<p>So I’m in the college of letters and science and I am a physics major. My orientation is in two days and I’ve been spending a couple of days trying to figure out my class schedule. Sad to say I haven’t made much progress (partially due to procrastination and confusion). I have a fairly rough idea about my classes. </p>
<p>Calculus 2
English
Spanish
Physics </p>
<p>Now I heard that you can’t take high level physics classes till you pass calc 2? If thats so I was wondering if I can take calc 2 this year because I took calc 1 in high school and passed the AP test with a 4. For english I’m not so great at it and I haven’t taken the AWPE so I’m assuming I’ll get a lower division class. For Spanish I went as high as AP Spanish in HS but I didn’t pass my AP Spanish test. Does this class schedule seem fine? </p>
<p>Another issue I’ve been having is picking between going into something like Theoretical physics or going into engineering. I like Astronomy and Cosmology. I love studying strange phenomenon’s in outer space. I had a brief idea of Astrophysics but I’m still indecisive because I’m also curious about aeronautical engineering. I’m very confused at the time being so would anyone like to help me out on my two issues?</p>
<ol>
<li>I need to figure out my classes.</li>
<li>I don’t know which I should do: physics or engineering. And how are the classes at UCD?</li>
</ol>
<p>Sorry if this is really long but I’ve kept this all to myself and I’m panicking right now =[</p>
<p>let the orientation leaders help you.
at the orientation, you will be given a large catalog of courses and times.</p>
<p>physics 9A (calculus based for engineers, physics majors) is not offered until spring quarter. yes, i believe you do need calc b for it. your orientation leaders will help you, you don’t have to figure this out by yourself.</p>
<p>you should take a look at the engineering sample schedules maybe and see if you would like to put some of those classes in. <a href=“http://mae.ucdavis.edu/programs/u_studies/documents/EASE1011Hold.pdf[/url]”>http://mae.ucdavis.edu/programs/u_studies/documents/EASE1011Hold.pdf</a></p>
<p>Physics 9A IS offered in the fall. It’s just unlikely that you will get in, since there is only one lecture. And, Harris the one lecturing. If you do get in, you’ll love it as he’s a great lecturer. By calc II I think you are referring to MAT 21B, and you are correct in thinking that some higher level physics classes do require higher level math classes. So, you do need to keep up with both math and physics. </p>
<p>I would seriously suggest to NOT worry about your major yet, in terms of specifics or even between engineering and physics. First off, “engineering” is ridiculously broad, in of itself as is physics. You won’t know which specific field you will enjoy until you get further into the program. I am a math major and I had no idea what concentration to go into, or even whether I was going to stick with math or go to applied physics or even switch to ME. You will find out what you enjoy the most. If you need someone to talk things over with, just walk in to one of the advisors offices in physics and ask them questions. They will be more than happy to help you. </p>
<p>Now, on with your schedule. Your schedule seems fine. Although, English and Spanish are rather vague. There are a lot of english classes and a lot of spanish classes. You will need to take a spanish diagnostic exam to find out which class is right for you. And, English, I would suggest just taking UWP 001, only because you are thinking of engineering, and their requirements are really specific. </p>
<p>Hope I helped. And, if you take one thing from this, I hope it is that you shouldn’t be sweating all that much just yet. Calm down, and enjoy yourself your freshman year.</p>
<p>Thanks guys! And yea I don’t know why I was worrying so much about this :] I got all the classes I wanted and everything turned out well. Orientation was great! Thanks again for the advice!</p>