Is this a good idea for a 21-credit semester?

  • Context: Courses 
  • Thread starter Thread starter TechieDork
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Idea Semester
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers around a physics undergraduate student contemplating a 21-credit semester, which includes rigorous courses such as Linear Algebra and Thermodynamics. Participants advise against taking Linear Algebra concurrently with other demanding courses, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a GPA above 3.25 for scholarship eligibility. The student is also required to engage in extracurricular activities, adding to their workload. The consensus is that while 21 credits are standard in their country, careful course selection is crucial for academic success.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of undergraduate credit systems, particularly in the context of international education.
  • Familiarity with physics coursework, including Mechanics and Thermodynamics.
  • Knowledge of GPA requirements and scholarship criteria in higher education.
  • Awareness of the impact of extracurricular activities on academic performance.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research effective time management strategies for handling a heavy course load.
  • Explore the curriculum requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in your country.
  • Investigate the benefits of taking Differential Equations versus Linear Algebra in the context of physics studies.
  • Learn about academic support resources available for students struggling with rigorous courses.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for undergraduate students in physics or related fields, academic advisors, and anyone involved in curriculum planning or student support services.

TechieDork
Messages
55
Reaction score
22
I'm freshly fininished my 2nd semester of a first year physics undergrad program

(A on every class excepts for chemistry because of some health issues that day)

And these are courses that I'm taking for my first semester of 2nd year.

***Gened Political Science 3 credits

Intro Bio Lecture 3 credits

Lab Bio 1 credit
Eng for Physics 1 credit
Scientific Method 1 credit

Mechanics 1 3 credits
Thermodynamics 1 3 credits
Maths for Physcs 1 3 credits

***Free elective : Linear Algebra 1 3 credits

I choose L.A. 1 as a free elective because I want to build my mathematical maturity for the upcoming Q.M. classes but this class in my UNI is well known for its rigour and high failing rates.

My current GPA lies between 3.5-3.7. I need to maintain >=3.25 for a scholarship program and I also have to publish 2 projects as well.

Is this a good idea?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
No. Just don't take LA until next semester, you already have a math methods course which should be more than good enough.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: TechieDork
romsofia said:
No. Just don't take LA until next semester, you already have a math methods course which should be more than good enough.

This is the only class that fits my free elective schedule ,LOL
 
Why do you need to take 21 credits? Are you trying to finish your degree early?
 
I don't recommend 21 credits in 1 semester.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: CalcNerd and TechieDork
jtbell said:
Why do you need to take 21 credits? Are you trying to finish your degree early?

Because It's mandatory, 21-22 credits a semester is considered normal for a Bsc degree in my country.

Not only having to take 20+ credits a semester. there are mandatory extracurriculum activities hours one needed in order to graduate aswell.

The extracurries in my UNI are really time-consuming and stressful.
 
TechieDork said:
in my country
Aha. I assumed you were in the US, where a "normal" load is usually 15-16 credits per semester (5 x 3-credit courses), and more than 18 is an "overload."
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: CalcNerd, romsofia and TechieDork
TechieDork said:
Because It's mandatory, 21-22 credits a semester is considered normal for a Bsc degree in my country.

Not only having to take 20+ credits a semester. there are mandatory extracurriculum activities hours one needed in order to graduate aswell.

The extracurries in my UNI are really time-consuming and stressful.
?
?
 
symbolipoint said:
?
?

Thailand
 
  • #10
Just curious, are credit hours interpreted there as in US, x credit hrs means that for every hr of class you need x hrs of study? If so, how do you find some 50hrs week of study plus some 10hrs of course per week? How many total hrs for the degree?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: symbolipoint
  • #11
My advice was also assuming you were in the USA, if 20-21 hours is normal, then it is normal. If i were in your shoes, maybe a course on differential equations would be more beneficial during this semester than a course on linear algebra, but both will be work, and if you can only fit linear algebra, well then... guess you have to take it?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: TechieDork
  • #12
Moral of the story: If you are asking for advice, and especially if you're new here, describe all the "back story", especially where in the world you are. Otherwise, you'll get advises that do not apply to you, and we'll waste our time and effort giving you advises that do not apply to you.

Zz.
 
  • #13
ZapperZ said:
Moral of the story: If you are asking for advice, and especially if you're new here, describe all the "back story", especially where in the world you are. Otherwise, you'll get advises that do not apply to you, and we'll waste our time and effort giving you advises that do not apply to you.

Zz.
I agree, but let's not hold our breaths, good chance s/he will never come back.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K