Education Guides

Here contains all the non-technical guides for the topic of education. This usually revolves around being a student, in academia and career advice. Guides offer a window and option offering for many aspects education and STEM careers. Learn something new today!

teaching physics

A Lesson In Teaching Physics: You Can’t Give It Away

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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. The…
what if physics questions

How to Ask ‘What If’ Physics Questions: Avoiding Pitfalls

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Overview of "What If" Questions We receive many "what if" questions here on Physics Forums. This article explores three common types and offers suggestions…
science major advice

Aiming High and Managing Distractions as Keys to Success for Science Majors

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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?

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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…
advisor_textbooks

What’s Your Most Memorable Textbook?

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We asked our PF Advisors to tell us their most memorable or influential textbook and why. Here are their responses... PF Advisors' Favorite TextbooksThanks…
debatetips

3 Tips for Calmer, Civil Debate and Better Conversations

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Introduction Civil discussion and debate are critical to Physics Forums. But it is also important in everyday life. When arguments get overheated, people…
textbook

The Birth of a Physics Textbook: An Author’s Journey

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 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…
introphysics

So I Am Your Intro Physics Instructor

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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…
selfstudy

Why Self-Studying Math Often Fails: 5 Common Pitfalls

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My experience helping self-studiers For several years I have helped students who were self-studying mathematics. I did this free, without compensation,…
physicsathome

High School Physics: Courses, Resources, and Prep Guide

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

Can You Succeed in Mathematics? Common Concerns Answered

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Introduction We often see threads from new members asking whether they are cut out for mathematics, physics, engineering, or other technical fields.…
scienceprojects

Guide to Successful Science Fair Projects & Mentoring

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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…
goingbacktoschool

A Guide to Going Back to School For Math or Science

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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

Doubt, Discouragement, and Perseverance in STEM Careers

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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…
procrastination

Overcome Procrastination: Practical Student Strategies

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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…
physics course

CV Tips for Physicists: Secure Postdoc & Research Jobs

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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 doctoral

Postdoctoral Positions: How to Succeed as a Physicist

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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 jobs

Physics PhD Job Search: Start Well Before Graduation

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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…
thesis defense

Preparing for Your Physics PhD Thesis Defense Effectively

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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…
doctoral thesis

Writing Your Doctoral Thesis: Guide for Physics Grad

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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…
oral presentation2

APS March & April Meetings: Guide for Physics Grad Students

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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…
physics journals2

How to Publish in a Physics Journal (Addendum)

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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 …
oral presentation

Presenting Physics Research: Conference Tips for Students

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Part I: Early Physics Education in High Schools Part II: Surviving the First Year of College Part III: Mathematical Preparations Part IV: The…
masterdegree

How to Write a Master Degree Thesis As a Physics Major

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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…
physics journals

How to Publish Your PhD Research in Physics Journals

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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…
lab work

Research Ethics for Physicists: Keep a Detailed Lab Notebook

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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…
advisor research

Choosing a Physics Research Advisor in Graduate School

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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…
grad exam

Pass Physics Grad Qualifying Exams: Strategies & Plan

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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 …
other majors

Entering Physics Graduate School Without a Physics Degree

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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:…
publishing in journals

Guide to Publishing in Peer Reviewed Journals

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From Concept to Manuscript You've done the science.  You had an idea, performed an extensive literature review, designed an experiment, ran the experiment,…
alternative careers

Careers with a Physics Degree: Alternatives & Advice

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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 career

Understanding the US Physics Graduate School System

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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…
before grad school

Physics Graduate Assistantships: TA vs RA Explained

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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

Physics Grad School: Senior-Year Application Guide

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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

Physics Major Guide: Succeed in Years 3–4 and Research

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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 …
medical physics

How to Become a Medical Physicist in 3653 Easy Steps

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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…
math preparations

Mathematical Prep for Physics Majors — Essential Guide

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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…
surviving college

Essential Guide: Surviving Your First Year in Physics

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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

Early Physics Education in High Schools For Physics Majors

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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…
ADHD studying

Overcoming Challenges of Self-Studying Number Theory

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Introduction During my summer break I spent several hours each day self-studying mathematics—primarily number theory—even though I had no prior experience…