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. R

    Help me find the ideal physics book for self-study

    So here I am: Before beginning the Irish Leaving Cert last September (equivalent to British A-Levels, etc), I had absolutely no background knowledge in the subject apart from some basic equations and principles from Junior Cert Science (equivalent to British GCSE's, but much less detailed) -...
  2. L

    Summer Self-Study Prep for Honors Analysis at UoC

    Summer Self-Study?? Hi, I'm high school senior from Vancouver, Canada and I'm entering U of Chicago this fall! I've searched through the forum like literally hundred times and still unsure of what to do for this summer. So, to introduce myself, I took AP Calc BC in gr.10 but never pushed myself...
  3. B

    How can i motivate myself to self-study math/physics effectively? Am i too lazy?

    I have completed year 1. The science department does not offer summer classes and the only summer class i enroll is africa studies. :blushing:I am self studying this summer. But i have a problem of concentration. I often go to watch nba playoffs and youtubes after i have read through a few...
  4. F

    Studying Learning Physics Self-Study: Struggles & Solutions

    I know a good number of people who seem to be able to self study physics material - aka read ahead for classes, read textbooks outside of classes, and I always find myself jealous. I'm usually able to learn pretty well on my own if I have a project, or if I'm trying to learn something really...
  5. A

    Which Famous Mathematician's Books Should I Study for Self-Study on Algebra?

    peace, well, actually, i just finished my first year on University, and suddenly interested to do some "formal" self study for the first time, as i have thought this before but never have the initiative to start :tongue: i'm a math major, and still unclear of what kind of math i am. But, by...
  6. N

    Create a Self-Study Schedule for AP Calculus AB

    Hi all. I recently took AP Calculus AB as a senior. While I feel that I enjoyed and understood the subject matter greatly, my class got no where near where we were supposed to get. I really want to have a good Calculus base for college next year, especially if I decide to start in Calc II...
  7. Z

    Noether's Theorem, Symmetries & Lorentz/Poincare Group Self-Study - help?

    Hello folks, I'm interested in getting a much deeper understanding of symmetries and how they pretty much define the universe; e.g. translation symmetry in time = Conservation of Energy?? according to Wikipedia. I'm *extremely* interested in how symmetries lead to universal laws. My level...
  8. P

    Computer Science books for self-study

    Hi, I'm a prospective computer science student and would like to get a heads-up on some of the courses that I would most likely be taking at a university. Just to make the distinction, I'm not talking about books like "Teach yourself x in x decades" or "practical guide to data structures". I...
  9. Z

    Self-study of Lie Algebras

    Could anyone recommend a good book on Lie Algebras for self-study? I need to deeply understand Dynkin diagrams and classification of algebras. Other question: does anybody know a book on problems of Lie Groups or Lie Algebras? Thank you.
  10. D

    Books for self-study in pure areas of mathematics

    Books for self-study in "pure areas" of mathematics Hi, I am starting an applied mathematics course this year at university. Unfortunately I don't have the option to study "pure" areas of mathematics, but I would like to learn more about them to become a more complete mathematician at the end...
  11. R

    Partial Differential Equations book for self-study

    I want to self-study partial differential equations. i have done some pure math course but I wish to keep proofs to minimal. If possible I don't want to be bothered with PDE proofs in my self study. Instead, I want to learn how to apply and solve PDEs. the ultimate goal is to prepare myself my...
  12. B

    Best Calculus book for self-study

    I'm currently in high school and would like to get a better understanding of Physics as well as Calculus, as I have no experience with either precalculus or calculus, and I really want to self study it. What books do you recommend for learning calculus on your own?
  13. M

    Best physics textbooks for self-study

    Greetings all, Which textbooks do you recommend for self-study of 1. quantum physics 2. relativity, both special and general 3. cosmology/astrophysics Please take into account that I am a masters student in pure math, so "mathematical maturity" is not an issue (hopefully)...
  14. A

    Help with Theoritical Physics self-study program.

    Hi, I am going to start from Zero in theoretical physics, and have no chance to study it in a university now, so I will do self-study until I can do graduate study in physics, I am an EE so I have background in physics and maths. so, please I need someone to help me with the following: -...
  15. F

    Recommend Calculus Text Book for self-study

    I have Calculus with Analytic Geometry Seventh Edition, by Larson is that sufficient for self-study Calculus II and III Got a 3 on AP BC, and not taking math class this fall, so figure i can self study. Thanks
  16. C

    A rigorous calculus self-study

    Okay, here's the deal: I am going to run out of math classes at my high school at the end of this [junior] year. I'll have finished AP Calc BC (with Larson/Edwards as the text), but I already studied almost all of Gilbert Strang's free online text. So I'm really bored redoing material I...
  17. M

    Learning How to Learn: How Do You Self-Study?

    I know that college is mainly about teaching yourself how to learn and study on your own. My question is; how do you teach yourself things like math or sciences? Obviously with a course, you read the textbook, do the problems, and take the tests. Self-study would probably be similar but without...
  18. J

    Self-Study Group: Join Now Before Semester Ends!

    Well, I was following a thread about a self-study group, but the op of the thread hardly ever gets online, so I'm wondering if anyone still wants to do this, as my semester is almost over, and I'd have time over the summer to try to study something. EDIT: I am referring to the post by studious.
  19. George Jones

    Studying Mechanics and E&M Books for Self-Study?

    I am making a webpage on self-study references for cosmology, relativity, quantum mechanics, elementary particles and quantum field theory, and string theory. I need suggestions for background references. Suppose someone who was/is an above average (but not top) student has taken first-year...
  20. M

    Concepts or technique for Precalc self-study?

    I'm going to be taking a precalculus course in the fall. I'd like to be as prepared as possible for it so that I will be able to get as much out of the class as possible. I have access to a variety of textbooks, some are rather rigourous Precalc texts from the 60s and some are the "modern"...
  21. E

    Studying Books for self-study AP Physics C : Mech & Electromag

    Hai guys iam kinda new here, this is actually my first post. So after i chose to independently self-study the whole of AP Physics C, i ended up compiling a list of books i needed. They are: Main: -Halliday, David, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walke. 2008. Fundamentals of Physics, 8th ed...
  22. R

    Finding the Right Calculus Book for Self-Study

    I'm looking for an introductory calculus book. I am thinking about purchasing serge Lang's: A First course in Calculus. Would this be a good self study book? Or would you suggest others. I am looking for a book with a good balance between proofs and examples. I want the exercises though to...
  23. R

    I'm looking for self-study books strictly on precalc. Trig. and Analytic Geo.

    Does anyone have any recommendations? Here is my plan: My text covers trigonometry, but not analytic geometry. I am interested in learning analytic geometry to increase my confidence for beginning calculus, so the quality of the analytic geometry book is the higher priority. I also...
  24. A

    What's the best self-study book for statistical mechanics?

    I have to take that next year and am nervous about it. I took it as an undergraduate, but most of it went right over my head. Now I have to take the graduate-level course. Can anyone recommend a good book for me to read in preparation for that class?
  25. J

    Finding the Right Textbook for Self-Study GR

    So I was thinking about getting some textbook for self-study GR. I don't need to master it, I just wanted to get a look at it for the first time. Is there a particular textbook that anyone would recommend for me? Thanks!
  26. K

    Schools Does self-study matter when applying to graduate schools?

    I'm a junior math major in college, and I'd like to apply to some graduate schools when I'm done. If I haven't taken any analysis courses (beyond a basic "advanced calculus" sequence), but I've covered a full year of real analysis on my own, will that make a difference? I'm thinking of...
  27. N

    What topics should I focus on for self-studying mathematics?

    I'm a biochemistry major who's interested in continuing my studies of mathematics on my own time, mainly for time and monetary reasons (school's getting more expensive) and because I think competence in math can be helpful in other areas. At my university I'm required to go through a full year...
  28. R

    Best Text For Analysis Self-Study

    Any recommendation's for a good textbook to study analysis solo? I know that there is Rudin & Apostol, although I'm sure there more "user friendly" introductory books. I was thinking about picking up baby Rudin to attempt the material. Since I'm going to be taking Calculus III(vector) next...
  29. K

    What Study Materials Deepen Understanding of Quantum Mechanics Foundations?

    I'm interested in understanding foundational issues in QM more deeply. For example, I'd like to be able to read and understand the literature on the Transactional Interpretation of QM and the Many-Worlds Interpretation, as well as the literature on decoherence. What can you recommend for a...
  30. X

    Is self-studying for a physics and mathematics degree a feasible option?

    So I have finally decided to study physics and mathematics (starting from undergraduate level) on my own at home... Do you think its a good idea? Are there any well-known modern physicist who did not go to a university? Also, what journals would you suggest that I shoud subscribe to keep in...
  31. A

    Courses Should I self-study Calc III before taking the course?

    So I have some free time this summer and was wondering if it would help to review topics from Several Variable Calculus (I believe its called calc III in most places?) before taking the class. I haven't taken calc with a lot of integrals in a year now because my freshman year in college i took a...
  32. E

    Is There a Resource for Rudin's Later Chapters Beyond Drexel's Website?

    I am trying to self-study Rudin's Principles of Mathematical Analysis. It worked well for the first 7-8 chapters since there were tons of resources online that gave suggested homework problems, solutions, and hints but now I have reached chapter 9 and the only course website I can find that...
  33. B

    Self-Study General Chemistry II: Prep for Class w/o Lab

    I want to take a chemistry class in the summer (General Chemistry II), but it has been two years since Chem 1A. My school does not allow me to take it again for credit and I will be very behind if I don't take chemistry over the summer (I still have no idea what to major in, but it will be...
  34. T

    Looking for fractals texts suitable for guided self-study.

    I have finally convinced one of my professors to sponsor an honors research/reading course over the summer, but I need to find a suitable book. I own quite a number of older layperson's books on fractals including the standards by Mandelbrot and Barnsley and even Peitgen/Jürgens/Saupe's Chaos...
  35. nicksauce

    Easier for self-study: Analysis or Algebra?

    I am a physics major doing a minor in math going into my last year in the fall. I want to learn both algebra I and analysis I, but my schedule doesn't allow for it, so I want to take one of them in the fall and self-study the other during the summer. In your opinion which would be easier for...
  36. K

    Exploring Algebra: Where to Start with Self-Study

    I finished a course in Algebra last semester and I've decided that Algebra is the best math for me. I'd really like to know more. I studied Gallians book though I looked through Herstiens a bit as well. The problem is that my school doesn't have a second course in Algebra so I have to study...
  37. T

    Learn Physics: Books and Courses for Self-Study

    I was wondering if there were any good books or courses out there that I could use to learn physics. I'm completed a basic high school level course in physics, but that's all. Are there any good teach-yourself books out there? I'm mainly interested in quantum / particle physics, but I know...
  38. E

    Comparing Textbooks for Real Analysis Self-Study

    I am trying to decide which textbook to use to self-study real analysis. I am debating between https://www.amazon.com/dp/0716721058/?tag=pfamazon01-20 and https://www.amazon.com/dp/007054235X/?tag=pfamazon01-20 It seems like Rudin is pretty ubiquitous on the course websites I have looked at...
  39. E

    Studying Recommendation of textbook for self-study of thermodynamics

    I want to know what book to use to self-study thermodynamics. I am preparing for the physics GRE. I have Reif and I read through the first 3 chapters. It is not the most amazing exposition I have ever read, but I think the problem is that I just have to get used to all of the hand-waving type...
  40. rocomath

    Programs Can Self-Study Bridge the Gaps for Aspiring Math Majors?

    I am planning on becoming a Math major if my plans to attend a different school does not go through. I really do love math, I find it very fun to learn and the outcome/solution to some problems amaze me. My main problem is that I have huge gaps and they'ved continued to build since I am now in...
  41. P

    Quick question with regards to self-study

    I am curious as to which disciplines of mathematics should I focus on before pursuing my degree in Astrophysics? Quick background on myself: I have spent the last 9 years in the Air Force working as a linguist. I have about 18 months left before my service commitment ends. I am putting...
  42. B

    Self-Study vs Honors Calc 3 for High School Senior

    I'm a senior in High School, and took BC Calculus as a Junior and this last semester a 1-semester Calc 1&2 honors class, mainly for those those who took AB in High School at the University of Utah. (It's surprising how bad you can do on the AP test and still get a 5). I'm signed up for the next...
  43. A

    Do you learn math better through self-study or through taking a formal course?

    I'm sure many of us don't need a teacher to learn a specific math subject, just a good textbook. Self-studying allows us to learn at our own pace, rather than at the pace the teacher sets for the whole class, though the pace we choose for ourselves may not be the correct pace. We can also...
  44. rocomath

    Self-study, good textbook choices? from MIT OCW

    Self-study, good textbook choices? I'm getting kind of bored with my courses atm, so I'm looking for additional math course to study. Textbooks are by DeGroot and Feller, would these textbooks be okay? I don't want to just trust the reviews on Amazon but a lot of them seem to discourage...
  45. F

    What Physics C textbook is easiest to self-study?

    Hello, I am a student interested in learning AP Physics C material on my own because the class is not offered at my school. My goals are - 5 on the AP Physics C exam(s) - Know calculus-based physics to compete in Science Olympiad I have taken the Physics B exam and Calc AB/BC exams (5...
  46. F

    Quantum Mechanics Self-Study Guide: Books & Math Techniques

    I've planned my free time to study Quantum Mechanics. How do I begin? Which books should I use in my self-study? And how difficult will the mathematical tecnique be? Thank you for all.
  47. K

    Self-Studying Physics: Recommended Books and the Role of Mathematics

    I'm currently an undergraduate with major in Mathematics. Since I'm quite interested in Physics, I'd like to self-learn some topics in Physics, in particular Classical Mechanics and Relativity. What books do you recommend for a beginner in these topics? Do my study in Mathematics helps? And...
  48. A

    Thermodynamics and Atomic/Nuclear Physics Left to self-study. Which one first?

    I basically have Heat/Thermodynamics and Atomic Nuclear Physics left to do, which ones should I study first? I've looked at both but they both seem so hard for me to understand. I get Heat and some of PV=nRT but I don't get the Root-mean-square speed and how it's derived. I like knowing how to...
  49. E

    The Best Textbooks for Self-Study Thread

    Hi, I notice that there are many self-study students here on PF so I thought it'd be a good idea to make a quick reference of great books. Please add on as I'm currently only at the precalculus level. These books should assume relatively little to no prerequisite knowledge, explain concepts...
  50. H

    Boost Your Undergraduate Math Skills with Self-Study Textbook Recommendations

    I would really appreciate any help in regards to textbooks you could give that I may study undergraduate maths from. I have recently become fascinated by maths through recent exposure to Euclid's "Elements". I was already self-studying the maths A level and am just about finishing studying and...
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