engineering, and some hard sciences majors.

That being said, difficulty can greatly vary depending on several factors, such as your personal interest, the professor's teaching style, and your background knowledge in physics. I recommend looking into the course syllabi, textbooks, and resources available, and possibly seeking advice from prior students who've taken the course or the academic advising team.

Also, a class being “easier” doesn't necessarily mean it's the right fit for your academic goals. So consider how the class will align with what you need to move forward in your chosen path. For example, if you're going into a field that requires an understanding of physics at a more complex level, the calculus-based class might be a better fit despite being typically more difficult. But in terms of raw difficulty, the algebra-based course could be an easier option.

Good luck with your decision!

a year ago

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