No idea if I should take Physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a high school student's uncertainty about taking a university-level physics course, specifically "Newtonian Mechanics and Relativity." The scope includes considerations of course difficulty, personal interest in physics, and the impact of self-doubt on course selection.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong interest in physics but is unsure about the difficulty of the course and how it compares to other options like astronomy or chemistry.
  • Another participant questions whether the student has completed the necessary prerequisites for the course.
  • A participant notes that physics courses can be challenging and may serve as "weed out" classes, but emphasizes that difficulty can vary based on individual experiences and teaching styles.
  • Some participants suggest that the student should focus on their passion for physics rather than self-doubt, indicating that personal interest should guide their decision.
  • There is a mention of the importance of good study habits and time management in successfully transitioning to college-level courses.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the student has the prerequisites and should consider their interest in physics. However, there is no consensus on the overall difficulty of the course or the impact of self-doubt on the student's decision-making process.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying perspectives on the nature of physics courses and the subjective experience of difficulty, as well as the influence of personal confidence on academic choices.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering physics courses, individuals interested in the challenges of transitioning to university-level science classes, and those exploring their academic interests in STEM fields.

kraphysics
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I am in grade 12 and have gotten admission at a good university. I have registered in the "general sciences" with an undeclared major. Now I'm picking my classes. My trouble is I don't know what I'm doing. I love Physics so I want to take this course called "Newtonian Mechanics and Relativity", which is a first yeat calculus based course designed for physics majors. I can also take astronomy or chemistry but I'm unsure. How hard will this physics course be? No one else in my school is taking this course and it is discouraging because everyone says physics in university is really hard. It makes me doubt myself. I don't know what courses to take?

Or I can also take the Physics algebra based course or Physics 114 which is a conceptual course without much math.
 
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Will you have taken the prerequisites for the course?
 
lisab said:
Will you have taken the prerequisites for the course?

Well yes, I am currently finishind Calculus. It doesn't seem hard or anything BUT I have massive self doubt when it comes to Physics. On one hand, I know I can be good at it but on the other, I doubt myself. So the issue isn't prerequisites.
 
Those classes are generally pretty hard and kinda serve as weed out classes for physicists and engineers. Depends a lot on the school and professor though.

However you are interested then definitely take it. Especially since you are undeclared it might open your eyes to some majors. Especially if you doubt yourself, you should explore what it is. Hard for person A might be easy for person B and viceversa.


The only caveat I see is that it might be a hard transition into college but if you have good study habits and time management skills you'll be fine. Personally I didn't and that class sort of jump started my engines.
 
kraphysics said:
Well yes, I am currently finishind Calculus. It doesn't seem hard or anything BUT I have massive self doubt when it comes to Physics. On one hand, I know I can be good at it but on the other, I doubt myself. So the issue isn't prerequisites.
You shouldn't be asking yourself whether or not you are "smart" enough for physics, but whether or not it is what you really want to do. If it is truly your passion than go for it, don't doubt your ability.
 

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