Question about retaking a class

[LaZigeuner]

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Sorry that it's another "retake class" thread.

In college, I was a music major, and worked in that field. Now, I'm wrapping up my post-bacc. All courses have been done at my local CC, which is the only option due entirely to cost.

In Physics 1, I got a B+. In Physics 2, I got a C+. Haven't taken 3rd quarter yet. This physics series is algebra-based.

Since (1) these classes are at a CC, (2) I won't have 300- or 400-level courses in the sciences, and (3) I'm taking Calc II this fall--should I take the calc-based physics series, which would address a couple situations: (A) I'd get the opportunity to "redeem" myself for the C+ especially, and (B) it would allow me to avoid the crappy prof who teaches algebra-based physics, as well as (C) get me on track to finish the 3rd quarter of physics (so I'd have the year sequence).

Thanks for any thoughts. 🙂

 

[Zxvwt]

n/a

 

[LaZigeuner]

The main question I have is: why do you think you'll do better in a calculus-based physics class than an algebra-based physics class?

Because:
1--I've done very well in calculus; our prof included many problems that were applications of physics, and understanding the calculus helped me. Although, I did wonder whether the intro to physics wasn't helping my calculus, at least for those problems.
2--I spoke at length with my calc prof about this. She suggested if I'd had calc before physics, I would have done better in physics.
3--on the MCAT, my physics was stronger than my g.chem, so I'm not so much worried about the physics part of it. I should have added in my earlier post that the only reason to start from the beginning with calc-based physics, is to be allowed to take the calc-based physics 3, which I still need to take.
4--The people that I talked to, and reading I did, suggested the opposite: that calc-based physics was easier providing you already had taken calculus, which will be the case for me.

I see that one of the reasons you think you did poorly was your professor. So let's say you get an amazing professor for your calculus-based physics class. Are you confident you can do well (IE: get an A)? Sorry to be skeptical, but most people would agree that algebra is much easier than calculus. I can't help but wonder how horrible your professor must have been for you to consider this.

There are definitely things I would do differently to study physics again. But it is true that my previous prof was terrible, for a number of reasons I won't go into but including unavailability. When I went to tutors and others for help, they tried to explain from a calculus perspective, which at that time I didn't understand.

I've heard from other students at the school that the calc-physics prof is better in many of the ways that my prof was not good. I also sat in on one of his classes (when I was taking physics) and liked what I saw, although granted it was only one day.

Calculus-based or not, it's still introductory physics. Most schools would rather see an upper division biology class than anything else. As such, my advice is to think long and hard about whether or not you're confident that you can do well in a calculus-based physics class. And, most importantly, no matter what class you decide on taking, make sure to take your education into your own hands. Find resources on the internet, look for supplementary texts or alternative textbooks, and be prepared for the worst (IE: don't rely on your professor to teach you the material).

The first bolded statement addresses one of my concerns. Since I'm at a CC, and can't afford the local U, my "upper division" are still numbered 200-level, though the profs I worked with have noted the increased work involved. I can't change that, but I'm trying to include courses that show that they are comparable to the 300- and 400-level courses at the local U.

Because of that bad physics class, I did find a great deal of supplementary help, on the web mostly, as well as extra books. One of which is an old edition of a calc-based textbook, which made things crystal clear. I am confident I'd do better if I took the calc-based physics sequence---I'm just not sure it wouldn't be a waste of time and money. I thought since these classes were at a CC, are non-A/A- grades, and I need to take the 3rd quarter of physics still, that it might benefit me to take the calc-based sequence.

Thanks, Zxvwt, for your input. 🙂