Navigating the world of science courses in college can be a formidable task, especially for those students whose strengths and interests predominantly lie outside of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines. Whether you're a humanities aficionado, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a social sciences enthusiast, a basic grounding in scientific knowledge can be a valuable asset in our increasingly technology-driven world. But with so many science courses on offer, how does one choose a class that provides an engaging introduction to scientific principles without overwhelming complexity or arduous mathematical demands?
This BrokeScholar article seeks to answer that question, providing a guide to some of the most accessible, engaging, and 'easier' science classes typically offered in colleges. From the mysteries of the cosmos in astronomy to the study of human societies in anthropology, these courses offer a gentle introduction to the world of science, stimulating curiosity and fostering a broad understanding of the natural world.
Read on to find out what the easiest college science class to take is.
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What Is the Easiest Science Class in College
Science courses that are often popular among non-STEM majors share several common characteristics. A major pattern is the relevance or relatability of the science class to everyday, real-world experiences. But bear in mind, the definition of what an easy science class in college is ultimately subjective and varies widely depending on the student’s background and interests.
Here’s a breakdown of our top 10 easiest science classes in college you should check out.
1. Introduction to Astronomy
An introductory course or Astronomy: 101, often includes interesting topics like black holes, stars, planets, galaxies, and the universe's formation. Many colleges also have astronomy observatories where you can have hands-on experience. The sheer exotic nature of what you study in astronomy, in many ways, makes it more interesting to the average student, including ones who are not avid fans of taking science classes. This helps make astronomy one of the easiest science classes in college to enroll in. Plus, the study of astronomy in college provides students with a unique set of practical and professional skills highly applicable in many fields, which might sound off at first.
Students gain a strong foundation in quantitative analysis through the interpretation of astronomical data and the use of statistical methods. This fosters problem-solving skills, an understanding of complex systems, and the ability to recognize patterns, all of which are valuable in data-driven fields like finance, technology, and business analytics.
The use of software and technology for simulations and modeling develops strong computational skills and familiarity with various software tools. Students also gain hands-on experience in observation and experiment design, which are essential for roles in research and development. In addition, the collaborative nature of astronomical research cultivates skills in teamwork and communication, as students often need to work together on projects and present their findings.
Lastly, the inherent nature of astronomy, exploring questions about the universe and our place in it, fosters creativity, curiosity, and the capacity for innovative thinking, qualities that are highly prized in dynamic and rapidly evolving industries.
2. Geology or Earth Science
Courses in geology or earth sciences are usually about the earth's formation, earthquakes, volcanoes, plate tectonics, and more. These topics can often be understood through real-world examples, which makes it interesting. Like astronomy, much of the subject matter of geology is inherently exotic and engaging, such as the explosion of a volcano, the spewing of lava, and how whole islands — like Hawaii — can be created by them. Introductory geology classes also tend to focus on subjects that are easy to categorize and, thus when test time comes around, make it easier to study and memorize them, such as igneous rock versus metamorphic rock versus sedimentary rock.
Studying geology or earth science at a college level can outfit a student with a unique array of practical and professional skills, which might not seem obvious at first. A fundamental skill gained is the ability to observe and analyze physical phenomena, promoting a strong attention to detail and analytical prowess. This is reinforced by extensive fieldwork that cultivates practical skills in data collection, site investigation, and the use of scientific equipment, which is essential in many environmental and engineering roles.
The interpretation of geospatial data and the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) software provides students with valuable technical abilities, which are sought-after in sectors like urban planning, resource management, and environmental consultancy. Furthermore, geology and earth science students develop solid quantitative skills through handling, interpreting, and presenting data. The interdisciplinary nature of these subjects also imparts a broad understanding of how different natural systems interact, fostering a holistic approach to problem-solving.
Lastly, through the study of geological time and climate trends, students gain a perspective on long-term changes and sustainability issues, skills critical in policy-making, environmental advocacy, and climate-related careers.
3. Introduction to Environmental Science
This class covers the basics of how natural ecosystems function and how human activities impact them. Introduction to environmental science is often seen as one of the easier science classes in college for several reasons. One, it generally requires less mathematical and laboratory work compared to physics, chemistry, or more specialized biology courses. This makes it more accessible to students who may not have a strong background in these areas.
Two, the topics covered in environmental science are usually very relatable and tangible, such as climate change, pollution, or conservation. This real-world context can make the material more engaging and easier to understand for many students. The interdisciplinary nature of the course, blending elements of biology, chemistry, geology, and social science, provides a broad perspective rather than in-depth focus on one complex scientific discipline.
And three, the course often promotes active learning through field trips, projects, and case studies, providing varied and practical learning experiences that help students better grasp and retain the material. These factors combined can make introductory environmental science classes less daunting and more approachable for non-STEM majors.
4. Introductory Biology for Non-majors
Biology seems to have a natural draw to people of a certain temperament, often students who aren’t inclined to like most other science classes yet will take a liking to biological courses. Perhaps it’s because biology teaches us about how we — our bodies — as well as how the entire natural world works. Unlike a physics class, in which you’ll first learn everything about Newtonian physics only for later, in higher level physics classes, having Newtonian physics completely replaced by quantum mechanics. With biology, on the other hand, isn’t as math-heavy as other college science classes, focuses on subjects that are very “real” to us, in the sense of finding out how something you see every day works, such as trees and how their leaves are essential to photosynthesis, which provides plants with their energy.
In addition to making our list of the easiest science classes in college, students who pursue their education in biology acquire a wide variety of practical and professional skills that can be used in the real world. The prime example is that students enhance their analytical skills through rigorous scientific reasoning and problem-solving, which involves forming hypotheses, designing and conducting experiments, and analyzing and interpreting data. These skills are highly valued in many sectors, from healthcare and pharmaceuticals to environmental conservation and policy.
Students also gain strong proficiency in laboratory techniques, including microscopy, DNA sequencing, and biochemical analysis, which are fundamental in biomedical research, clinical diagnostics, and biotechnology industries. What’s more, the study of biology is conducive to building an understanding of life processes at various levels, from molecular to ecosystem, which can inform work in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental management. Biology students often work on group projects, thereby honing their teamwork and communication skills, crucial in virtually any professional environment. Finally, studying biology cultivates a scientific mindset that includes critical thinking, ethical considerations, and a curiosity for lifelong learning, traits that are beneficial across all professional domains.
5. Nutrition Science
Many students find this subject interesting as it relates to everyday life decisions about diet and health. It usually covers basic biochemistry and physiology in a practical context. This relevance to everyday life is one of the many reasons that nutrition science is often considered one of the easier science classes in college. This real-world application often makes the material more engaging and easier to comprehend for many students.
While nutrition science does require an understanding of some biology and chemistry, it often doesn't delve into the more complex aspects of these disciplines, making it more accessible to students who may not have a strong science background. Furthermore, the course often involves practical elements such as meal planning or diet analysis, which can help students grasp concepts more easily than through theory alone. Plus, the mathematical requirements in nutrition science are generally less intensive compared to courses like physics or advanced chemistry. To finish, many students are intrinsically interested in nutrition due to its direct impact on personal health and wellbeing, which can make studying the subject feel less like work and more like a personal interest, thus seeming easier.
6. Introduction to Psychology
While it is technically a social science, it often includes a fair amount of biological content, like brain function, genetics, and neurochemistry. Despite this, psychology is also often considered an easier science class. Studying psychology in college has become increasingly popular among American students in recent decades. Indeed, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), psychology is the fourth most popular college major. Given that it’s one of the most popular majors, then by implication, psychology classes are probably also extremely popular to take in college.
Even though psychology is often popularly considered one of the easiest science classes in college, studying psychology can equip students with a robust set of practical and professional skills that are applicable across numerous fields. First and foremost, psychology provides a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, enhancing students' abilities in interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, and empathy. This knowledge proves to be instrumental in any professional setting that involves interacting with individuals or groups.
What’s more, students also gain proficiency in critical thinking and analytical skills as they dissect and interpret psychological studies and data. This ability to systematically solve problems and make informed decisions is highly valued in many professions. Furthermore, psychology students often gain significant experience in research methods, including data collection, experiment design, and statistical analysis, skills that are beneficial in many sectors, such as business, marketing, healthcare, and even technology.
And finally, the study of psychology fosters a heightened awareness of diversity and cultural perspectives, promoting inclusivity and sensitivity in personal and professional realms. All these skills combined make psychology students versatile and adaptable in a wide array of professional environments.
7. Introduction to Weather and Climate
This class provides knowledge about daily weather patterns, seasonal changes, and climate trends. Its applicability to everyday life can make it more engaging. Indeed, the high degree of relatability, because it addresses phenomena that we experience in our daily lives, such as weather patterns, seasonal changes, and long-term climate trends, really makes this science class hit home. This real-world relevance can make the subject matter more engaging and thus easier to grasp.
Although weather and climate courses do involve scientific concepts, they often don’t delve into the heavy mathematics or complex physics that other science courses might, making it more accessible to students without a strong background in these areas. Another draw of taking these science classes is that many weather and climate science courses use visual aids and interactive models to illustrate concepts, which can aid comprehension. Another way studying weather and climate science is more relatable than many other science classes is that it often incorporates discussion about current events and global challenges such as climate change, which can stimulate interest and foster a deeper understanding of the material. Lastly, as a multidisciplinary science, it provides a broad overview rather than in-depth focus on complex scientific principles, making it more manageable for non-STEM majors.
8. Anthropology
Courses like biological anthropology cover human evolution and primatology, which can be a gentle introduction to some biological concepts. Additionally, anthropology classes introduce a lot of intriguing concepts that often pique the interest of students who normally don’t like science classes. From learning about the concept of “taboos” in human cultures, to observing and studying how non-modern tribal societies survive and operate in our modern world, to studying how language and the way we communicate shapes humans’ social life, it’s all interesting.
Anthropology is often considered one of the easier science classes in college for several reasons. One of the main ones is that anthropology is a social science that is heavily based on understanding human societies and cultures. This emphasis on human behavior and cultural patterns makes it more relatable and engaging for many students compared to harder sciences that involve abstract concepts or complex math.
Introductory anthropology courses also often provide a broad overview of human evolution, cultural diversity, language, and social practices, among other topics. This breadth of topics can capture students' interests more than narrowly focused science courses. What’s more, anthropology courses tend to focus more on reading, discussions, and writing rather than complex equations or laboratory experiments, which some students might find less challenging. An added plus is that many anthropology courses involve practical assignments such as ethnographic studies or field trips, which can provide enriching and enjoyable learning experiences. The skills gained in anthropology, such as critical thinking, cultural awareness, and communication, can be seen as immediately applicable in many real-world contexts, adding to the appeal of the course.
9. Oceanography
This is a study of the ocean and includes elements of biology, chemistry, physics, and geology. Students usually find the topics covered in this subject quite interesting for various reasons. Oceanography is often seen as one of the easier science classes in college due to some reasons that are part of a recurring pattern in our article here.
For example, a recurring theme among the courses considered among the easiest science classes in college is that the subject matter, in this case oceanography, is very tangible and concrete. In oceanography, studies focus on the oceans that cover a significant portion of our planet. Topics such as ocean currents, marine life, and the impact of climate change on our seas can be highly engaging and less abstract than some other science disciplines.
Moreover, while the course is inherently multidisciplinary, drawing on elements of environmental science, biology, geology, chemistry, and physics, oceanography generally provides a broad overview rather than an in-depth, specialized exploration of these fields. This breadth can make it more accessible for students who might struggle with more focused, technical science classes. On top of that, many oceanography courses include hands-on learning experiences such as field trips, laboratory work, or even virtual explorations, which can aid comprehension and retention of the material. In the end, another boon is that the mathematical requirements for an introductory oceanography course are often less rigorous than for classes such as physics or chemistry, reducing the barrier for students who may be less confident in their math skills.
10. Introduction to Forensic Science
This class often covers basics of various types of science (like chemistry and biology) in the context of solving crimes, which many students find, not surprisingly, very absorbing. If you’re a fan of police procedurals, like CSI and its many spin-offs or Law and Order, then forensic science could be a great and easier science class in college for you to enroll in.
Forensic science is typically viewed as one of the more accessible science classes in college for a variety of reasons. A very good reason is that the content is often framed in the context of solving real-world crimes, which tends to be very engaging and can make the material easier to understand. The course often uses case studies and practical examples, bringing scientific principles to life in a compelling way.
Additionally, while forensic science does incorporate elements of biology, chemistry, and sometimes physics, it usually provides a general overview of these fields rather than demanding rigorous, specialized knowledge of them. As a result, students who might struggle with more focused technical science classes may find forensic science more manageable.
The Bottom Line on the Easiest Science Class in College
Hands-on laboratory work is a common trait among our list of the easiest science classes in college and many forensic science classes include this, providing a practical, experiential form of learning that many students find beneficial. What’s good also is that the mathematical requirements for a forensic science course are often less demanding than for classes such as physics or chemistry, which can make the course more approachable for students who are less confident in their math skills.
You should always remember that success in any course depends on your interest in the subject matter, attendance, participation, and dedication to studying the course material. Even "easy" classes will require some effort to do well in.
