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

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter yesterdaysjam
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Preparation
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the types of mathematics encountered in a first-year physics degree, particularly from the perspective of a mature-age student preparing for their studies. It includes inquiries about necessary mathematical skills, resources for self-study, and concerns regarding age and employability in the field of physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the types of mathematics used in a first-year physics degree, expressing concern about their math skills after a long break from studying.
  • Another participant suggests that if the physics class is calculus-based, then Calculus I and II will be heavily utilized, while non-calculus classes may require algebraic methods.
  • A participant shares a link to their university's physics major requirements and mentions a prerequisite math course that introduces calculus, seeking advice on whether to focus on learning calculus basics.
  • Some participants recommend reading ahead on calculus basics and utilizing available resources to prepare for the upcoming semester.
  • Concerns are raised about starting a degree at age 22, with one participant questioning if employers prefer younger graduates.
  • Another participant asserts that age discrimination in hiring is illegal, emphasizing that resumes are what matter in the hiring process.
  • Discussion includes differing perspectives on age discrimination laws in the US and Australia, with participants expressing uncertainty about the specifics of these laws and their implications in the scientific community.
  • One participant notes that while laws exist against discrimination, proving such discrimination can be challenging.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the importance of age in the job market, with some asserting that age should not be a factor in hiring, while others remain uncertain about the attitudes of employers towards older graduates. The discussion about the types of mathematics needed also reflects differing views on the necessity of calculus knowledge.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific math courses and their prerequisites, but there is no consensus on the best approach to prepare for the physics degree or the implications of age on employability.

yesterdaysjam
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
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.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
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.
 
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.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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.
 
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?
 
yesterdaysjam said:
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.
 
fss said:
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.
 
CRGreathouse said:
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.
 
yesterdaysjam said:
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...
 
  • #10
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.
 

Similar threads

High School Tips on developing and improving number sense and basic math skills
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Programs Physics degree to med school? please help
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
F=ma Prep and Resources for High School Students
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
How to discern between hobby and passion?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Schools How good and well-known is the physics program at RPI?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
Studying Advice for preparing for a physics degree
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Preparing for a Physics Degree: The Role of Programming in High School
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
My Grade 11 Math mark is eating me alive. What do I do?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
130K
Is it possible to switch from physics to maths after undergrad?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Studying Interested in Astronomy as a Freshman
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K