Self study math for other discipline graduate

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a medical doctor seeking to self-study mathematics after a significant gap since their last formal education in the subject. The focus includes the feasibility of achieving a BSc level in mathematics through self-study, the advantages of traditional campus education, the appropriate sequence of topics for self-study, and the expected study hours compared to a typical BSc student.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that self-studying mathematics to a BSc level is possible but requires consistent effort and self-discipline.
  • Others argue that campus study provides essential structure, including deadlines and peer interaction, which can facilitate learning.
  • A participant suggests that the sequence of topics should start with foundational concepts like trigonometric identities, differentiation, and integration techniques, depending on whether the focus is pure or applied mathematics.
  • There is a discussion about the potential overlap between pure and applied mathematics, with questions raised about whether knowledge in pure mathematics could benefit understanding in applied fields.
  • Some participants mention that studying mathematics may be less burdensome than medical studies, which often involve memorizing large amounts of information without logical sequencing.
  • A participant questions whether aspects of pure mathematics have applications in theoretical physics, indicating a potential interest in the interdisciplinary connections between the fields.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that self-study is challenging but possible, though there is no consensus on the best approach or the extent to which pure mathematics is necessary for applied mathematics.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the educational systems and curricula, which may influence their perspectives on study methods and topic sequences. There is also uncertainty regarding the specific study hours required for effective learning.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals in similar situations, such as professionals from non-mathematical backgrounds looking to refresh or enhance their mathematical knowledge for application in their fields.

amatphyspash
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
i am medical doctor who wants to self [URL='https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/self-study-basic-high-school-mathematics/']study mathematics[/URL] , the last mathematics course i took was 6 years ago at the pre-medical college .. worth mentioning that i am from a country where the educational system is different from USA

at high school i studied algebra , calculus , trigonometry , analytical geometry equivalent to SAT level .. and some calculus in college , as long time has elapsed i know i will need to refresh my basic mathematics before proceeding further ..

My questions are :
1- is it possible to Effectively self [URL='https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/self-study-basic-high-school-mathematics/']study mathematics[/URL] to a level equivalent to a BSc math ?

2- what are the fundamental advantages of Campus study that i will be missing ? is it possible to compensate for them by another way ? How ?

3- what would be the most appropriate sequence of topics/courses to self study ?

4- How many hours a day on average do a BSc student need to study mathematics ( i mean revising and homework exercises, not lectures .. etc )

replies are Much appreciated
 
Physics news on Phys.org
amatphyspash said:
i am medical doctor who wants to self [URL='https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/self-study-basic-high-school-mathematics/']study mathematics[/URL] , the last mathematics course i took was 6 years ago at the pre-medical college .. worth mentioning that i am from a country where the educational system is different from USA

at high school i studied algebra , calculus , trigonometry , analytical geometry equivalent to SAT level .. and some calculus in college , as long time has elapsed i know i will need to refresh my basic mathematics before proceeding further ..

My questions are :
1- is it possible to Effectively self [URL='https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/self-study-basic-high-school-mathematics/']study mathematics[/URL] to a level equivalent to a BSc math ?

Yes, but it will be very difficult, it will take a consistent effort, and it will require a lot of self-disciple.
amatphyspash said:
2- what are the fundamental advantages of Campus study that i will be missing ?

Taking courses forces one to do the work, and to make consistent progress. The routine and pressure of lectures, assignments, tests, and exams forces a student to move forward through the material. Also, discussion with fellow students and instructors can be invaluable.
 
Exactly, it's all about self-control. In educational institutions, you HAVE to do a lot of work, there is no option. If you won't you'll fail. This kind of self-control and imposition is quite difficult especially for a person who has to devote a lot of time in other preofession. But as they say, slow and steady wins the race! :)

You can make it with continuous effort, even if not too much at a time.

3- what would be the most appropriate sequence of topics/courses to self study ?

4- How many hours a day on average do a BSc student need to study mathematics ( i mean revising and homework exercises, not lectures .. etc )

Basically it would depend whether you are interested in pure maths or applied. Further, your personal fields of interest would also matter. In case you need to revise your college Math, you should start from basics like Trigonometric identities and their formulas, Differentiation and integration techniques, Equations of lines and tangents, parabolas, hyperbolas, ellipses etc., Limits and Continuity. It would be good if you get some introductory college level text on pure maths or Calculus.

I think even 2 hours daily would be quite sufficient if you do that continuously. On holiday, revise the week's work. :D
 
thanks for the valuable advice George Jones & Peon666

you HAVE to do a lot of work
is it taught in way different from that of high school ? more specifically : the theory , proof , examples then follows lots of exercises ?

Basically it would depend whether you are interested in pure maths or applied
i am interested in applied mathematics .. so far .
will pure mathematics affect my understanding of applied mathematics ? or rather after certain level applied and pure will be completely divergent pathways ..
the following question may seem stupid:shy: but :is it possible ( ordid it happen before)that aspects of pure mathematics will have ( or had ) applications in research areas like theoretical physics for example ?

I think even 2 hours daily would be quite sufficient if you do that continuously. On holiday, revise the week's work. :D

this is GOOD news .. i used to study about an average of 6 hours/day in the medical school
it was most of the time painful cos you have to remember Huge pieces of information without Logical sequence or arrangement .. i hope studying maths will be easier , at least it was so in the in the high school ..

thanks
 

Similar threads

Is this a good self-study program?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Studying How to self-study physics past High School Level?
  • · Replies 102 ·
4
Replies
102
Views
9K
Studying When to check the solutions during self-study?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Textbook/study plan questions
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Studying Looking for a thread discussing ideal math classes for physics major
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Recommendations for study materials to prepare for undergrad Physics
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Other How to self study mathematics for the sake of the subject?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Studying Should I first study the math or math and physics at the same time?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
Courses Budget (Cash-Strapped) Self Study Advice Please
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Studying What Are the Best Steps for Self-Teaching Theoretical Physics?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K