Essential College Courses for Freshmen: Physics or Beyond

As a college freshman, choosing the right courses can set the stage for a successful academic journey. Based on personal experience and the varied requirements at liberal arts colleges, here are some recommendations that can be of great value. Particularly, physics stands out not only for its practical applications but also for its theoretical depth.

Liberal Arts and General Education Distribution

At most liberal arts colleges in the United States, freshmen are required to take courses that fulfill their general education distribution requirements. These foundational courses lay the groundwork for more specialized studies in later years. For instance, students at universities like Penn State are required to take 8 credits of GS (General Science) courses, which often include introductory or honors-level physics.

Physics: A Prerequisite for Many Fields

Physics is a vital component for students interested in fields such as engineering, mathematics, and the natural sciences. However, the course may not always be a preferred choice, especially when it is not well-taught or when it conflicts with other critical courses. In my own experience, it was not until I took calculus that I fully understood the equations and principles that were initially confusing.

My Personal Physics Experience

Upon entering Penn State, I was required to take honors physics as part of the general science requirements. Despite having taken honors physics in high school, it was challenging due to the lack of a strong foundation in calculus. My teacher, though a good instructor, rarely covered key concepts such as motion, forces, and equilibrium. This led to difficulties in subsequent courses when physics was an essential prerequisite.

The Chemistry Dilemma

The solution to bypass this issue was to switch to chemistry my first semester. However, the chemistry course necessitated a lab for credit, which itself was a 4-hour commitment starting in week 3. My schedule already included several 3 and 4-credit MWF and MWTHF classes. Despite finding a way to fit everything in, the conflict between my lab and regular classes was problematic. The lab would take up 2 hours, which could have been spent on a more manageable course.

Personal Interests in Physics

Despite the initial struggle, my personal interest in physics and the wonders of the natural world drove me to continue with the subject. The existence of a world-class deep space telescope at Davis Laboratory, along with a fascination for constellations, stars, and moons, made me wish I had explored physics further. A course in astronomy or astrophysics could have been a perfect complement to my other interests.

Conclusion: Adding a Semester to Excel

Looking back, I realize that an additional semester could have made a significant difference in my academic journey. Not only could it have allowed me to pursue a second major or minor, but it would also have provided the time to take key courses in cultural anthropology, such as Egyptology and osteology, which could have added depth to my existing interests. Ultimately, the decision to swallow the difficulty of physics courses and excel in them would have opened up numerous opportunities.

In summary, while the freshman year can be overwhelming with various distribution requirements, taking a physics course, even if it requires extra effort, can have long-lasting benefits. Focusing on foundational science courses can set a strong academic foundation and provide a wealth of knowledge for future endeavors.