<p>Well, I am not going to lie, Physics is kicking my ass. I am not sure if maybe some people are not cut out for it but I hope this class does not stop me from becoming an engineer.</p>
<p>Like many Engineering students, there are days when you doubt my abilities but I remember when I was getting my Econ degree. I struggled with Calculus I tremendously and ended up passing the second time. I could not stand Math around that time!</p>
<p>Then, when I got to the my upper level Econ classes like Econometrics, Regression Analysis( all required Calc I as a pre-requisite). I loved those classes more than anything. I did very well, I really enjoyed them and Econometrics turned out to be my favorite class.</p>
<p>I also love programming. I took a course called Java for Transfer Students and I loved that course. I just downloaded Matlab for fun and I can literally spend hours messing around with it, I learn programming fast maybe because I really enjoy it and it does not even feel like a task.</p>
<p>Is it possible for someone to love Statistics and Programming and not be able to do Calculus and Physics very well? I am just trying to understand my brain works :)</p>
<p>bschoolwiz - " Is it possible for someone to love Statistics and Programming and not be able to do Calculus and Physics very well? I am just trying to understand my brain works"</p>
<p>Of course! Doing well often correlates with your level of interest. You love stats and programming so you can deal with the difficult parts and do well. I liked math in HS but when I hit 5hr Calc in college I realized I wasn’t THAT interested. I loved Chemistry but had zero interest in Physics. It didn’t take long for me to understand myself enough to realize that my engineering major was going to be pre-business. It turned out great BTW.</p>
<p>For what it’s worth - - if someone told me they had an econ major and that they loved statistics and programming I would say they could be a prototypical SAS programmer.</p>
<p>Being able to do calculus and physics without problems takes a lot of practice and some passion. If you have a strong background in trigonometry, algebra and mechanics from high school then you should eventually be able to become comfortable with calculus and physics. </p>
<p>There is some use of differentiation and intergration in statistics, e.g. in normal distribution so if you mastered it then at some point you will master calculus and physics too, do not worry.</p>
<p>As for personal preferences I like calculus and physics but I hate statistics so maybe there is something about our brains in it ;)</p>
<p>
Yes, but you need concepts from calculus in your mental toolbox in order to understand probability and statistics.</p>
<p>If something isn’t working, change your approach. If you made it through a rigorous quantitative econ program I think you can pass introductory physics. You just need the proper motivation. Math skills underly all of these disciplines. There are resources at your school (and here on CC, for that matter) if you need help understanding something.</p>
<p>If you like economics. Why did you stopped working as an economist?</p>
<p>Now, if you want to become an engineer don’t give up just because of a physics class. Take it in fall because there is so much material to cover in the class that taking it on the summer can be painful. Best of luck bro…</p>