What is Self-study: Definition and 208 Discussions

Autodidacticism (also autodidactism) or self-education (also self-learning and self-teaching) is education without the guidance of masters (such as teachers and professors) or institutions (such as schools). Generally, autodidacts are individuals who choose the subject they will study, their studying material, and the studying rhythm and time. Autodidacts may or may not have formal education, and their study may be either a complement or an alternative to formal education. Many notable contributions have been made by autodidacts.

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  1. X

    Best way to self-study thermo/stat mech.

    I'm in grad school for systems/control engineering. I'm much more interested in the theoretical aspects of the subject as opposed to building physical systems. Maybe that makes me less employable, but regardless, a lot of my ideas now require the mathematics developed mainly in thermo/stat mech...
  2. A

    Schools College calculus self-study question

    Hello, I am a recent high school graduate and I have recently finished calculus II with one year of calculus I prior (which I took junior year). My major will be physics at the University of Texas and having told that I completed those courses to my advisor he said I seemed bright from the...
  3. P

    Is euclid a good book for self-study?

    Hi, I am a thirteen year old boy with a great interest in math and physics. I just want to ask which books is good for self-studying trigonometry all the way to physics?
  4. T

    Effective Techniques for Self-Studying: Any Suggestions?

    I've been a reader of this forum for a while but this is my first post so please be nice. I'm not sure if this is the correct place for this post, but it seems to be the most related board I could find. I am hoping to spend this summer more productively than normal. I would like to use my...
  5. 462chevelle

    Trig Self-Study Books: Looking for Suggestions!

    I have dabbled in trig doing physics and understand enough to do simple problems with the 6 trig functions but next spring ill be taking trig and I am wanting to get a good self teaching book. does anyone have any suggestions for one. I would like to get one that has at least plenty of examples...
  6. Q

    What are some helpful resources for understanding inorganic chemistry concepts?

    Hi all. So I study math and physics now after switching majors from chemistry. Most everything that held my fascination in chemistry was more rooted in physics and quite frankly inorganic and organic chemistry made me seriously consider living as a hermit in the frozen tundra of Alaska...
  7. K

    Self-Study (books) vs. Formal Education (college, etc)

    Is Formal education the way to go? If so, why?
  8. T

    Studying Are these textbooks okay for self-study?

    I am a junior in high school and I plan on being a physicist. I have begun self-studying physics because my classes bore me and physics interests me so much. I am curious about what books I should read. I am too poor, being only a high school student with no job, to afford the regular...
  9. B

    Overcoming Challenges with Self-Study: Struggling to Improve

    One of things I noticed when I self study is when I go check my answers against the solutions, some of my answers seem to be way off. For example there was a question that went "show that for any nxn non singular matrix it is row equivalent." I happened to show a proof by induction but in the...
  10. W

    Self-Study & CVs: Is It Meaningful?

    This is a pretty short question. Is it meaningful to list what you have self-studied on your CV? This question was prompted by me glancing at my office mate's CV. He is a master's student applying to PhD programs. He listed that he studied his way through General Relativity and Algebraic...
  11. SrVishi

    Exploring Math & Physics: Self-Study Books for a 17yo

    I have gained recent yet passionate interests in both of these complex subjects but I feel that I am a bit behind in terms of my age (17, yes a bit embarrassing). May anyone recommend me some books in both mathematics and physics to use for self study since I really want to learn outsde of...
  12. D

    Looking to self-study undergrad/graduate physics, where to start?

    Hi guys, it's been a long time since I've last been on here. Anyway my university situation is a mess and has been for a while so I am looking for some kind of comprehensive physics materials I can use to study. I am educated up to a 2nd year MSci level (theoretical physics) and I don't...
  13. T

    Embarking on Mathematics Self-Study

    I will be attempting to self-study mathematics and I need some advice. I made a D in Calculus II this past semester. I will be retaking it along with Diff Equations and Mathematical statistics. I will also be sitting in Calculus I class with an instructor, although I don't need to take it since...
  14. A

    Solving Dynamics Problems with Burden's Self-Study: Momentum & Kinetic Energy

    Good morning all. I wondered if anyone could assist me with the following dynamics problem. The question is copied from Burdens Dynamics and Mechanical Sciece Self Study. Question) Three balls of mass 2kg each, have a coefficient of restitution of k = 0.85. Ball A is released at a height of...
  15. T

    Best upper division undergrad physics books for self-study?

    I'm currently working on Mary L Boas "Mathematical methods for the physical sciences", which I've been told cover almost all of the mathematics needed to follow undergrad physics books. I'm about halfway done, and I'd like to start looking for physics books. The only reason why I started...
  16. E

    Self-Study Maths for Paralegal Studies: Where to Start

    This is a bit embarrassing I must admit, so let me preface my problem with how I have arrived at the problem. I had become jaded with mathematics in high school due to a horrible teacher and a terrible time in his class. (He continually berated us and insulted out intelligence, and considering...
  17. S

    Schools Does self-study even matter to graduate schools?

    Hello everyone, Forgive me if this question has been addressed elsewhere in the forum. I've searched through the topics but did not find anything similar to my question, so I appreciate if anyone has any advice that they may be able to offer. I would love to go to graduate school and get...
  18. L

    Best Textbooks for Self-Studying Physics and Calculus: Expert Recommendations

    Hello. I am a high school student wishing to self study physics. I am just seeking some advice on the textbooks that I should use for both physics and the accompanying mathematics. For calculus, I already have some background knowledge based on previous readings of Stewart's book, but I would...
  19. P

    Courses Take Programming Course(s) or Self-Study?

    As a physics undergraduate with the desire of going to grad school for physics (specifically HEP or field), I've come to understand the importance of learning some programming. I've come to the conclusion, through this forum and personal contacts, that Matlab, Mathematica, and Fortran are...
  20. C

    Self-Study Math Books for Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations

    I'm interested in teaching myself the following subjects: - Calculus I, II, and III - Linear Algebra - Differential equations The highest math courses I've taken are pre-calculus in high school and business calculus in high school. What books would you all recommend for learning...
  21. E

    No engineering background, want to self-study medical engineering. Tips?

    I have a physics and medical physics background with no engineering coursework or work experience to speak of. I have some knowledge of the design and function of various medical technologies, mostly pertaining to radiation oncology and radiology, acquired through my job as a medical physicist...
  22. H

    Self-Study Textbook for Modern Physics

    Guys i need an easy to understand Modern Physics Book. I am planning to complete the course on my own in summer break, so that when my university reopens i could take an extra course without any extra burden. Here is the course website, Please make 2 or 3 suggestions based on the course...
  23. M

    Can you recommend a good site for self-study?

    Hello 30 years before I graduated from the Technical University Electrical Engineering Department. Now I would like to add a degree of theoretical physics and mathematics necessary. I am interested in the theory of relativity, Quant physics, nuclear physics and related fields...
  24. M

    Good combinatorics books for self-study?

    I am a first-year physics major (currently in calc 2) and was wondering if there are any good introductory/low-level books on combinatorics through which I could educate myself over the summer. My college is offering a topics course on it next semester, but I was told by the professor that it...
  25. R

    Studying ChE with Felder book (self-study, online, programming)

    I'm taking a second-year chemical engineering course online with BYU (link: http://is.byu.edu/site/courses/description.cfm?title=CHEN-273-200#). It uses the Felder textbook (link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/047168757X/?tag=pfamazon01-20), which I reckon is popular for most ChE programs. What...
  26. M

    Finding the Right Biology Books for Self-Study

    Is there a good general list of books on biology? I would like to start self study routine but I don't know what books to buy. Thank you.
  27. A

    Which mathematical topics should I attempt to self-study over the Summer?

    Just as a little background, by the time summer comes around, I will have taken mathematics classes up to basic differential equations, multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and some probability theory. In Physics, I will have taken up to classical mechanics and mathematical physics. I want to...
  28. A

    Good mechanics text for self-study

    I am in my final year of a physics degree and have taken all the undergraduate mechanics available in the department, but I don't have a really solid understanding of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics. Does anyone have a recommendation for a mechanics book which is comprehensible for...
  29. R

    Is Simple Nature by Benjamin Crowell sufficient for self-study?

    Physicist Benjamin Crowell has released several open-source textbooks on physics and mathematics; one of them being http://lightandmatter.com/area1sn.html" . I have decided to study physics on my own in my spare time and Simple Nature seems to be quite sufficient; at least as an introductory...
  30. T

    Problems with physics self-study: completeness

    Hello, I am looking for some advice on self-studying physics. For a long time, I have essentially followed Ian Stewart's approach to learning - namely, flick through a textbook until you find something interesting, and read as much as you need to in order to understand it. In such a way, I...
  31. A

    After a Real Analysis book that has solutions (for self-study)

    One that is suitable for self-study and doesn't require me to constantly ask the internet for clarifications. 'Understanding Analysis' by Stephen Abbott and 'Real Mathematical Analysis' by C.C. Pugh seem suitable but unfortunately I can't find a solutions manual Thanks EDIT: Also I need a...
  32. M

    How to Self-Study Physics: Exploring the Foundations of Modern Science?

    Hello Few months ago I watched a documentary about string theory and I found it STUNNING so I started to read a little about modern physics. I got myself a textbook called "physics for scientists and engineers" which doesn't require advanced math to go through.The modern physics section in it...
  33. A

    Effective Tips for Self-Studying Math: How to Master the Subject on Your Own

    How do you guys go about teaching yourself math before you take a class/during the summer? My main issue is having the material stick, I can remember what I learned in class well because I probably spent hours studying the material for tests and making sure my problem sets were right, but when...
  34. M

    Recommended Texts for Self-Studying QFT?

    I'd like to learn QFT on my own, what's the best text for that? Srednicki's? what do people think of QFT demystifyed? thanks
  35. S

    Self-study on electromagnetism

    Hi there PF I am doing a self-study on electromagnetism based on "Introduction to Electrodynamics" by David Griffith. I am through with chapter 1, where I have solved all the problems. This has taken quite some time, so I want to ask, if anyone could give me some advice, about which problems...
  36. W

    Learning Curriculum : self-study

    This is for all those that have the will/motivation to learn outside of the classroom. I am a "prospective" student to the field of mathematics/physics/electrical engineering. I am curious as to what the curriculum you guys are taken is like? Like, what subjects are you learning from the day you...
  37. A

    What topics should I review for self-studying differential equations?

    Hello, I was wondering what topics I should consider brushing up on in order to self-study differential equations. I had to take a semester with no math class but I'm still competent in algebra, trig, and some concepts of calculus (up to multivariable). Are there any topics in calculus or...
  38. alemsalem

    Where do I self-study QFT from?

    I have three months before I begin grad school,, I have been studying from Mark Srendnicki's book its good but I'm not satisfied (because I jumped to QFT instead of studying things in between)... I found Colman's Lectures (http://www.physics.harvard.edu/about/Phys253.html) and Lecture notes and...
  39. P

    Self-study Theory of Computation

    Good night, I want to study by myself Theory of Computation and its three main areas: Computational Complexity, Automata Theory and Computability. I find Algorithms and Algorithm Analysis to be specially interesting (although I don't know exactly where this topic fits). I am starting to...
  40. A

    Cheap Books for Self-Study: 10% Off at Bookdepository.co.uk

    Hi all, As the title mentioned, bookdepository.co.uk is having a 10% discount: http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/spring?utm_source=NL-Header&utm_medium=email-Newsletter&utm_term=An-extra-10-off-everything&utm_content=Main-promo&utm_campaign=May10offCoupon-2011 I would like to buy some...
  41. M

    Programs Self-Study After Degree: Physics Exploration Tips

    I was a bit uncertain where to post this, so forgive me if it's in the wrong place! After 4 long, exciting, and at times difficult years, I have come to the end of my physics degree. I do not plan on going into further education at the present time, perhaps in the not so distant future I...
  42. H

    Physics Textbooks for Self-Study: Mechanics, Electrodynamics & More

    I've recently taken a liking to physics and math, and I want to start reading some texts about the various physics topics. There are many books out there to choose from, I'll list the books next to the topic as I go along. Mechanics 1. "Introduction to Classical Mechanics: With Problems and...
  43. S

    Looking for good books for self-study

    I've been reading up on the history of mathematics and it has motivated me to try to relearn the math I forgot (and more) from a pure mathematics standpoint. My background is in physics. I had the three-semester sequence of calculus for engineers, followed by a semester of linear algebra and...
  44. T

    What is best self-study Relativity Books?

    I thought I will post it in the books section,but I think I need the experts guidance,so what is/are the best self-study books...I am not so good in mathematics (Tensors...etc) just something to start with...thanks in advance
  45. T

    What is the best self-study Quantum book?

    Can anyone tell me what is the best self-study book in quantum mechanics...I use now Quantum Mechanics Demystified (David McMahon)...thanks
  46. T

    How Can I Effectively Teach Myself Advanced Math Skills?

    Ok, I am really hooked now. I have always enjoyed math and love math problems and everything math. I am enthrawled by the threads here and only wish I could understand it all. I am a typical layman hobbiest math enthusiast but I haven't done much in the way of real study since high...
  47. L

    Beginning self-study - one question

    Hi, I will begin studying calculus this or next week. I'm registered for the online version of U of Wisc's Calculus and Analytic Geometry. It's the standard, non-honors class, so we're using Thomas and Finney. Because I foresee wanting a deeper understanding of the subject, I will also be...
  48. B

    Organizing Self-Study: Advice from Others

    Just wondering how some of you guys have done self-study? That is, how have you organized it all? Any advice would be greatly appreciated :) Thanks!
  49. D

    Does anyone have an idea for a self-study syllabus?

    A very odd question... But never-the-less I need some help w/ my personal QM studies. I'm just a lowly freshman here at UCSB and suddenly discovered an urge to study quantum mechanics. My roommate is a top-notch Physics grad working on his PhD, and he helps me with problem solving; but his...
  50. D

    Asking for help in neuroscience`s self-study

    Hi everyone! I`m an undergraduate who has always been interested in neuroscience, though i`m currently studying Maths. I`ve decided to post in this forum as i`d seen some useful advice with regard to that topic. Anyway, my request would be the next: do you think it is possible to learn a...
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