Advancing Physics: Is It a Good Idea?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Alem2000
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Idea Physics
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether it is advisable for a student to advance their studies in physics by covering material ahead of their upcoming courses. The scope includes personal experiences, motivational perspectives, and differing attitudes towards studying and enjoyment.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that advancing in physics courses is beneficial, especially if the student has already completed the prerequisite math class.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of starting early to prepare for potential challenges, echoing the sentiment to "press onward and succeed."
  • Another viewpoint argues for the enjoyment of life over studying ahead, suggesting that it may not be worth the effort unless the upcoming material is particularly challenging.
  • A participant counters that studying can be enjoyable and is a matter of mindset, indicating that enjoyment and study can coexist.
  • Personal anecdotes are shared, with one participant noting that prior preparation in calculus led to a more manageable course experience and greater free time.
  • Another participant references Richard Feynman’s self-directed learning approach, highlighting the value of teaching oneself ahead of formal education.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions, with some advocating for proactive study and others cautioning against it in favor of leisure. There is no consensus on whether advancing in studies is universally beneficial or advisable.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions reflect personal preferences and experiences, which may not apply universally. The debate includes varying definitions of enjoyment and study balance, and the effectiveness of self-study approaches remains subjective.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering self-study in physics or those interested in different approaches to balancing study and leisure may find this discussion relevant.

Alem2000
Messages
117
Reaction score
0
Can I get an opinion on whether it is a good idea to go ahead in my physics courses? My idea was to cover material that I will be studing next simester...considering I have taken the prerequist math class.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There is no time like the present. Press onward and succeed.
 
If you have the time and are willing to put out the effort, by all means start learning ahead. That way, if you run into any problems, you'll be ready to ask your professor as soon as that subject finally comes up in class.

As TALewis stated, "Press onward and succeed."
 
Unless you have a real toughie coming up, I would skip it and enjoy life.
 
Why can't studying = enjoying life? It's a matter of mindset.
 
You either don't know how to enjoy life, or I don't know how to study physics.
 
Thanks COD and TALEWIS...I think your right. I do have time and it would be really exciting to learn more physics...so ill go ahead and start.
 
JohnDubYa said:
You either don't know how to enjoy life, or I don't know how to study physics.
Some people like to to study while others don't. As for me, I try and budget my time so I'm studying all week and partying after work on weekends since I work at a bar in Atlanta.
 
One of the best things I ever did was spend a month learning calculus several months before I started the course. When the course started, I was always on top of things, unlike my compatriots. As a result, I had considerably more free time than they did, at a point when free time was an expensive thing.

I would echo TALewis and Cod in saying "go for it". But don't sweat it if you run into stuff that leaves you reeling. Just move on to the next subject and let that wait till the course starts. At that time you will have had the chance to "grok" the easier stuff, which will make it easier to figure out the harder stuff when the course comes to it.
 
  • #10
I am reading a biography of Nobel Laureate Richard Feynman. He taught himself ahead of time, at least in the subjects of math and science. In fact, he started teaching himself calculus at 13, using a library book.
 
  • #11
Wow, that's inspirational! Could you post a link to where you read that. :eek:
 

Similar threads

Physics has taken the wrong turn
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Graduate How do people explore new ideas in physics?
  • · Replies 52 ·
2
Replies
52
Views
5K
What Are the Best Science Periodicals for New Discoveries and Ideas?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Graduate Ideas in physics used for creating art
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Graduate Should I submit an outlandish physics idea that feels right?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Intro Math Hassani's books on Mathematical Physics/Methods
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
Job Skills Is it good idea to publish articles to improve someone's resume?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Final project ideas using Noether's theorem in simulation class
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Courses Math Course Advice -- Harvard freshman planning to double major in physics and mathematics
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
11K
High School High School Science Fair Ideas: Unique Research Projects
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K