Maths Prep for Physics Degree: Tips from a Mature-Age Student

[yesterdaysjam]

Hey there.

Can anyone tell me the types of mathematics you encounter in a 1st year physics degree. I haven't opened a maths book since high school, which was about 5 years ago, and I was by no means a math whizz back in school. I'm going to choose basic math units to ease me back into it but I'm worried I'll still struggle, so I've decided to teach myself as much as I can before the start of semester next year.

Also I'm 22 and going in as a (not-so)mature age student... does this this seem too late to begin a degree and potentially a career in physics?

Thanks,
Justin.

 

[fss]

Is your physics class calculus-based? If so, Calc I and II will be utilized heavily. If not you'll have to do things the hard, algebraic way.

 

[yesterdaysjam]

Hey fss here's the general outline of the units involved in the physics major at my university:

http://www.physics.mq.edu.au/current/undergraduate/required/Recom_Physics.pdf"

Before I start, though, I'll be doing the MATH130 unit which is a prerequisite for the MATH135 unit in the 1st semester:

http://www.maths.mq.edu.au/undergraduate/math130d.html"

Do you think I should focus on learning the basics of calculus? I intend to learn as much as I can during the four month holiday break in between semesters, so any resources and knowledge that you can share would be a massive help.

 

[fss]

That Math 130 course description says it introduces you to calculus, so that should be fine. It never hurts to read ahead; just search for "calculus basics" or pick up a book if you're looking to read in advance.

 

[yesterdaysjam]

Excellent.

Thanks for your time fss.

EDIT: Also what are your views on starting at 22? Do employers look for younger university graduates or is there no difference?

 

[fss]

EDIT: Also what are your views on starting at 22? Do employers look for younger university graduates or is there no difference?

Can't speak for anyone else, but when I've looked for employees in the past their resume (which does not include birth date) is what gets them to the next step of the process. It's usually illegal to discriminate against someone based on their age.

 

[CRGreathouse]

It's usually illegal to discriminate against someone based on their age.

In the US it's legal (but highly questionable!) to discriminate by age against persons under the age of 40.

 

[yesterdaysjam]

In the US it's legal (but highly questionable!) to discriminate by age against persons under the age of 40.

I'll have to look into the laws in Australia but I can't see them being much different to the US. I was hoping the scientific community would be a little more accomodating when it came to things such as age, I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

 

[CRGreathouse]

I'll have to look into the laws in Australia but I can't see them being much different to the US. I was hoping the scientific community would be a little more accomodating when it came to things such as age, I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

I'd be surprised if any other country did it like the US does. It's a silly system...

 

[yesterdaysjam]

Well I know here we have the Equal Employment Opportuniy law which basically states that it's illegal to discriminate via race, sex, age etc. I think it might even state that the more disadvantaged person should get the job providing both candidates are equally qualified. But in saying that discrimination still happens here and it's quite hard to prove that someone was being discriminated against.