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How do I Choose the Best Physics Class?

Carol Francois
Carol Francois

There are four things to consider when looking for the best physics class: prerequisites, hands-on training, qualified instructors, and educational institutes. Physics courses are available from universities, community colleges, and online schools. Physics is the study of motion, light, sound, and other physical properties.

When selecting a physics class, it is very important to read both the course description and the recommended prerequisites. This information is very helpful when deciding if the course is at the proper level of skill to meet your requirements. The course description often includes lecture topics, which will provide an overview of course expectations.

Students in a college physics class.
Students in a college physics class.

The first item to check when looking for the best physics class is the amount of laboratory work. Physics is one of the physical sciences. There is a huge range of experiments and computer simulation work that can be done to reinforce the theoretical concepts. The best classes are very hands-on. The more experiments and exercises completed in class, the better for the students.

Look for physics classes taught by a physics professor, or someone with an advanced degree in physics. The material can be quite complex, but a knowledgeable instructor can translate this material into concepts that can be more easily absorbed. Be prepared to dedicate time and effort to learn these concepts in order to succeed in this class.

There is a wide range of levels available for physics classes. Courses taught in high school are usually the most rudimentary. High school science teachers typically lack the background and advanced physics training necessary to translate the material into a practical, effective course. Community college physics courses are very practical and are usually available in the mechanics, construction, and technology based programs.

Key concepts are explored and taught based on the relevance. University level courses vary in complexity from first year undergraduate courses to doctoral level. Most online physics classes are at the post-secondary education level. Review the lesson plan and check for experiments and simulations. These activities are easy to incorporate into an online program and are standard in the best schools.

People who are naturally curious about the universe tend to enjoy physics class. The concepts explained in these courses include locomotion, light, sound, gravity, and more. Many people find that the material is easier to understand and absorb at the post-secondary level. This is due to the deeper background of the course instructors. Although physics is viewed as a very complex topic in North America, it is actually one of the few sciences where everyday examples are widely available.

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    • Students in a college physics class.
      By: Alexander Raths
      Students in a college physics class.