I am currently a first year economics major at a fcc, hoping to transfer into a UC.
UC’s require a physical and biological science. Obviously Physics and Biology will be more challenging than Geology and Environmental Science, but if I end up with an A does it matter to an Economics major what course I took?
Also, what courses would you recommend to me in the Arts/Humanities department as well as Physical/Biological Science.
You can take whatever physical/biological science class you want so long as it meets the requirement. Same for Arts/Humanities.
Do you want to take Physics and Biology? All that matters is that you take what’s necessary for your major. You can take whichever courses satisfy IGETC, it doesn’t really matter. Although, I suppose taking Physics/Bio can show more rigor, but it really doesn’t matter - focus on your major classes, and take whichever classes you’re interested in that satisfy IGETC requirements.
I took Geography for a science requirement, and I really wish I took something like Physics. For the biological science I took Physical Anthro with a Lab, and that was great 
I really enjoyed the class, it wasn’t too difficult and I learned tons.
Arts/Humanities - well, there are often film classes that satisfy the art requirement. For Humanities, I’ve enjoyed higher level English courses, Philosophy courses, etc.
You should probably take Social/Political Philosophy if you’re an Econ major, if your school has it - it would probably be a good way to finish a course in the humanities that’s somewhat related to your major. This is just what I recommend, though. You can also take a language, which is necessary if you didn’t satisfy the requirement in high school.
Er, as an Econ major, you’ll likely have to do a lot of math courses (I don’t know what the Econ requirements are, but I’m sure they involve a good amount of math) - it may make sense to take easier classes to satisfy IGETC, and focus on your major-related preparation.
Thanks @goldencub ! this was just the type of answer I was looking for. I have some interest in Physics but I am worried about the extra workload and don’t feel that it is worth it if it doesn’t matter to the UC’s.
And I just registered for that Philosophy course.
Take what you are most interested in. The whole point of GE is to expand your horizons. It is not about challenging yourself. They DO care what grade you get, so you better get As.
It’s good to take challenging courses so long as you do well in them. It is also good to take courses that sort of relate to your major/interests, but only to an extent, as you should try new things in regards to GE courses.
Have you signed up for your math/english yet? It’s good to knock those requirements out as soon as possible. Definitely best before you begin your sophomore year. Some people wait, but I do think it’s best to knock them out early.
@goldencub I took Math in the summer and am registered for English in the fall. I also registered for Speech 100 (Public Speaking), as I feel it is a good skill to have.
Unless you really feel you’ll do well in physics I wouldn’t risk it. Don’t mess with the GPA. That’s a pretty intense course. If anything, do it at the UC after acceptance.