<p>Okay, so I need one more science/math course to fill a graduation requirement, and I was planning on Calculus III, but I just finished Calc II, and I don't think I want to continue to Calc III. I was thinking about taking physics, but I have a choice between regular and calc-based physics. Does anyone have experience with the two? What kinds of calc are used in physics (and I'm only talking about the first semester of intro physics)? What do you do with the calc? Assuming I'm competent with calculus, is one much harder than the other?</p>
<p>I've only taken the courses at a community college, but in my experience the calculus used in physics is generally very simple. If you know your derivatives and integrals you should be fine. The only problem is that the calc-based class is usually the one required for math/science majors and so the competition is harder. Hope this helps.</p>
<p>It does; thanks.</p>
<p>Using calc in physics is natural. Physics without calc is taught because not everyone knows calc. If you know calc there's no reason to take physics without calc.</p>
<p>I've said it before. Knowing calculus and then taking non-calculus versions of courses like physics or statistics is like having the latest computer but using an abacus for complex computations.</p>
<p>The calc used in a calc based physics class is not very intensive. There are no hard derivatives or integrals, and what you do do is very natural and easy.</p>