Starting Out in Physics: Self-Study Tips for Math & Physics

  • Thread starter Thread starter Leviathan
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Physics
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around self-study strategies for mathematics and physics, particularly aimed at individuals who have little prior experience in these subjects. Participants share resources and advice for getting started in both disciplines, addressing challenges faced by those returning to study after a significant break.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to start studying physics and mathematics after a long absence and seeks guidance on where to begin.
  • Another participant recommends a specific physics resource that uses simple language to facilitate understanding.
  • A different participant suggests a math tutorial page that covers topics from Algebra to Calculus III, emphasizing the accessibility of the material.
  • Participants acknowledge the importance of strengthening mathematical skills as a foundation for studying physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of foundational math skills for studying physics and share resources to aid in self-study. However, there is no explicit consensus on the best starting point or approach, as different resources are suggested.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention their past experiences and challenges with math and physics, indicating a variety of starting points and potential gaps in knowledge that may affect their learning paths.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in self-studying physics and mathematics, particularly those who have not engaged with these subjects for an extended period or who are looking for accessible resources to begin their studies.

Leviathan
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hello. Well, when I was younger I avoided enagement in the study of mathematics and physics, pursuing other schools of thought outside of the physical sciences. Recently however, I've noticed that all of my acquired knowledge from various disciplines have been conglomerating, and interconnecting into each other. This process has made me realize just how much I am missing. I'm at the stage where I feel it is time to get a good grasp on physics. My first problem is: my math was never great, and I haven't studied any math at all in years. My second problem: I've never studied physics as a disicipline itself in high school. It's pretty embarassing really, but I am interested in starting through self-study and then maybe getting involved in a formal course of some sort in the future. Can anyone point me in the direction where I can get a nice start on math and physics? Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi Leviathan, you can read http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/Class/BBoard.html#1dkin . That should hopefully get you started. They use really simple language. You should really get a hold on math though. Unfortunately I don't know of any math links. My signature also has a link "Video Physics", its 30 mins physics videos. But they use a little calculus unfortunately.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Leviathan said:
Hello. Well, when I was younger I avoided enagement in the study of mathematics and physics, pursuing other schools of thought outside of the physical sciences. Recently however, I've noticed that all of my acquired knowledge from various disciplines have been conglomerating, and interconnecting into each other. This process has made me realize just how much I am missing. I'm at the stage where I feel it is time to get a good grasp on physics. My first problem is: my math was never great, and I haven't studied any math at all in years. My second problem: I've never studied physics as a disicipline itself in high school. It's pretty embarassing really, but I am interested in starting through self-study and then maybe getting involved in a formal course of some sort in the future. Can anyone point me in the direction where I can get a nice start on math and physics? Thanks.
With the internet, it's pretty easy to start picking up where you last left off.. (education wise)
Take a look at Lamar University's Math Tutorial Page -> http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu
It has a full review starting from Algebra, and ending at Calculus III/Differential Equations/Linear Algebra.
The math isn't too bad, there are tons of examples and the tutorials are easy to learn from.
 
Thank you. I'm very gracious for both the physics and math page. Hopefully by summer I can contribute something worthy. Once again, thank you.
 

Similar threads

Studying How to self-study physics past High School Level?
  • · Replies 102 ·
4
Replies
102
Views
9K
Please help me start studying physics
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Textbook/study plan questions
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Self Learning Math/Physics
  • · Replies 71 ·
3
Replies
71
Views
4K
Studying Looking for a thread discussing ideal math classes for physics major
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Programs "Back door" into physics for a math major
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Is this a good self-study program?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Learning a new topic in graduate school classes in Physics
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Studying Should I first study the math or math and physics at the same time?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
Programs Area to choose for my Master's thesis: theoretical physics/mathematical physics?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K