Can you play the PC version of battlefield 3 with a PS3 controller??

I have heard of people playing PC BF3 with controllers but I hav not done it on BF3, just on Dark Souls.   However by using a controller on PC you put yourself at a severe disadvantage since a game pad lacks the accuracy of a mouse and unlike consoles the PC version does not have an aim assist function to help compensate for the game pad's lower accuracy compared to a mouse.  My recommendation is to stick with BF3 with mouse and keyboard for a few days and it will suddenly "click" for you, I can say this since I play BF3 on all three platforms.

If you wish to use a controller I recommend the Microsoft Xbox controller for PC which is available at stores like Best Buy or via Amazon.com.  It's a wired controller and since it is from Microsoft it is literally plug and play if you are using a Windows OS on your rig after installing the drivers from the included CD.  The game pad for PC runs about $40 USD.  In order to use a PS3 controller you will have to get a third party dongle to attach the controller to your rig and download special software