One thing about the traditional sequence of physics topics, is that it progresses (more or less) in parallel with the traditional math sequence. So you can get

One thing about the traditional sequence of physics topics, is that it progresses (more or less) in parallel with the traditional math sequence. So you can get yourself up to speed on both simultaneously. Also, you don't need to get all the way to the whiz-bang stuff, for it to be both enjoyable and useful. Granted, my degree was 30+ years ago, but today I specialize in designing measurement equipment. If all you end up learning is calculus plus how some mundane things work like circuits and optics, it would hardly be a loss. I don't even claim to understand fundamental stuff like field theory. There's also a problem with explaining physics: Most of us who claim to understand it (I have a physics degree) have never attempted to explain it or even think about it without math. There's the commonly shared anecdote about physicists trying to grasp the "non calculus based" college physics course, and finding it too complex and baffling to proceed.