New Here? Questions About Transferring & Math/Physics Books

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around questions related to transferring from a community college to a four-year university without obtaining an associate's degree, as well as recommendations for math and physics textbooks, particularly in the fields of quantum physics and astrophysics. The scope includes personal experiences, academic planning, and resource suggestions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the possibility of transferring to a four-year school without an associate's degree while aiming for a 3.5 GPA or higher.
  • Several participants recommend Griffith's "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" and Griffiths' E and M book as good resources for studying physics.
  • One participant shares their personal experience of transferring from community college to a four-year university without an associate's degree.
  • Another participant cautions that Griffith's textbooks are typically used in later undergraduate years and may require prior knowledge in calculus and mathematical physics.
  • There is a suggestion that physics textbooks may not be readily available in typical bookstores, and online ordering might be necessary.
  • A participant notes that spending two years at community college may lead to an extended time at a four-year institution due to the limited physics offerings at community colleges.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants share personal experiences and recommendations, but there is no consensus on the transferability of credits without an associate's degree or the timeline for completing physics coursework.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the need for foundational courses before tackling advanced physics texts, indicating a dependency on prior knowledge and course sequencing.

offtheleft
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im new here and had a few questions.

I've been out of school for two years since graduation. I'm going to my local community college to get caught up, etc. I totally messed up in high school so I am more or less working from the ground up. i got all the basic stuff out of the way this summer. i took about 14credits over this summer (still not done obviously).

whats the chance i can transfer to a four-year school without getting my associates degree? i plan on maintaining at least a 3.5 gpa or higher.

i also had a few other questions. does anyone recommend any books on math/physics? I am particularly interested in quantum physics and astrophysics. i was told both are not easy but, I am not expecting easy. i enjoy a good challenge.


:)
 
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offtheleft said:
does anyone recommend any books on math/physics? I am particularly interested in quantum physics and astrophysics. i was told both are not easy but, I am not expecting easy. i enjoy a good challenge.


:)

I think Griffith's "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" is excellent and might be a good place to start. You might also want to check out Griffiths E and M book. Both of these are very standard around the country and very well-written.
 
I transferred to a four year university from community college w/out getting my associates.
 
ehrenfest said:
I think Griffith's "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" is excellent and might be a good place to start. You might also want to check out Griffiths E and M book. Both of these are very standard around the country and very well-written.

cool thanks. ill try barnes and noble after class tomorrow.

Fanaticus said:
I transferred to a four year university from community college w/out getting my associates.

what school did you transfer to? i was looking through a bunch of schools requirements and a good number require an associates degree, in which i don't plan on getting.
 
offtheleft said:
cool thanks. ill try barnes and noble after class tomorrow.

These aren't the kind of books you will find in a typical bookstore off the street. You might want to try their website or Amazon.com since you will probably have to order them.
 
Barnes and Noble doesn't sell physics textbooks at their stores, although they do have them online. And while Griffiths is the standard for undergraduate quantum mechanics, it's usually taken your junior or senior year - after you've taken two semesters of calculus, two semesters of mathematical physics, linear algebra and differential equations. So while it's a good introduction, don't be discouraged if it doesn't make much sense yet. You'll get there eventually.

If you're going to spend 2 years at community college, you might end up spending three years at a 4-year school - usually only the first two semesters of physics are offered at community college, and you'll spend an extra year not doing physics - you'll have a lot to catch up with in college. Good luck.
 

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