University of Florida Student: Should I Take Modern Physics?

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A University of Florida student, majoring in Electrical Engineering and considering a physics minor, is debating whether to take Modern Physics in their first semester after transferring from community college. Their advisor recommends waiting to avoid overwhelming themselves with a total of 17 credit hours, especially as they adjust to a new university environment. The student expresses confidence in their ability to manage the coursework but is concerned about maintaining a good GPA. There are discussions about the potential challenges of their current classes, such as Circuits and C++ programming, which may require more time than anticipated. Ultimately, the consensus leans towards waiting to take Modern Physics in the spring to better gauge the academic workload.
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I am starting my junior year at a big school (University of Florida) and I just transferred in from a local community college. I am an EE major and I want to have a physics minor. My advisor told me that I should probably wait before taking Modern Physics (Phy III). My classes look like this:

Circuits 1
C++ programming w/ Lab
Linear Algebra
Engineering Analysis (with emphisis in EE problems)

Total Hours: 14

(if I take modern physics)
Total Hours: 17

I want to take Modern Physics but that will put me up 17 hours. My advisor thinks I should wait and take it next semester too ensure that I get a good GPA this semester. I am a dedicated student and had a 4.0 at the CC. I have no doubt that I can pass all the classes but with it being my first semester at a new university I am nervous. Should I hold off on taking Modern Physics till the spring?
 
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Is there any option to start taking the physics class and then drop it if it is too much of a load?
 
I am allowed only 2 drops while completing my undergrad work. So I want to try and save those.
 
I'd wait, honestly, since you're a transfer student. Get a semester under your belt so that you can understand the workload required for the classes before you stretch yourself too thin.
 
What benefit will you get by taking the physics class right away?

My first circuits class took up a lot more time then anyone in the class expected, but that will vary from school to school.

If you haven't done any programming before, your first programming class can beat you up a little because everything will be new. If you have had a programming class before, it will be easy.

Linear algebra isn't hard as long as you keep up.

What's the class description for engineering analysis?

Are you planning on working? How many hours per week including drive time?
 
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