Hey guys,
I’m thinking about switching majors into engineering before I transfer; however, as it covers Calculus extensively I am planning to take it at my CC first to see how I hold up. I completed Algebra 1, 2, and Pre Calc in High School (two years ago), but to be honest I barely managed by with minimal effort as I hated math because of the effort involved. Fast forward two years I am willing to work a lot harder but I don’t think I would be able to fully understand any level of Calculus with my current math knowledge. So I would like to know what you guys suggest to take a semester before calculus in order to ready myself. There is a 2 in 1 accelerated algebra (Elementary and Intermediate) course or a precalculus course offered at my college.
Bonus Question if you guys are feeling really nice : I am also planning to take college level physics (took basic in high school), while I would prefer to take this asap, would you guys recommend delaying until after I have taken the preparatory math?
Any type of input/words of wisdom is highly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
As the name implies, precalculus covers a number of important topics that will come up in calculus, including a lot of trigonometry and concepts from algebra. Ideally, you should have a firm grasp of this before starting calculus. Of course, you should also have a firm grasp of basic algebra before starting calculus. Have you looked into taking a placement test, or looked at old syllabi from calculus courses taught at your school to see on your own if you’re really as unprepared as you think?
You’ll want to take calculus-based physics if you plan on studying engineering. That means you’ll already have taken or will concurrently take calculus when you’re taking physics. Algebra-based (non-calculus) physics is “physics lite” and is virtually useless for anybody who’s planning to major in engineering or the physical sciences, as you can’t properly understand most concepts in physics without calculus. Calculus-based physics is like learning about the recipe and ingredients needed to bake a cake on your own. Algebra-based physics is like going to the store and simply buying a cake.
: I am also planning to take college level physics (took basic in high school), while I would prefer to take this asap, would you guys recommend delaying until after I have taken the preparatory math?