I haven't taken any math class in over 10 year

[cordes]

I have signed up for a bunch of science classes this semester. One of which is university physics. It is math heavy and geared toward the math/engineering/science major folks.

The problem:
I haven't taken any math class in over 10 years, and I have no trig or calc experience.

Will this class kill me or will I be OK if I work my rear off. I already spoke with the prof and she told me that I would need to teach myself calc along with the class and that it will be a rough go.

Am I just high on my horse, or should I be able to hang with kids right out of college? I should state that I have my undergrad in elementary education, but with virtually no emphasis on math or science.

Thanks in advance for the responses.

ETA: My reason for taking these classes at this time is to pick up my middle school science endorsement. I be endorsed in math and social studies with the classes I have already taken.

 

[stewartcs]

I have signed up for a bunch of science classes this semester. One of which is university physics. It is math heavy and geared toward the math/engineering/science major folks.

The problem:
I haven't taken any math class in over 10 years, and I have no trig or calc experience.

Will this class kill me or will I be OK if I work my rear off. I already spoke with the prof and she told me that I would need to teach myself calc along with the class and that it will be a rough go.

Am I just high on my horse, or should I be able to hang with kids right out of college? I should state that I have my undergrad in elementary education, but with virtually no emphasis on math or science.

Thanks in advance for the responses.

ETA: My reason for taking these classes at this time is to pick up my middle school science endorsement. I be endorsed in math and social studies with the classes I have already taken.

I would highly recommend that you take the necessary mathematics before attempting it. BTW, even with the proper math, you'll still probably have to work your butt off!

CS

 

[cordes]

I would highly recommend that you take the necessary mathematics before attempting it. BTW, even with the proper math, you'll still probably have to work your butt off!

CS

Thanks for the advise. I'm thinking it would probably add a couple years to my life should I just drop it and try desperately to add into another class or even take it in the summer. I will certainly let you guys know what I decide to do... Especially if I stay in the class.

 

[Choppy]

This is what prerequisites and corequisites are for.

If you have the prerequisite courses, you should be fine.

If not (and it would be surprising that they allowing you to take the course if this is the case) you really should do the prerequisite work first - even if it adds a couple years to your life.

 

[djeitnstine]

Thanks for the advise. I'm thinking it would probably add a couple years to my life should I just drop it and try desperately to add into another class or even take it in the summer. I will certainly let you guys know what I decide to do... Especially if I stay in the class.

My advise to you is to drop it immediately. Because if you haven't the correct prerequisites you will fail it horrible. There are certain things assumed that you already know for the course. I don't mean to be pessimistic (I'm being realistic) but I've seen people with the correct prerequisites struggle with a course. In the end it's up to you of course. Good luck.