How do you Train in physics when you have LITTLE previouse education

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how an individual with limited previous education can effectively train in physics. It includes considerations of educational pathways, necessary mathematical foundations, and resources for self-study.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster expresses a newfound interest in physics and seeks guidance on educational pathways, particularly through open university courses.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of a solid mathematical foundation, specifically mentioning calculus and differential equations as essential for studying physics.
  • The original poster acknowledges their math skills are not strong but expresses willingness to improve, noting a specific interest in a course titled "maths in science."
  • Another participant suggests watching Leonard Susskind's lectures as a way to gain insight into advanced physics concepts while being beginner-friendly.
  • The original poster reports a positive experience with Susskind's lectures, indicating they were able to understand much of the content, including calculus.
  • A different participant proposes that if traditional college routes are not available, one could seek volunteer opportunities at research centers to gain experience and knowledge in physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the necessity of a strong mathematical background for studying physics. However, there are differing views on the best educational pathways, with some suggesting formal courses and others advocating for self-directed learning and volunteer work.

Contextual Notes

There are uncertainties regarding the acceptance of students without A-Levels into colleges and the specific requirements for pursuing a physics degree through open university courses.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals with limited formal education who are interested in pursuing physics, as well as those seeking alternative pathways to gain knowledge in the field.

leeh27uk
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How do you Train in physics when you have LITTLE previouse education!

HI,
I'm a 27 year old guy from the u.k, I have little previous education apart from my G.C.S.E's from when i was 16. A few years ago i stumbled across quantum physics and after constant research online i discovered that not only did i love physics as a whole but seemed to be able to understand and remember it fairly easily (to a point obviously). Iv never really found which direction i wanted to go with my life but after finding physics (in many forms) i seemed to find a direction so iv decided to look into open university courses. Iv just signed up to do a short course in Nuclear physics to ease me into the whole thing but after that, were do i start? Wot would the correct course be to take second and is it possible to get a degree in this doing the open university and not having A levels to start?
Thanks
 
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How is your math?? Before you can even start thinking about physics, you need to know quite a bit of math. Studying calculus and differential equations is absolutely essential.
 


ok thanks, that helps! my math isn't great but it isn't terrible either. although saying that i haven't really looked at much or either of those. so if i worked hard on my math then id find the physics courses a lot easier to digest! funnily enough i saw a short course on open uni site today called "maths in science" mmmmm!
 


If you want a rough idea of what more advanced level physics looks like you should check out leonard susskinds lectures on youtube, they're pretty beginner friendly and at the same time show you some of the deeper concepts in physics
 


thats great thank you... iv spent the last couple of hours watching one of his lectures of einsteins theory of relativity,considering i have no past experience i understood the majority of it and even managed to follow all the calculus! great advice thank you,and i shall continue to watch and learn it can only help!
 


I don't know the relationships bettween A-Levels and Colleges, if there are colleges that accept students without there A-Levels then you can do that, if not, only way I see is try to learn as much as you can about physics and math, and then try sending e-mails to research centers, telling you are willing to be a volunteer and work atleast 4 hours a day to learn, tell them your story tell them what you know, and surely your job opportunitys in physics research will come not at first but give it atleast 6 months or until you prove yourself to them. Peace and good luck
 

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