University of Florida Student: Should I Take Modern Physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around whether a student at the University of Florida should take Modern Physics during their first semester as a junior, considering their current course load and the transition from a community college. The scope includes academic planning, workload management, and personal academic performance.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to take Modern Physics but is concerned about the increased workload from 14 to 17 credit hours and the impact on GPA.
  • Another participant suggests the option of starting the physics class and dropping it if it becomes too overwhelming.
  • A participant mentions the limitation of only having two drops available during their undergraduate studies, indicating a desire to conserve those options.
  • One contributor advises waiting to take Modern Physics, emphasizing the importance of acclimating to the new university's workload as a transfer student.
  • Another participant questions the immediate benefits of taking the physics class right away and highlights potential challenges with other courses, such as circuits and programming, which may require significant time and effort.
  • There is a request for clarification on the class description for engineering analysis, indicating a need for more information to make an informed decision.
  • Concerns are raised about balancing coursework with potential work commitments and the associated time management challenges.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express differing views on whether to take Modern Physics immediately or to wait, with no consensus reached on the best course of action.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential challenges of transitioning to a new university environment and the varying demands of different courses, which may affect workload management.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering course loads during a transition to a new university, particularly those in engineering or physics programs.

Valhalla
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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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