Modern Physics Class: Preparation for Physics Major

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Transferring to a four-year university, the student is considering a modern physics class that covers thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and modern physics, which uses minimal math and is not required for their major. They have already completed three semesters of calculus-based physics, including modern physics, at their community college. The course is viewed as a potential GPA booster, but there are concerns about its value given the overlap with previous coursework. Advisors suggest that taking the course could ease the transition to the new university and reinforce foundational knowledge. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether the student prioritizes an easy grade or seeks more challenging coursework.
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I'll be transferring to a 4-yr university for this fall and the modern physics class I'm considering taking will cover thermodynamics, quantum mech, and modern physics. But at my community college I already took 3 semesters of calc-based physics, including modern physics.
This class will only use math up to partial derivatives. No linear algebra, mulitple integrals, stokes and divergence thm. The textbook used by the class is Concepts of Modern Physics by Beiser. The class is only required as a PREPARATION for the major in physics, therefore it isn't require for the major(it is lower-division). Its also not a prereq for ANY of the upper-div classes.

I'm only considering taking it because I figure it should be an easy A, a gpa booster, since I took modern physics at my community college. But my staff advisors still recommend I take it. Should I take this course? or will it be a waste of time? I can take an upper-div math class instead
 
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What textbook did you use at the community college, and how much time did you actually spend on modern physics? A whole semester, or just part of a semester?

How much of Beiser does the university's course cover? Can you get hold of a syllabus for the course so you can compare the topics with what you've had already?
 
Beiser is a standard, decent text and a modern course with it would help. Additionally, if this is your first physics course at the university you just transferred to, it might be helpful to take a course which is slightly easier as a way of getting to know the department.

Besides, another round of modern physics isn't going to hurt you. My opinion, take the course. And as for that upper division math course, take it also.
 
at my community college, we used halliday, resnick, and krane. it was a whole semester

I don't know how my professor will taech the modern physics class at my new school. I tried emailing him, but no response so far

I just skimmed through the beiser text. The content almost looks EXACTLY the same as what I already learned in my previous modern physics class. There's BARELY (an is 3 pages worth) any math beyond single-variable calculus

so my only incentive to take the course is for the easy grade, becuase I'll probably not learn anything new. unless the professor teaches differently from the book and uses higher-level mathematics
 
so is this course worth taking for the easy grade alone?
 
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