How would you go about studying physics outside of university?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on strategies for studying physics outside of a university setting, particularly for individuals struggling with the pace and format of traditional classes. Participants emphasize the importance of identifying personal barriers to success, such as preparedness and learning preferences. Recommendations include seeking academic counseling, utilizing community college resources, and evaluating one's commitment to pursuing a career in physics versus a general interest in the subject. The consensus is that self-study may not suffice for professional aspirations without addressing foundational issues.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts and terminology.
  • Familiarity with academic counseling resources.
  • Knowledge of community college programs and their offerings.
  • Awareness of personal learning styles and preferences.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore academic counseling services at your current institution.
  • Research community colleges offering physics courses.
  • Assess personal learning styles to identify preferred study formats.
  • Investigate online resources and textbooks for self-study in physics.
USEFUL FOR

Students considering a career in physics, individuals struggling with traditional academic formats, and anyone interested in self-directed learning in the field of physics.

Jaccobtw
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I think I want to pursue physics, but I can't seem to keep up with the pace of a university class. I also don't like the format. How would you go about doing this?
 
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If my goal was to become a physicist then I would say that I am not good enough for the profession. As for not liking the format then that's my problem. Now If I could not live with that prospect I might look a little deeper into my problems to see why I cannot keep up. If it is because I was not as prepared as I should have been then remedying the deficiencies would be my goal and then give it a go. I would suck up the issue with the format for if that's what it takes then that is what I will do.

How bad do you want it?
 
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Jaccobtw said:
I think I want to pursue physics, but I can't seem to keep up with the pace of a university class.
What do you mean by "pursue phyiscs"? Do you want to eventually work in a physics-related professional job? Or are you just interested in the knowledge that studying physics brings?

If you want to work in the field, you will need some level of school degree in physics. You will not earn that by studying physics on your own. If your goal is to work in physics, I agree with @gleem that you should figure out what is blocking you from doing better at university, and work on fixing those issues.

If you are at university now, do they offer academic counseling? If so, that can be a very helpful way to get started in figuring out what to change/improve going forward. If you have an academic advisor, he/she can also be a helpful resource for this process.
 
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Jaccobtw said:
I think I want to pursue physics, but I can't seem to keep up with the pace of a university class. I also don't like the format. How would you go about doing this?
?
Try studying at a community college? Decide if you like or do not like the "format" of Physics study. If you really do not like the format, then maybe you do not like the formal study of Physics. How would you prefer each course to be formatted?
 

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