what physics course should high schoolers take at community college

by Isobel Hessel 5 min read

General Physics I: This course is designed for students who understand and can use algebra at the college level. You must pass College Algebra with a C or better to take General Physics I. Passing Trigonometry with a C or better is recommended. General Physics II: Passing General Physics I with a C is required before you enroll in this course.

Full Answer

Can I take physics classes at a Community College in Texas?

An introductory physics class at a community college in Texas or any state with CCN will have the same learning outcomes and credit hours as any state university.

What classes do you need to take to take Physics 2?

General Physics II: Passing General Physics I with a C is required before you enroll in this course. Physics I: This course is designed for the science major. A pre-requisite of Calculus I is required for Physics I. Physics II: Successful completion of Calculus II and Physics I is required to enroll in Physics II.

Is it better to take Physics in college or Community College?

Taking physics at university will probably look better than taking it at community college. Additionally, taking pre-medical classes during the school year rather then the summer is also looked more favorably upon by admissions.

Should I take a physics course in the summer?

And with something like physics, a good course in the summer will also help to reinforce some of those lessons learned in the prerequisite coursework.

Is it better to take physics at a community college?

I assume the community college will be cheaper for you than your local university, but I would most likely recommend you take physics at your local 4-year institution since it is more likely to teach high quality physics and prepare you well for future ways you will need to present your mastery of the material.

Do most colleges want you to take physics in high school?

Most colleges require students who haven't taken high school physics to take introductory-level physics classes before they can take normal-sequence physics classes. Studies indicate that high school physics helps significantly to reduce the failure rate in college-level physics.

Is physics an important class to take in high school?

Students don't need to take physics in high school because they can just take it in college. taken high school physics do better in college physics courses, which are required for a large number of degree paths. Physics knowledge has little relevance to the world we live in or to most jobs.

What physics class should I take?

To study physics, you should take as much high school and college mathematics as you can reasonably fit into your schedule. Especially, take the entire run of algebra, geometry/trigonometry, and calculus courses available, including Advanced Placement courses if you qualify.

Is physics harder than anatomy?

It just requires strong math skills. Anatomy requires a lot of memorization and lab time, Physiology requires a lot of critical thinking and lab time, and Chemistry requires a lot of memorization, critical thinking, math and lab time. Physics is different than A&P and Chemistry, but not harder...

Should I take physics in Grade 11?

It is recommended that you take at least one Science in grade 11. Students planning to pursue Health Science programs at university or college should take both Chemistry and Biology (many programs also require and/or recommend physics e.g. Kinesiology).

Should I take AP physics in high school?

A good AP Physics class can boost your performance in college physics courses. Additionally, it can tell you whether you even want to pursue physics in college, although don't forget—AP classes always have idiosyncrasies that make them very different from most college courses.

Do colleges care if you take physics?

Should You Take Physics Over Earth/Physical Science? It will look better on your transcript if you take physics, but most colleges don't require it unless you plan on majoring in math or science.

Do colleges like AP Physics?

Colleges like them both. Both honors and AP courses are rigorous courses that most high schools weight more heavily on your transcript. AP courses, however, culminate in the AP Exam. Good AP scores show colleges you are ready to succeed at college-level work and can even earn you college credits.

Where do I start with physics?

1. Introduction to Mechanics. An introduction to mechanics course is the first course physics course that most people will take, and it's the best place to begin independent study of physics as well.

Is AP Physics hard class?

AP Physics 1 consistently tops the list of most difficult AP classes. AP Physics 1 explores college-level content and covers foundational science knowledge. Students with strong math and science skills are most likely to earn a passing AP exam score.

Is physics harder than chemistry?

Physics is the hardest major; it is harder than chemistry, biology, psychology, computer science, astronomy, biochemistry, and geology. The level of math and the number of abstract concepts in physics is unparalleled.

What is a basic physics class?

Basic Physics: This course is a conceptual physics that requires basic math skills. It is designed for non-science majors needing a Lab Science class. General Physics I: This course is designed for students who understand and can use algebra at the college level.

What algebra do I need to take to get into general physics?

You must pass College Algebra with a C or better to take General Physics I. Passing Trigonometry with a C or better is recommended. General Physics II: Passing General Physics I with a C is required before you enroll in this course. Physics I: This course is designed for the science major.

What happens if you choose a course that has less math than you can handle?

When you choose a course that has less math than you can handle you may become bored. Alternatively, when you choose a course you are not prepared for, you become frustrated. If you have any question about which course is probably the best for you, contact one of the instructors in the physics department.

What electives are required for a college transfer?

Mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, light and optics. Suitable as a science elective for college transfer students planning to major in fields outside the natural sciences or mathematics. Also suitable for some students in career programs. A two-hour laboratory per week is required.

What is physics 101?

All include an appropriate laboratory. PHYS 101 is a non-mathematical college transfer or general elective science course open to all students. It is suitable for students in Liberal Arts, Communications and Education or for those who want to take physics as a general elective.

What is calculus physics?

Is a calculus-based course in modern physics for students in the Engineering Science curriculum. It is also suitable for students who wish to take additional physics beyond PHYS 140 and 241, such as those interested in biology, chemistry, mathematics or physics.

What do students learn about the universe?

Students learn about the birth of the universe; the stars, planets, galaxies and constellations; the possibility of life on other heavenly bodies; as well as radiation, magnetism, nuclear reactions, and other aspects of physics.

What is a phys 242?

PHYS 242 is a calculus-based course in modern physics for students in the Engineering Science curriculum. It is also suitable for students who wish to take additional physics beyond PHYS 140 and 241, such as those interested in biology, chemistry, mathematics or physics.

How many semesters of physics are required for medical school?

If your main reason is saving money by taking only 1 course instead of 2 consider that some medical schools require 2 full semesters of physics. If this class would count as 2 full semesters of physics, I would think about taking it at the CC.

Can I take one or two science prereqs at CC?

Totally ok to take one or two science prereqs at a CC. More than that, then maybe people will start questioning your motives. I took physics 1 and 2 with lab at my local CC one summer and was not asked about it at all when I interviewed.

What does it mean to take community college classes?

Taking community college classes may mean you have to pay tuition fees and other expenses. ( Tax Credits /Flickr) Read the sections below to learn more about how to make smart decisions when taking community college classes and minimize negative impacts.

What to do if your high school doesn't offer AP classes?

If your high school doesn't offer certain advanced classes, taking them at a community college can be a great way to strengthen your transcript. If your high school doesn't offer many or even any AP classes, you may be concerned that your school's lack of challenging classes will put you behind other students when applying to and starting college.

What is the purpose of community college?

While the primary purpose of community college is to provide an education to college students, most now also offer classes to people of varying ages and levels of education, from children to senior citizens. Many community colleges allow high school students to take certain classes. Sometimes high school students are only able to enroll in ...

Why is it important to have enough free time before enrolling in community college?

As mentioned above, it's important to make sure you have enough free time in your schedule before you enroll in a community college course. By choosing classes that fill well in your schedule, you will make your community college experience less stressful and more enjoyable.

Why do you take community college classes in summer?

Taking a community college class during the summer gives you more time to concentrate on it because you won't have to balance a full high school course load at the same time. Don't try to take a community college class if you are already busy with your high school classes and activities.

Do you have to include community college classes on your transcript?

Your community college classes may be included on your high school transcript, labeled in such a way to show they are college-level classes, or, if not, you can include your community college transcript with your applications. Taking community college classes in high school shows that you can take initiative, are hard working, ...

Is community college hard?

Sometimes, community college classes aren't challenging, in fact, in some cases high school students feel that the community college classes they take are easy, especially when compared to AP or other advanced classes . If you are used to rigorous classes, there's a chance that you will find your community college classes too easy, especially if you are taking introductory classes. This may result in you not learning as much as you'd like to.

How many subjects are there in AP classes?

AP classes are offered in 34 different subjects (although some high schools that participate in the program only offer a few of them), and over 2.3 million students take the exams each year.

What are the positive aspects of AP classes?

Another positive aspect of AP classes is that usually most of the students want to be there. Being in a class with other people who are genuinely interested in learning can make a big difference in the experience (not that everyone who takes AP classes is a perfect student, but it's more likely that they'll be at least somewhat nerdy). Some students in community college classes could be taking the class as a major requirement. This might mean that they're not as engaged, making the learning environment less intellectually stimulating.

Why is community college harder to judge?

With community college classes, the difficulty of the class and your mastery of the material are harder for colleges to judge. Since you won't take standardized tests, colleges must rely on their knowledge of the community college's reputation and your grades in the class to make judgments.

How much does it cost to take AP classes?

Although it costs $92 to take each AP test, that's all you need to pay for the entire class. Even though community college classes are inexpensive compared to four-year college classes, they'll probably cost you more than an AP test, especially if you don't live in the same district as the community college. Some high schools help students pay for community college classes, but others will leave it up to you to take care of the costs. If money is a concern, AP classes may be a better choice for you.

What is AP in high school?

Advanced Placement (AP) , Coursework/GPA. If your high school has AP classes, you probably know a bit about which ones are offered and what they're like. AP classes are designed to be the equivalent of introductory-level college courses. However, you may also have the opportunity to take a real college class at your local community college as ...

Is AP class the same as community college?

Although AP classes are intended to be roughly equivalent to introductory college courses, they can only do so much to replicate the experience a college class. Taking community college classes will give you the opportunity to see first-hand how college courses and exams are structured.

Can you transfer AP credits to a community college?

Credits from community college classes usually transfer easily to your state school and other public schools. You may also be able to place out of introductory courses in college. This happens with AP credit as well, but since AP classes don't quite replicate the college experience, sometimes students are unprepared for actual advanced college classes. It's more likely that you'll feel comfortable in a higher level class if you've taken a real college class already and mastered the introductory material in that context.