
A Lesson In Teaching Physics: You Can’t Give It Away
/
2 Comments
A central principle of Physics Forums regarding homework help is not to provide solutions on demand but to guide students along a path to the answer. …

How to Ask ‘What If’ Physics Questions: Avoiding Pitfalls
Overview of "What If" Questions
We receive many "what if" questions here on Physics Forums. This article explores three common types and offers suggestions…

Aiming High and Managing Distractions as Keys to Success for Science Majors
Overview
Over the years, I've noticed some distinct trends among the physics and chemistry majors I've mentored and worked with.
Those with GPAs in…

What Academic Advice Would You Tell Your 18 Year Old Self?
We asked our PF Advisors to tell us what academic advice would you tell your 18 year old self. Here are their responses…
PF Advisors' Academic AdviceThanks…

What’s Your Most Memorable Textbook?
We asked our PF Advisors to tell us their most memorable or influential textbook and why. Here are their responses...
PF Advisors' Favorite TextbooksThanks…

3 Tips for Calmer, Civil Debate and Better Conversations
Introduction
Civil discussion and debate are critical to Physics Forums. But it is also important in everyday life. When arguments get overheated, people…

The Birth of a Physics Textbook: An Author’s Journey
It is said that you should accomplish three things in life:Plant a tree.
Have a child.
Write a book.Out of the three, I have…

So I Am Your Intro Physics Instructor
I posted this elsewhere (on my blog), and someone mentioned that maybe it might also be useful here on PF. So I'm reproducing the entire entry here in…

Why Self-Studying Math Often Fails: 5 Common Pitfalls
My experience helping self-studiers
For several years I have helped students who were self-studying mathematics. I did this free, without compensation,…

High School Physics: Courses, Resources, and Prep Guide
Why High School Physics Matters
A year-long high school Physics course is important preparation for all college majors in science, engineering, and medicine…

Can You Succeed in Mathematics? Common Concerns Answered
Introduction
We often see threads from new members asking whether they are cut out for mathematics, physics, engineering, or other technical fields.…

Guide to Successful Science Fair Projects & Mentoring
Abstract
Over the past few years, the author and his wife have served as teachers, qualified scientists, mentors, and/or parents on dozens of science projects…

A Guide to Going Back to School For Math or Science
Motivations for creating the series
I came to Physics Forums originally to read ZapperZ’s thread about becoming a physicist back in 2013. It was one…

Doubt, Discouragement, and Perseverance in STEM Careers
Doubt, as odd as this may sound, can be essential to living. We all make decisions and later question whether we made the right choice; doubt helps influence…

Overcome Procrastination: Practical Student Strategies
Introduction
It's 6:30 in the morning. You've just woken up and feel so sleepy you think, "A few more minutes can't hurt," and drift back under your comforter.
The…

CV Tips for Physicists: Secure Postdoc & Research Jobs
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series
Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year…

Postdoctoral Positions: How to Succeed as a Physicist
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series
Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year…

Physics PhD Job Search: Start Well Before Graduation
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series
Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year…

Preparing for Your Physics PhD Thesis Defense Effectively
Overview: The Thesis Defense
At this point you have completed writing your thesis, your adviser has approved it, and you have distributed it to all members…

Writing Your Doctoral Thesis: Guide for Physics Grad
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series
Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year…

APS March & April Meetings: Guide for Physics Grad Students
Overview of the APS March and April Meetings
I'll try not to make a habit out of this, but I believe there's something to add to this chapter of the…

How to Publish in a Physics Journal (Addendum)
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... SeriesPart I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year of College
…

Presenting Physics Research: Conference Tips for Students
Part I: Early Physics Education in High Schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year of College
Part III: Mathematical Preparations
Part IV: The…

How to Write a Master Degree Thesis As a Physics Major
Your First Scientific Paper Ought to be good!
Structure and Contents of a Master's Degree Thesis
This guide was written some years ago as a guideline for…

How to Publish Your PhD Research in Physics Journals
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series
Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year…

Research Ethics for Physicists: Keep a Detailed Lab Notebook
Starting Your Research and Keeping Good Records
Now, where were we? Oh yes — you have started your actual research work. You and your adviser have…

Choosing a Physics Research Advisor in Graduate School
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series
Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year…

Pass Physics Grad Qualifying Exams: Strategies & Plan
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... SeriesPart I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year of College
…

Entering Physics Graduate School Without a Physics Degree
Can you enter physics graduate school without a physics degree?
I decided to write about this because it is a very common question on many physics forums:…

Guide to Publishing in Peer Reviewed Journals
From Concept to Manuscript
You've done the science. You had an idea, performed an extensive literature review, designed an experiment, ran the experiment,…

Careers with a Physics Degree: Alternatives & Advice
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series
Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year…

Understanding the US Physics Graduate School System
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series
Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year…

Physics Graduate Assistantships: TA vs RA Explained
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... SeriesPart I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year of College
…

Physics Grad School: Senior-Year Application Guide
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... SeriesPart I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year of College
…

Physics Major Guide: Succeed in Years 3–4 and Research
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... SeriesPart I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year of College
…

How to Become a Medical Physicist in 3653 Easy Steps
For many physics students, Medical Physics is that branch of the discipline that seems to hover in the no-man's land between academia and "industry." It's…

Mathematical Prep for Physics Majors — Essential Guide
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series
Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year…

Essential Guide: Surviving Your First Year in Physics
Part II: Surviving the First Year of College
This part covers survival tips for the first two undergraduate years. You’re now in college and intend…

Early Physics Education in High Schools For Physics Majors
So You Want to Be a Physicist: A 22-Part GuideFull Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... SeriesPart I: Early Physics Education in High…

Overcoming Challenges of Self-Studying Number Theory
Introduction
During my summer break I spent several hours each day self-studying mathematics—primarily number theory—even though I had no prior experience…
