Can't take physics my first year

[scribkibs]

As an undergraduate highly considering graduate school, what are some ways I can still remain engaged with physics and with my institution's physics department despite my delayed start (I cannot take intro physics until my second year)? I was thinking of regularly attending department colloquia and seminars--is this okay for an undergrad to do? Anyway, I just don't want to fall behind or become rusty in physics. All suggestions welcome, thank you so much for reading!

 

[Frabjous]

The most important thing you can do is take math classes so that you will be ahead. Start developing good study habits.
Colloquia and seminars are open to everyone.

 

[jtbell]

(I cannot take intro physics until my second year)

Why not?

 

[scribkibs]

Why not?

I placed into the second highest math class (precalc), and I needed to place into calc in order to start intro physics. I will be able to complete the calc series before I begin my second year, though.

 

[jtbell]

I placed into the second highest math class (precalc), and I needed to place into calc in order to start intro physics.

Yep, Calc I is commonly a co- or pre-requisite for first semester intro physics. On the bright side, when you finally start intro physics, the calculus part should be pretty easy for you. At the schools I've studied or taught at, first-year intro physics uses calculus mainly to simplify things conceptually, and sticks to the simpler examples, from a problem-solving point of view. You probably won't deal with more than simple polynomials, trig and exponential functions.

For problem-solving at that level, it's more important to be good at algebraic manipulation. Aim to solve problems by combining the relevant equations symbolically, isolating the quantity/variable you want, and plugging in the numbers only at the very end. Don't fall into "serial numeric solutions", solving one equation numerically, then plugging the result into the next equation.

In higher-level courses, many or most of your problems will ask you to derive an equation, not calculate a number. You need to get practice in doing that.