Do I need to revise HS physics?

[nadiraux]

Heyy, quick question. In september I will have enrolled in chemistry program at an EU university. I understand basic calculus, though I know nearly zero physics and my future chemistry program involves two courses of physics, where the primary textbook used is translated Halliday, Resnick, Walker: Fundamentals of Physics (for translation they used 5th and 6th edition of the textbook). I bought it in advance and knowing basic math needed, I found it very readable and easy to understand. Do I need to go back to HS physics and revise it or jumping right to uni textbook will be safe with regards to my understanding of the subject?
Thanks a lot for your answers

 

[gleem]

I found it very readable and easy to understand. Do I need to go back to HS physics and revise it or jumping right to uni textbook will be safe with regards to my understanding of the subject?
Thanks a lot for your answers

If you find it readable and easy to understand why do you think you need to go back to your HS physics? That said you may occasionally refer to your HS physics on certain topics if the uni text is not particularly clear.

 

[CrysPhys]

Heyy, quick question. In september I will have enrolled in chemistry program at an EU university. I understand basic calculus, though I know nearly zero physics and my future chemistry program involves two courses of physics, where the primary textbook used is translated Halliday, Resnick, Walker: Fundamentals of Physics (for translation they used 5th and 6th edition of the textbook). I bought it in advance and knowing basic math needed, I found it very readable and easy to understand. Do I need to go back to HS physics and revise it or jumping right to uni textbook will be safe with regards to my understanding of the subject?
Thanks a lot for your answers

<<Emphasis added.>>

* The correct word is "review", not "revise". [ETA: See posts below.]

* By your own admission, your high school physics courses gave you nearly zero knowledge of physics. So what would be the point in reviewing them?

* Although some students take calculus as a co-requisite with physics at the level of the text you will be using, it's much easier if you take calculus as a pre-requisite. If you're comfortable with the math in the text, then you should be all set.

 

[symbolipoint]

or jumping right to uni textbook will be safe with regards to my understanding of the subject?

That is what you do. If possible, begin studying from it several weeks before the course begins.

 

[jtbell]

The correct word is "review", not "revise".

And the correct word is "gasoline", not "petrol".

 

[CrysPhys]

And the correct word is "gasoline", not "petrol".

Good catch. I just checked. You're correct. I'm familiar with many US vs British alternatives, but I've never come across "review" vs "revise" before (I also originally thought the OP might have meant "revisit"). My apologies to the OP, @nadiraux .

 

[nadiraux]

<<Emphasis added.>>

* The correct word is "review", not "revise". [ETA: See posts below.]

* By your own admission, your high school physics courses gave you nearly zero knowledge of physics. So what would be the point in reviewing them?

* Although some students take calculus as a co-requisite with physics at the level of the text you will be using, it's much easier if you take calculus as a pre-requisite. If you're comfortable with the math in the text, then you should be

 

[nadiraux]

Thank you all for your helpful answers. I actually have a few months to get at least somewhat comfortable with the curriculum of the course (and the textbook). I just wanted to be sure, that I won't miss some crucial step in understanding, if I skip HS curriculum. And exactly as @CrysPhys suggested, I intend to study calculus on my own as prerequisite to the course. At uni the courses are taken together, but I too am of opinion, that studying calculus a little ahead of physics is a good idea.

To the revise/review debate, interesting that you noticed that. I'm not a native speaker, so I'm not getting everything right, though in my country we are usually taught british english, so I didn't really think about it as using a british alternative, it's just natural wording for me. Apologies accepted :)

 

[CrysPhys]

To the revise/review debate, interesting that you noticed that. I'm not a native speaker, so I'm not getting everything right, though in my country we are usually taught british english, so I didn't really think about it as using a british alternative, it's just natural wording for me.

In many instances in the US, a British term will elicit merely a puzzled or confused reaction. But, if you ever visit the US, and end up lost in a dark place, try not to ask anyone for a torch.

I wish you much success in your future studies.

 

[Mark44]

I'm familiar with many US vs British alternatives, but I've never come across "review" vs "revise" before

I've seen it many times here at PF, most often from British members or those who learned British English. It's a synonym for the term used in the US, "review."

 

[WWGD]

That is what you do. If possible, begin studying from it several weeks before the course begins.

Agreed, but in a mostly relaxed way, to avoid burning out before the semester starts.

 

[Muu9]

I would try some of the exercises before deciding if the book is too hard or not.

You can learn basic calculus here: https://www.3blue1brown.com/lessons/essence-of-calculus