Studying Do I need to revise HS physics?

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The discussion centers around a student's preparation for a chemistry program that includes physics courses, using Halliday, Resnick, and Walker's "Fundamentals of Physics" as the primary textbook. The student is unsure whether to review high school physics or jump directly into the university-level material, given their limited prior knowledge of physics. Responses emphasize that if the textbook is readable and the student is comfortable with the necessary math, they can proceed without revisiting high school content. It's suggested that studying calculus ahead of the physics courses will be beneficial, as some students find it easier to grasp physics concepts when they have a solid calculus foundation. The conversation also touches on language nuances between British and American English, particularly regarding the terms "review" and "revise." Overall, the consensus is that starting with the university textbook is appropriate, provided the student prepares adequately in advance.
nadiraux
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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
 
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nadiraux said:
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.
 
nadiraux said:
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.
 
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nadiraux said:
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.
 
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CrysPhys said:
The correct word is "review", not "revise".
And the correct word is "gasoline", not "petrol". :wink:
 
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jtbell said:
And the correct word is "gasoline", not "petrol". :wink:
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 .
 
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CrysPhys said:
<<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
 
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 :)
 
nadiraux said:
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. :oldbiggrin:

I wish you much success in your future studies.
 
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CrysPhys said:
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."
 
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symbolipoint said:
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.
 

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