3hr Physics for Non-Majors Options

[JohnnyHeck]

Ease and speed are my main objectives here. What are my options? Have no calculus.

[sanantone]

Since you're looking for physics for non-majors, it doesn't sound like you need physics. There are easier science courses. If you're looking to get a natural science degree or to move on to a healthcare program like physical therapy, I suggest taking physics for majors. Many schools will not accept science courses for non-majors and allied health majors.

[JohnnyHeck]

This is a specific TESC requirement for a BSAST in Respiratory Therapy (RRT). Why non-major Physics instead of say Biology is beyond my comprehension. The RRT certification gives me automatically TE for Anatomy and Phsiology and Microbiology. TESC is just laying on additional Gen-Ed science requirements because all their BSAST require 3 semesters in sciences for the Gen-Ed portion of this major. I also need Chem I and II for majors which I'll do at a CC because my grad school target requires labs and grades for these courses. Quirky, uh!

[sanantone]

There is Straighterline, but I heard it's calculus based. If you're comfortable with a CBE, the Uexcel is algebra based.

BYU offers self-paced physics courses, but the easiest ones will probably be at a CC to be honest.
University Online Course Catalog - BYU Independent Study

NMJC offers Intro to Physics with lab, but it's a full 16 weeks. You might find some self-paced options at UNC, UT, and Missouri; but they're expensive.

[JohnnyHeck]

Great find! That self paced BYU "Applied" Phsics 105 could be finished in 8 weeks according to the instructor. But he warns you that it is a hard course. But you are probably right, a CC "Descriptive" Physics would be a lot easier, if I could find an 8 week online course.

Also, because this is "ticket-punching" req for me, I would still like to find an option that does not pose any risk to my GPA. Straigherline reports < 30% pass rate, probably because its calculus based. So that can't work.

The Uexcel is both Physics I & II and I only need 3hr. Does anyone know if I can get 3hr credit with a lower threshhold than for the full 6hr?

[Yenisei]

If it's your GPA that you're worried about, why not take the ECE?

[IrishJohn]

Great find! That self paced BYU "Applied" Phsics 105 could be finished in 8 weeks according to the instructor. But he warns you that it is a hard course. But you are probably right, a CC "Descriptive" Physics would be a lot easier, if I could find an 8 week online course.

It's Applied Physics, but what about this course through KCTCS? No books are needed and you should be able to finish it within 8 weeks.

Another option: Independent Study at University of Idaho

[sanantone]

Great find! That self paced BYU "Applied" Phsics 105 could be finished in 8 weeks according to the instructor. But he warns you that it is a hard course. But you are probably right, a CC "Descriptive" Physics would be a lot easier, if I could find an 8 week online course.

Also, because this is "ticket-punching" req for me, I would still like to find an option that does not pose any risk to my GPA. Straigherline reports < 30% pass rate, probably because its calculus based. So that can't work.

The Uexcel is both Physics I & II and I only need 3hr. Does anyone know if I can get 3hr credit with a lower threshhold than for the full 6hr?

There are other physics courses offered by BYU. I can't look at them right now. The extra 3 credits from the Uexcel will just be placed somewhere else in gen ed or free electives. You'll basically have credits for physics I and II.

Never mind. The Principle of Physics courses at BYU are calculus-based.

[JohnnyHeck]

Both ECEs and UExcel exams are graded and will appear so on an Excelsior transcript. While the grade will not pass over to TESC to affect my TESC GPA, the grade will be used off the Excelsior transcript by Admissions at my target Grad School to calculate my composite cumulative GPA. Also, I don't need nor want to put in the extra effort for the Physics II credit that would come with a successful passing grade for the UExcel test.

After reading the syllabus for TESC's guided study Physics I w/o lab, this is beginning to look like the best option at the moment for ease and speed. It seems much more limited in scope than all the others so far. It's only algebra and trig based. And as it's available as guided study vs. online, I can pjrobably work ahead to finish as quick as I can handle to get a good grade.

[JohnnyHeck]

These schools are both great finds! Never heard of them before. With KCTS having on demand (self paced I presume?) courses and being fully accredited, their offerings could come in handy for a lot of programs. The self paced Physics 1100 at ISI looks like the right course and is very reasonably priced at $100/credit. Not sure I really understand the credit transfer method for these. Have you transferred ISI credits to TESC? How?