Freshman Starting Physics: Advice Needed

  • Thread starter Thread starter Collatz
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Physics
AI Thread Summary
A freshman at Georgia Tech majoring in Physics seeks advice on preparing for Honors Physics I next semester, expressing a lack of prior knowledge in the subject. The discussion focuses on recommendations for foundational physics reading materials. One strong suggestion is to purchase the three-volume set of "Feynman Lectures on Physics," which is praised for its comprehensive insights. Additionally, acquiring the official Physics I textbook is advised, as it is considered an excellent resource that will aid in navigating the challenges of the coursework. Overall, the emphasis is on building a solid understanding of physics through these recommended texts.
Collatz
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
I am a freshman at Georgia Tech majoring in Physics, and next semester I am taking Honors Physics I.

Even though I have aspirations to study physics for a degree I have absolutely no knowledge in physics that could probably help me in the class in the spring. I was wondering if there was a book I could buy that I could carry with me far into my physics career that I could also start reading now to gain a more stable understanding of physics for the spring and just for personal knowledge.

Or should I just get my Physics I textbook and let that guide me?

Please and Thank You :D
 
Physics news on Phys.org
My recommendation would be to buy the 3-volume set of the "Feynman Lectures on Physics" and read them cover to cover.
 
Buy your textbook. It's the best textbook for Principles of Physics anywhere. It'll make your ridiculous GT classes that much less ridiculous.
 
I’ve been looking through the curricula of several European theoretical/mathematical physics MSc programs (ETH, Oxford, Cambridge, LMU, ENS Paris, etc), and I’m struck by how little emphasis they place on advanced fundamental courses. Nearly everything seems to be research-adjacent: string theory, quantum field theory, quantum optics, cosmology, soft matter physics, black hole radiation, etc. What I don’t see are the kinds of “second-pass fundamentals” I was hoping for, things like...
TL;DR Summary: I want to do a PhD in applied math but I hate group theory, is this a big problem? Hello, I am a second-year math and physics double major with a minor in data science. I just finished group theory (today actually), and it was my least favorite class in all of university so far. It doesn't interest me, and I am also very bad at it compared to other math courses I have done. The other courses I have done are calculus I-III, ODEs, Linear Algebra, and Prob/Stats. Is it a...

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
403
Replies
40
Views
5K
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
102
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Back
Top