Self study Definition and 63 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. E

    Question from Ballentine regarding nonnegativeness property of a general state operator

    I am trying to solve Problem 2.4 in Ballentine: I note in my attempt below to what (2.6) and (2.7) refer. My attempt thus far is as follows: A ##2 \times 2## state operator can be represented in a particular orthonormal ##\beta = \{\phi_i\}## as below, where we have enforced trace...
  2. yucheng

    Studying Balancing Theory and Applications?

    Merely studying formalism and theory in quantum mechanics is too dry and demotivating for me. I would appreciate being able to do more practical calculations and realistic applications instead of canned problems. Is there a way to balance this theory and applications? I have thought of doing...
  3. Weightlifting

    Studying When to check the solutions during self-study?

    Hi all! As I've mentioned in a previous post a while ago, I've started studying Calculus from "Calculus, a complete course" by R.A. Adams & C. Essex. I've managed to get through a good part of it already, and I plan to continue to more physics related textbooks afterwards. The end-goal I have...
  4. 0

    Studying Wrong mindset to study

    There is a brazilian lady that created a youtube channel with tips to succeed in local admission exams. She is focused on high competition, such as engineering (she is one) and meds (she passed by studying 3 months prior then dropped out in the first month). She skipped MA and went from BC...
  5. Mr.Husky

    Classical Confusion between Electrodynamics texts

    Hello everyone, I recently completed kleppner and kolenkow classical mechanics book. Next I am going to learn Electrodynamics. My brother is a EE major and he gave me his copy of "principles of electromagnetics" Matthew Sadiku 4th edition. But a lot of people here recommend Griffiths. So, 1.)...
  6. Passers_by

    Classical The first book of E&M is for self-study

    Can Classical Electromagnetism by Jerrold Franklin replace Griffith's for self-study? The book is now in its second edition.
  7. jamalkoiyess

    How do you guys read a textbook?

    I am always trying to read textbooks (physics, in courses, or independently), and every time I end up in one of these situations: The book gets too technical for me to understand, or mentions something I do not know. The book goes on for too long and gets boring after the introductory chapters...
  8. N

    I would love to hear about how you study math books

    Summary: self study math books I wanted to make a post, been a while since my last one. I been taking a few weeks off but back studying linear algebra done right, and i notice a few things. First i will find myself reading the chapter, and fooling myself i get it, but then struggle with the...
  9. P

    Physics Going back for a masters, or is work experience just as good

    I am just looking for some opinions. I have been considering going to get my masters in Material Science (I have a B.S. in physics). I currently have a great job in the field, and it teaches me a ton. When getting my masters, I would keep the job, and they would even pay for a lot of it. I can't...
    • PCJJSBS
    • Thread
    • masters degree material science physics self study work experience
    • Replies: 6
    • Forum: STEM Career Guidance
  10. M

    B Using competitive math question books for learning math?

    Hi, I have seen that their are competitive math books like Moems, Mathcounts, Mandelbrot and AMC. Are these useful for learning and practicing math, or are they only useful for doing competitions and would be mostly a waste of time instead of learning from textbooks or just learning more new...
    • member 624364
    • Thread
    • books learning math question self study
    • Replies: 1
    • Forum: General Math
  11. T dawg

    Studying Can self-studying be fulfilling and effective?

    I'm about to transfer from a community college over to a university this semester for physics. I've completed all lower division physics and math courses and of course, I missed the deadline to apply for vast majority of physics related internships I could get. Add to that the fact that there...
  12. L

    Studying How to self-study advanced books like Weinberg's QFT?

    Although the question came to my mind while studying Weinberg's QFT books, the doubt is much more general than that, and is not a doubt about physics, but rather about how to actually study and learn the topic alone from the book. From one point I agree that coming up with this doubt nearly...
    • leo.
    • Thread
    • advanced physics book quantum field theory self study study tips
    • Replies: 1
    • Forum: STEM Academic Advising
  13. Robin04

    Studying Managing individual research projects, how to self study

    I’m starting my undergraduate physics degree next semester but I really like to study different fields on my own without any external motivation or obligation related to school. As I want to be a theoretical physicist I think this is something that I really have to be good at, because I imagine...
  14. Q

    Studying Self studying math and physics

    Has anyone been successful self studying mathematics and physics? By successful I mean to achieve your goals to study and have firm understanding in the subjects. How did you do it? How long did it take?
  15. Cibo Matto

    Job Skills Can self-study/teaching count as credentials?

    Hello, long time lurker here on PF. I was wondering if there is anyway that I could make self-study/teaching count in any way as credentials for future jobs? I have a masters degree already but I'm hesitant to jump into a PhD since it would require that I attend part time while I work full time...
  16. N

    Schools Should I take a gap year to self study before college?

    I was admitted to a very good undergraduate physics program (Columbia University), but I think I would like to take a gap year (defer my admission) to prepare my self better. I do feel a bit intimidated as I come from Colombia and I would prefer it if I could further my studies before going to...
  17. mr.tea

    Topology Topology book for self-study

    Hi, I would like to receive suggestions regarding (general) topology textbook for self-study. I have background in real analysis, linear and abstract algebra. I am not afraid of a challenging book. Thank you!
  18. UsableThought

    Sleep deprivation & poor brain function

    Just curious if anyone else has sleep problems or other issues that particularly interfere with learning; and if so, what are your ways of coping with or minimizing these issues? Or if you like, on the positive side, of really helping your brain out w/ healthy habits? Some background on me: I...
  19. S

    Studying My self study plans

    Hi, I am going to attend A level exams as a private student by january 2018 in the subjects of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. I have planned to study 2 hours per subject in a day. By evening I would go to coaching classes in all subjects except biology, that would be 3 hours of...
  20. B

    Studying Am I Reading Math Textbooks Efficiently?

    Dear Physics Forum friends, I am an undergraduate at US actively pursuing mathematics and microbiology. Recently, I started to evaluate my methodology of reading books in the mathematics, which raised me some concerns and worry that I want to share with you, and seek advice from you. Whenever...
  21. micromass

    Insights Comments - How to self-study algebra. Part II: Abstract Algebra - Comments

    micromass submitted a new PF Insights post How to self-study algebra. Part II: Abstract Algebra https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/aastock6.png [Broken] Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  22. P

    Studying Which books should I read before starting university?

    [I know that I've already posted the question, but I'm just looking for more answers.] I just graduated from high school and will begin university physics classes in 2 months. Even though I got decent grades in high school and understood most of the things, I feel as though there are still some...
  23. P

    Schools Should I read University Physics by Freeman & Young right no

    I just graduated from high school and will begin university physics classes in 2 months. Even though I got decent grades, I feel as though there are still some gaps in my knowledge. I have Calculus by Stewart and University physics. Which one should I start reading and hope to complete in 2...
  24. micromass

    Insights Problems with Self-Studying - Comments

    micromass submitted a new PF Insights post Problems with Self-Studying Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  25. B

    Classical Is Landau/Lifshitz series suitable for learning?

    I am interested in learning about the classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics as my current research in the mathematics and microbiology will involve them. I found Landau/Lifshitz series on Amazon, which seems to cover the main branches of physics. Unfortunately, I did not...
  26. Dr. Courtney

    Schools Resources for High School Physics at Home - Comments

    Dr. Courtney submitted a new PF Insights post Resources for High School Physics at Home Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  27. micromass

    Insights How to Self-study Analysis. Part Ii: Intermediate Analysis - Comments

    micromass submitted a new PF Insights post How to self-study analysis. Part II: intermediate analysis Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  28. micromass

    Insights How to Self-study Algebra: Linear Algebra - Comments

    micromass submitted a new PF Insights post How to Self-study Algebra: Linear Algebra Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  29. S

    Classical Self study project, feedback on my selection of books?

    I'm going to reinforce my physics knowledge via self study in my spare time, the amount of time available is varying since I'm a parent and have a full-time work... My math background: Real and complex analysis, linear algebra (abstract, but finite-dimensional), basic abstract algebra, number...
  30. W

    Studying Self-studying biology

    Hello, I want to learn biology from stratch for a hobby, I never studied it in school good enough so I want to do it now, should I go through entire Campbell Biology to grasp basic stuff? I want to note that I want to focus on bioinformatics as I progress One more thing to note is that I want...
  31. P

    Other Full physics tutorial series

    Hey Physics Forums! I am a self taught individual, who would like to learn more about physics. My goal in life is to virtually understand every physics principal we know, and become extremely good at all forms of physics. I will be reading physics books over the next 30 years, so that i can...
  32. E

    Calculus BC is 2 months

    Hello I am currently a sophomore in high school and am looking to graduate early next year. I need to take 4 additional classes this summer at my local community college in order to satisfy all the courses I need in order to graduate early. To give my self a boost I was looking into taking the...
  33. H

    Calculus Will this calculus book 'clear' me for mechanics textbooks?

    Hey, I'm one of those people who's been trying to learn Physics for ages before finishing high school (writing it down like this really makes me sound like some hopeless nerd with nothing better to do..) but never got around to doing it because my calculus knowledge sucks so much. :-) My...
  34. S

    Learning C by myself

    Hi all, I am looking to learn C by myself since it is a programming language that is used in my micro controllers class that i am going to take during the upcoming Spring semester at my university. I was wondering how i should go about doing this? I was thinking of using book The C Programming...
  35. B

    Quantum Good self study books for physics of quantum computing

    Hello everyone, I'm an undergraduate double majoring in physics and math. I have one year left after this one, then I plan to go to grad school for theoretical physics (not sure what field yet). My professor keeps suggesting the physics side of quantum computing as a good career route and I'm...
  36. Mastermind01

    Self-studying Programming

    Hello, So I'm in high school and I wanted to self-study programming. In summer I completed the course Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python on edX . I really liked it. I was wondering what I should do next and from where? Should I learn a different language (C , C++ and...
  37. B

    Classical A Good Supplement to Goldstein's Classical Mechanics

    Dear Physics Forum advisers, I am a collegiate junior with double majors in the mathematics and computer science. I bought a classical-mechanics book written by Herbert Goldstein in order to aid my current undergraduate research, grow my curiosity in the physics, and prepare for upcoming...
  38. B

    How to prepare for the Quantum Mechanics course?

    Dear Physics Forum personnel, I am a college student with double majors in the mathematics and computer science. I recently got interested to the art of quantum mechanics course through my current undergraduate research in the theoretical computer science, where my near-future project will...
  39. B

    Is this a good idea for studying mathematics?

    Dear Physics Forum advisers, I am an undergraduate student in US and an inspiring applied mathematician in the fields of theoretical computer science. I recently have been reading a book called "Joy of Learning" by Hironaka Heisuke, a mathematician and Fields Medalist (1970); the book seems to...
  40. S

    Self study towards quantum mechanics, string theory etc.

    Hello, before I start off, I apologize for asking a question which I am sure has been asked hundreds of times before: but I felt there is just way too much information out there which is a little confusing, so I am here with the hope of getting some personalized suggestions. I am currently a...
  41. J

    Self-study AP Physics C after taking IB Physics SL & Calc?

    I am a current High School senior intending on majoring in Physics in college. Last year I took IB Physics SL and got a 4 on the test but kept my head above water on all the unit tests. I'm currently taking AP Calculus BC and am doing very well. I have exhausted all other science classes in my...
  42. B

    Quantum Good introductory books in the Quantum Mechanics?

    Dear Physics Forum friends, I am a college undergraduate in US with double majors in the mathematics and computer science. I have been doing research in the theoretical computer science, and I recently got interested in the quantum cryptography. Since I cannot take any physics course until...
  43. B

    Discrete Introductory books on Graph Theory and Combinatorics?

    Dear Physics Forum friends, I am a college junior who is currently conducting the undergraduate research in the theoretical computer science. I wrote this post to seek you recommendation on the books that separately treat the graph theory and combinatotics, both in theory and applications. I...
  44. Oliver Ross

    Reaching skill level for Mathematical Research

    I'm a highly determined (and slightly stubborn) high school freshman who wants to learn enough mathematics to conduct mathematics research with a mentor. Looking on the internet, I found a program called MIT Primes, where students can be matched with graduate students/professors at MIT to...
  45. kostoglotov

    How should I teach myself Linear Algebra?

    I am preparing myself for a BSEE starting next year. I have just finished Stewarts Calculus for Calc I,II,III and Diff Eqs up to solving 2nd order non-hom diff eqs by undet. coeffs, variation of parameters and power series. In high school some 15 years ago I saw some very basic linear algebra...
  46. B

    Discrete Books on the introductory number theory?

    Dear Physics Forum advisers, I am currently looking for an introductory textbook that covers the number theory without being too focused on the algebraic and analytical aspects of NT. My current underaduate research in the theoretical computer science and the Putnam preparation led me to the...
  47. E

    Physical cosmology learning sites

    Hi all! Where are some good places on the Internet where I can learn about physical cosmology? Specifically any good websites that are devoted to physical cosmology that you know about?
    • Entr0py
    • Thread
    • amateur cosmology self study
    • Replies: 4
    • Forum: Cosmology
  48. B

    Calculus Theoretical Multivariable Calculus books

    Dear Physics Forum advisers, Could you recommend books that treat the multivariable calculus from a theoretical aspect (and applications too, if possible)? I have been reading Rudin's PMA and Apostol's Mathematical Analysis, but their treatment of vector calculus is very confusing and not...
    • bacte2013
    • Thread
    • book book recommendation calculus 3 calculus on manifolds multivariable calculus multivariate calculus self study self-learning vector calculus
    • Replies: 8
    • Forum: Science and Math Textbooks
  49. E

    Having trouble trying to relearn physics

    I'm trying to relearn physics the summer. I've been studying some basic calculus and I've enjoyed it. But I'm going back to solving problems that don't involve any calculus, such as kinematics (like using the suvat equations). Now the problem is I'm having a very difficult time solving some...
  50. B

    Algebra Comments about "Topics in Algebra" by I.N. Hertsein?

    Dear Physics Forum advisers, Today, I got two gifts from my research mentor: "Topics in Algebra" by I.N. Herstein and "Abstract Algebra" by Dummit/Foote. I am very happy and grateful for his gifts, but I already have been studying the abstract algebra through Michael Artin and Hoffman/Kunze...
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